Oil exploration work deferred (From Western Telegraph)

Oil exploration work deferred

Marathon Oil has deferred drilling for oil and gas off the Pembrokeshire coast until 2003.

The company sank exploratory wells in the Irish Sea in 1994. Follow-up tests were planned, but at the end of last year falling oil prices worldwide led to a decision by the company to hold back on further drilling.

But spokesman Sheena Wallis told the Western Telegraph: The intent is still to go ahead but it is unlikely there will be any drilling before 2003.

In the meantime we will continue with field development and delivery options along with other preparatory work, including an environmental impact assessment, planning consents and approvals.

She explained that in November a consultation document had gone out to a variety of authorities and organisations in Wales, including Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

We will be continuing dialogue with them, added Ms Wallis. This is very much an on-going project.