Kosmos Energy and Europa to decide on Irish drilling plans by summer

A decision is due before the end of June on whether highly anticipated drilling activity on Irish exploration assets jointly held by US company Kosmos Energy and UK player Europa Oil and Gas will begin in the next year.

Kosmos has three licences in Irish waters, two of which have Europa as junior partner. However, the US player also has interests in Africa and it remains to be seen what takes precedence in its plans for 2016.

While it has drilling activity pending in the UK, Europa sees its onshore French and offshore Irish interests as holding its real potential for transformation.