LOCALS have been urged to make submissions on a
proposal to drill for oil off the Southside coast.
Speaking at a public meeting in Dalkey last week,
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett of the People Before Profit Alliance urged the
public to make submissions to the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan,
calling for an inquiry into the granting of a foreshore licence to Providence
Resources Plc.
The licence would allow Providence to carry out a
seismic survey and to drill an exploratory oil well in an area 6km from Dalkey
Island.
“I am extremely concerned about the plan to drill for
oil in Dublin Bay,
? Deputy Barrett said at the meting in Dalkey Town Hall that
was organised by Dalkey Business and community associations.
“Drilling for oil so close to the most populated part
of the country and adjacent to an area of special conservation is an extremely
high risk strategy.
?
A spokesman for Providence Resources said it was
following the requirements of the statutory consultation process as laid down
by the Department of the Environment.
Deputy Barrett said the Minister for the Environment
has the power to call a public inquiry before he grants a foreshore licence.
“A public inquiry would allow the public to have its
say and for all the ramifications of such a decision to be examined,
? he added.
“I am urging people to make submissions to Minister Phil Hogan by Thursday,
February 2 expressing their concern and calling for a public inquiry into the
issue.
?
The full application can be viewed at Dun Laoghaire
and Dalkey Garda stations or online at www.providenceresources.com/dalkeyisland.aspx