During the UN Climate Summit 2019, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that he and his Climate Change Advisory Council announced that oil offshore explorations should end in Ireland waters, as the exploration procedures are not in line with a low-carbon future.
He added that natural gas exploration should continue as it will be used as a transition fuel for the future, given the climate change and the existing environmental damage.
In line with transition fuels, SEA/LNG launched a report focusing finding that LNG is the most mature, scalable, and commercially viable alternative fuel currently available for the maritime industry, in compliance with the 2020 sulphur regulations that are approaching.
As Taoiseach Leo Varadkar commented for the end oil exploration
I accept this advice, and Ireland will now act on it.
Varadkar’s announcement comes in contrast with recent statements from members of his administrations, as Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources Seán Canney delivered at an offshore industry gathering the previous year.
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In light of the statement, the Irish Offshore Operators’ Association (IOOA) issued its own statement seeking further clarification on Varadkar’s prohibition, adding that ‘the announcement in Taoiseach’s speech does not affect existing licences is welcome‘.
Furthermore, the Association noted
It is important that further clarity is given on how the Government’s proposal for future licencing rounds will be implemented.
