The Rural Independents TD grouping led by Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath is to put detailed private members motion before the Dáil that seeks a change of course by the government in respect of energy policy. The group say that given the present global circumstance the Irish government should enable oil to be brought onshore from the Barryroe oil field off the south of Ireland. The group claims that emissions associated with indigenous production can be up to 30 per cent lower than sources from outside Ireland. In addition they say that using domestic oil would ensure that Ireland is equipped with policy options as we transition energy supplies to more renewable sources.
The Group notes that industry reserve projections indicate that there are 365 million barrels of equivalent oil and gas resources in Barryroe and now wants the state to enable plans to drill an appraisal well at the Barryroe oil and gas field. The Rural Independents also want Environment Minister Eamon Ryan to meet with Providence Resources or the Irish Offshore Operators Association. The group asks that the government accept the risk of remaining dependent on foreign supplies exposes Ireland to rising prices and a lack of guaranteed supply. The motion will be considered by the Dáil on Wednesday.
