New measures to oversee Irish oil and gas operations

New measures have been announced for the oversight of Irish oil and gas operations following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico

Announced the measures today, Minister of State for Natural Resources Conor Lenihan said he wished to be sure that all petroleum works carried out in Ireland, from prospecting to bringing the fuel ashore, are carried out to the highest international standards where health, safety and the environment are concerned.

The new Special Oversight of Well Operations will include more frequent onboard audits and inspections of exploration facilities; verification of safety standards and procedures prior to drilling and verification that all personnel and equipment for any oil spill response identified in the company’s own oil spill contingency plan are available for rapid deployment.

Minister Lenihan was speaking from the Kinsale Gas Platform in Cork in advance of the launching of a new oil and gas licensing round.