Extra Irish acreage for Lansdowne

Lansdowne Oil & Gas, the Aim-quoted driller that was previously part of Aberdeen-based firm SeaEnergy, has been awarded extra acreage to search for oil off the coast of Ireland.

The Dublin-based firm – and its drilling partner, fellow Aim-quoted outfit Providence Resources – has been awarded a two-year licensing option over an area to the north of its existing Barryroe oil well, which could become the first commercially-viable prospect in Irish Waters.

Steve Boldy, chief executive of Lansdowne, in which SeaEnergy holds a 25 per cent stake, said: “The ‘Barryroe North’ acreage has both commercial and strategic importance for Lansdowne.

“Current seismic mapping indicates a possible extension of the Barryroe oil accumulation into this area. The area is contiguous with Lansdowne’s Amergin and Rosscarbery licences and further consolidates the company’s position in the emerging Basal Wealden play fairway.

“We look forward to working with Providence on progressing the evaluation of this area.”