Ireland’s oil fields - Who will benefit from the drilling?

The tantalising discovery of a commercial oil field off Barryroe on the Cork coast has rekindled debate on the generous nature of Ireland’s oil and gas tax deal.

At the same time, passions have been inflamed by the pollution threat of drilling exploration near Dalkey in stark contrast with a Norwegian ban on drilling within 30km of the coast.

With the economy in tatters, people could be forgiven for hoping the find will mean a bonanza that will lift the pall of doom and relieve communities from grinding austerity and crushing poverty.