Government hopes scheme will boost exploration activity off the west coast

A STRATEGY change on oil and gas exploration licensing off the west coast opening up a record amount of acreage for development is expected to result in fresh drilling activity.

The forthcoming 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round will enable oil and gas exploration companies to apply for the right to explore all of the Atlantic west coast rather that specific blocks as had been the case in previous rounds.

Natural Resources Minister Conor Lenihan said he believes a new approach is required to get oil and gas exploration under way.