Drilling calendar blank for 2014

Exploration drilling will not be undertaken in Irish waters this year, with the only previously anticipated activity being put on hold due to a lack of rig availability.

It had been anticipated, earlier this year, that Scottish explorer, Cairn Energy would begin drilling an appraisal well at the Spanish Point prospect off Co Clare into which it farmed-in last year; with such a move marking the only likely drilling work to be undertaken in Ireland’s much-touted offshore sector during 2014.

However, a company spokesperson confirmed this week that due to the availability of the Blackford Dolphin rig, the aforementioned Spanish Point appraisal well “will not be drilled in 2014”.