Date set for offshore drilling

PROVIDENCE Resources has announced the middle of November as the expected formal start date for its long-anticipated drilling programme off the coast.

The Tony O’Reilly Jnr-headed exploration firm is set to undertake the biggest drilling campaign ever seen in Irish waters, covering a number of fields over the next two years.

Initial drilling at the Barryroe oil discovery off the Cork coast has been delayed slightly due to the wait for available rig equipment. The relevant equipment is currently being used by another operator in the North Sea, but is expected to be delivered to Providence soon, allowing for a drill start next month.