A foreshore licence has been granted to Providence Resources to drill a single exploration well off the coast of Dalkey, Co Dublin.
The licence was granted by Jan O'Sullivan, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
The Minister said she was satisfied that the proposed development would not have a significant negative impact on the marine environment
She added that it was in the public interest to grant the foreshore licence having regard to the nature of the proposal.
The foreshore licence is subject to 22 conditions which include measures aimed at environmental protection, nature conservation, protection of marine mammals and fishery resources, preservation of archaeology, navigational safety, and human health and safety.
