OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION IN IRELAND: THE HISTORY, GEOLOGY, AND FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY

The purpose of this study was to examine the history and future potential of exploration and extraction of oil and gas in Ireland. The study examines the geomorphology of Ireland and compares the data to data from a Petroleum Geology report showing direct correlation. This comparison show that the geomorphology does not reflect characteristics of fossil fuel producing formations. There are some prospects in Ireland’s offshore fields, but the number of prospects is still very low. Petroleum geologist that conducted this research suggest that due to the depth and size of these offshore wells, hydraulic fracturing would most likely be the best and most efficient method of extraction, which runs high risk of environmental pollution and destruction.Consequently, the study also examines research done on geopolitical factors that greatly affect the industry. Ireland is a leading figure when it comes to climate change and environmental preservation work currently being done around the world. It is the first country in the world to propose actual legislation at a national level to mitigate natural hazards caused by irresponsible environmental practices. When comparing the results of the geological research to political research, we find that Ireland consistently takes the same stance on oil and gas exploration and extraction which is high regulation, dissent, and is aimed more so towards green energy and environmentally safer practices.This study is an important topic for Ireland because the country is 90% dependent on oil and gas import, something essential to a country’s survival. Europe, and the fossil fuel world market are currently very unstable, specifically relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while dominating Europe’s oil and gas export market. The study highlights a need to merge modern environmental practices developed as a direct result of climate change, and our oil and gas exploration and extraction practices; a dilemma Ireland has already encountered in the past relating to peat bogs being used as a fossil fuel but doing so in environmentally irresponsible ways that caused permanent damage to the landscape directly affecting society. The issue of environmental sensibility vs. modernization and energy consumption is not unique to Ireland and is currently a topic of debate both scientifically and politically.