Gilmore and Hogan face off over Dublin Bay oil exploration

[PaddyJoe]

This is going to be one to watch:

MINISTER FOR the Environment Phil Hogan has rejected a call by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and others for a public inquiry into a Dublin-based exploration company’s foreshore licence application to survey and drill for oil and gas in Dublin Bay.

Mr Hogan has said that as the application by Providence Resources for survey and drilling work six kilometres off Dalkey Island was the subject of public consultation, he did not consider a public inquiry “necessary”.

Mr Gilmore attended a public meeting in Dalkey on January 23rd, and supported a call by a majority of some 300 people present for a public inquiry into the licence application.

Elaborating on this yesterday, Mr Gilmore said the oral hearing option could be exercised by Mr Hogan, as Minister responsible for the 1933 Foreshore Act. The only such oral hearing held to date under the legislation took place in 1991 over plans for a marina in Dingle, Co Kerry.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...311251765.html

[C. Flower]

The plan is to sell this place off cheap stratum by stratum.

[Dr. FIVE]

This is going to be great.

Swap Rossport for Dalkey. Shell for Tony O'Reilly.

[PaddyJoe]

This is going to be great.

Swap Rossport for Dalkey. Shell for Tony O'Reilly.

All the ingredients for a no holds barred knock down and drag out dirty political row. This is going to put Gormley and Poolbeg in the halfpenny seats

[Dr. FIVE]

The public meeting was 200 with another 100 outside. There will be some interesting battles. Only opposition TD there is RBB but there is also stiff competition on the ground from other dail hopefuls. I have no doubt Gilmore doesn't give a toss but must be seen to be doing something.

Ultimately I would look forward to Hogan getting a bloody nose

[Baron von Biffo]

All the ingredients for a no holds barred knock down and drag out dirty political row. This is going to put Gormley and Poolbeg in the halfpenny seats

You're assuming that Gilmore wont roll over. That's like assuming the Sahara will flood.

[Dr. FIVE]

Tony O'Reilly strikes 1bn barrels off Irish coast !

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18979540

[Dr. FIVE]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/1003/pro...-business.html

Foreshore licence has been granted by Jan O'Sullivan

[DCon]

RBB not happy

Boyd Barrett argued in a subsequent statement this afternoon that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should have been carried out before the foreshore licence was granted.

“It is an absolute disgrace that this licence has been granted," said the statement. "The Department tells us not to worry because if oil or gas is found then Providence will have to apply for another licence and a full EIA will be carried out at that stage. While this is true, there has never been a case in Ireland that a company has found oil with an exploratory licence and then not been granted an extraction licence."

O'Reilly not caring

“People are perfectly entitled to object and if you get your licenses it does not mean you can turn your back on those people. But there has to be a process that has parameters so that it doesn’t go out of control and become a cause celebre for people who really don’t have a vested interest but try and hijack a situation for their own agenda,” he said.

http://www.businesspost.ie/#!story/H...2-8ac404887416

[PaddyJoe]

Getting interesting:

ENVIRONMENTALISTS have accused the Government of operating lax oil exploration regimes after clearing the way for an energy company to drill just 6km offshore.

An Taisce joined local campaigners in attacking a decision to license Providence Resources to test for reserves on the edge of Dublin Bay - visible from Dalkey and some of the country's most exclusive addresses.

The national trust group said it believes the potential threats to the coast, wildlife and habitats have not been adequately assessed.

"This is the first time that a licence with potential major threats of pollution so close to the shore line has been granted," the group said.

Gawd help us and protect us from all harm.


http://www.independent.ie/business/i...y-3249915.html

[Dr. FIVE]

could be 280 million barrels below in Cork

http://www.businesspost.ie/#!story/H...9-90e1d9030535

[DCon]

could be 280 million barrels below in Cork

http://www.businesspost.ie/#!story/H...9-90e1d9030535

they'll definitely want independence if that's true

[Baron von Biffo]

they'll definitely want independence if that's true

Will they grant visas to the Corrib Crusties?

[DCon]

Will they grant visas to the Corrib Crusties?

doubt it.

It will be Cork only. And all Cork descendants

[Apjp]

they'll definitely want independence if that's true

They? The Royal County has plenty of minerals, foodstuffs and what not. O Beautiful Meath..