Hundreds of jobs could be created in Kerry if oil and gas exploration is successful

It’s claimed that hundreds of jobs would be created in Kerry if gas and oil exploration off the south west coast is successful.

From next week, expert staff from Scotland will be flown to the exploration well in the Porcupine Basin, over 200 kilometres off the Kerry coast, by helicopter company Babcock from Kerry Airport.

The exploration work by CNOOC International on the floating rig in the Atlantic Ocean will take place over the summer months when sea and weather conditions are best.

Environmental Committee Chair with the Irish Offshore Operators Association, Rory Dunphy says they support a move to low carbon and advancing renewables but gas and oil have a role in the transition to this.