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Displaying items by tag: Inishkea West Prospect

Europa Oil and Gas has almost doubled its estimate for how much gas could be contained at its Inishkea West project, located off the North Mayo coast.

As The Western People reports, Europa Oil & Gas said in a recent stock market update that seismic survey work had indicated the Inishkea West site could potentially hold up to 1.55 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas.

This is 92 per cent more than the company’s previous estimate. It also means the site may be potentially larger than the Corrib gas field, which is currently in production and is Ireland’s only indigenous source of natural gas supply.

The company holds one exploration licence off Ireland, which has two principal prospects, the largest being Inishkea West.

The company describes it as “a near field gas prospect in the Slyne Basin”, which it classifies as “lower risk due to its close proximity to the producing Corrib gas field and associated gas processing infrastructure”

In a statement, the company said it would now apply to the Irish government for an extension of its exploration licence at the Inishkea site to complete further survey work and to find a “suitable partner” to commence drilling at the gas field.

The company’s chief executive, Will Holland, said Vermillion (the Corrib operator), said we could use their facilities if we get a find, which means they could produce from Corrib longer, as it would be more economically viable for them,” Mr Holland added.

Europa had previously found a partner in a “national oil company from the Far East” in 2019 to help develop the project, chairman Briain Ó Cathain told The Irish Times earlier this year. However, that group withdrew due to concerns about a decision by Government last year to ban new oil and gas exploration licences.

Read more in The Western People here

Published in Power From the Sea

About Currachs

A currach is a type of boat unique to the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland. Traditionally, currachs have a wooden frame over which animal skins or hides are stretched. These days, the wooden frame is more likely to be covered in canvas, which is then painted with tar to make it waterproof.

"Naomhóg" is the name given to the type of currach which used by coastal communities in Cork and Kerry. Currachs differ from each other from region to region. Naomhógs are slightly longer than the currachs used in the West of Ireland.
 
Some believe that currachs first came to the Dingle Peninsula in the early 19th century. They say this type of boat was introduced from Clare, where currachs are known as "canoes". 

Currachs are a unique type of boat that can be found on the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland. These boats are traditionally constructed using a wooden frame over which animal skins or hides are stretched. While this practice is still observed by some, many modern currachs now feature a canvas covering which is painted with tar to make it waterproof.

In coastal communities located in the Cork and Kerry regions, a specific type of currach is used which is known as a Naomhóg. Naomhógs are slightly longer than other types of currachs used in the West of Ireland. It is believed that currachs were first introduced to the Dingle Peninsula in the early 19th century, having been brought over from Clare where they are known as "canoes".

Despite the fact that currachs have been in use for centuries, the different regions in which they are used have developed their own unique variations. As such, currachs can differ from one another significantly depending on their geographic location. Nonetheless, these boats remain an integral part of coastal communities, serving as a reminder of our shared maritime heritage.