Eni, ExxonMobil, Nexen and Statoil are among the companies awarded licences in Ireland’s latest offshore round.
A total of 14 new licensing option were awarded following the conclusion of the first phase of awards in the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round.
The phase of the awards was focused on an area in the southern Porcupine Basin, where a number of applications included commitments to acquire new seismic surveys later this year.
The form of concession on offer for the round is two year licensing options.
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Minister of State Joe McHugh said:“The response to the round has been extremely positive, with 43 applications for licensing options
received by the deadline of September 2015.
“This is by far the largest number of applications received in any licensing round held in the Irish offshore. At a time of very low oil prices the strong interest in the round is very positive.”
The second and final phase of awards is planned for mid-May.