An Taisce have launched a High Court challenge aimed at overturning the Government's decision to award a foreshore licence to an oil and natural gas exploration firm for the Dalkey Island prospect in Dublin Bay.

PROVIDENCE Resources is planning to start drilling at its much anticipated Spanish Point prospect in 2012, following seismic studies suggesting the licence is likely to become a commercial development.

IRISH oil and gas exploration company Petroceltic – which has its main operational focus in North Africa and the Mediterranean – has appointed former Tullow Oil chief financial officer, Tom Hickey, as its corporate development officer. Mr Hickey joins the Petroceltic board with immediate effect and will take up his new role at the beginning of next month.