Gas construction given green light

THE development of the Seven Heads Gas Field off the coast of Cork got the green light yesterday from the Government.

Minister of State at the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources, John Browne also gave his consent for the construction of a pipeline for the development.

Mr Browne praised Ramco and the other Seven Heads operators for having the enterprise to go ahead with the development, as a number of other petroleum companies had considered developing the field.

"It will provide a welcome boost to Ireland's indigenous energy output. Depending on the production levels achieved, it is expected the field could supply some 10-15% of Ireland's gas requirements over the life of the field," he said. The field has an estimated economic life of 15 years to 2018. First gas is forecast for October, 2003.

The field development plan is for a six-well subsea development tied back by a 34km, 18" pipeline to the Kinsale Alpha platform operated by Marathon International Petroleum International Ltd.

Agreements are in place that permit the use of Marathon's existing Kinsale offshore facilities and the export pipeline to the Inch Terminal.

The minister also welcomed the fact that the Seven Heads Development will contribute to the extension of the life of the existing Kinsale Gas Field.

"This is good news on the local employment front," he added.