Farrell calls for Government to revoke ban on oil and gas extraction

A strict ban on issuing new licences for oil and natural gas exploration and extraction off the coast of Ireland should be revoked, a local Councillor has claimed.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Cllr Tom Farrell called on the Government to revoke the ban on oil and natural gas production in the interest of Ireland’s energy security "given the current geopolitical circumstances".

The ban was implemented by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications in 2021, when the Government stopped accepting new applications for oil and natural gas exploration licences.

Citing a number of reasons for the ban to be rescinded, Cllr Farrell said Ireland was one of the "least energy independent countries in Europe".

"Ireland imports virtually all of its oil and approximately 80% of its natural gas, mainly through the UK pipeline system," Cllr Farrell said.

The Fine Gael councillor said that the Corrib gas field "although in decline", was capable of "processing more gas".

"Gas production in Ireland fell by approximately 20% in 2025. This is a concerning statistic and one which we should be in a position to address if the ban was lifted," the Cllr stated.

Cllr Farrell acknowledged that the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine and the Middle East have "demonstrated how exposed Ireland is to foreign supply disruptions and international price spikes".

"More recently, these continuing conflicts were the source of approximately 500 fuel stations running out of supply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and also resulted in the Government announcing to energy support packages totalling €750m," Cllr Farrell added.

Reiterating his view that there is a "concrete need" to explore all energy opportunities off the coast of Ireland, Cllr Farrell said "indigenous gas and oil production would improve Ireland's energy sovereignty and reduce reliance on imported fuels from unstable regions".

He referenced a number of benefits to the potential exploration for energy sources off the coast of Ireland.

"Exploration could create high skilled employment, support regional economies, generate tax revenues and royalties. It would also enable more energy spending within Ireland and strengthen the national economy rather than sending money abroad for imports," Cllr Farrell stated.

While "exploration licences do not guarantee production", Cllr Farrells said that banning exploration entirely prevents Ireland "assessing what resources may exist off shore".

In support of Cllr Farrell, Cllr Vinny McCormack said that there was "no point" in having an "outright ban" on oil and gas production during the current world climate.

Cllr John Gibbons also called for the outright ban to be lifted.

"Our energy needs are increasing yet our supply is becoming unpredictable because of current international events. Research and exploration for oil and gas off our coast can only bring potential benefits," Cllr Gibbons said.

Commending the content of the motion, Cllr John Dolan said that it should be circulated to "more councils nationwide".

Affirming his stance on the matter, Cllr Farrell called on the municipal district to write to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste expressing the councillors thoughts on the issue.

"It's vitally important to make use of the facilities we have to harvest energy for our country," Cllr Farrell concluded.