Statement by Alan Linn, Chairperson, Irish Offshore Operators’ Association
2nd February 2021
IOOA welcomes today’s renewed commitment by the Irish Government to honour existing licences issued by the State for oil and gas. This will enable our members to proceed with projects around Barryroe and Corrib fields with confidence.
We question the rationale for a future ban on exploration on a legislative basis as it limits Ireland’s options for energy security in the future.
We remain dedicated to promoting and facilitating Government and regulatory support for infrastructure led exploration, ensuring existing infrastructure at Corrib, Kinsale and Barryroe are optimised. To facilitate such developments, we will work with regulators to develop more efficient and transparent permitting processes. In addition, and in line with our industry’s commitment to the transition toward a lower carbon society, we will actively promote the development of enabling legislation and supports in the areas of CCS and Hydrogen with policy makers and at official level.
Working together, our members will endeavour to make a valuable contribution to the national energy dialogue and play an important role in the development of the Irish offshore industry and Ireland’s sustainable energy future.
Through IOOA’s engagements with national and regional stakeholders we will demonstrate the role Irish oil and gas has to play in our evolving society and economy. The State has guaranteed to progress the existing offshore licences issued to our members in previous licencing rounds.