Menu
17/06/2016
Woodburn Drill Project Ends 'Without Hitting Oil'
Drilling at Woodburn Forest in County Antrim has ended without the discovery of an oil reserve.
InfraStrata, the independent petroleum exploration and gas storage company behind the drilling, made the announcement on its website on Thursday.
It said that drilling work had been completed, and two "conventional sandstone reservoir intervals, the Triassic Sherwood and the Lower Permian Sandstones" had been found, and added that "both targets were water wet".
"The well will now be plugged and abandoned," the statement concluded.
Andrew Hindle, CEO of InfraStrata, said: "Following the divestment of exploration assets late last year this remained our only exploration project with costs fully carried through the well.
"It is naturally disappointing not to have encountered a hydrocarbon accumulation and the joint venture will now fully evaluate the data collected in the well and decide where to focus its future exploration activity in the basin.
"InfraStrata and its project partners would like to thank all those involved in the operations for their hard work and dedication. We will now work with our local contractors to professionally restore the site."
Northern Ireland director of Friends Of The Earth, James Orr, said the "earth has spoken", according to a report by the BBC.
He added: "Today is a time for celebration – this is fantastic news for the community, our water, our climate and our wellbeing.
"We feel vindicated that this harmful, worthless and ill-conceived project is now over. The democratic meltdown that allowed exploratory drilling in Woodburn can never repeated."
(MH/JP)
InfraStrata, the independent petroleum exploration and gas storage company behind the drilling, made the announcement on its website on Thursday.
It said that drilling work had been completed, and two "conventional sandstone reservoir intervals, the Triassic Sherwood and the Lower Permian Sandstones" had been found, and added that "both targets were water wet".
"The well will now be plugged and abandoned," the statement concluded.
Andrew Hindle, CEO of InfraStrata, said: "Following the divestment of exploration assets late last year this remained our only exploration project with costs fully carried through the well.
"It is naturally disappointing not to have encountered a hydrocarbon accumulation and the joint venture will now fully evaluate the data collected in the well and decide where to focus its future exploration activity in the basin.
"InfraStrata and its project partners would like to thank all those involved in the operations for their hard work and dedication. We will now work with our local contractors to professionally restore the site."
Northern Ireland director of Friends Of The Earth, James Orr, said the "earth has spoken", according to a report by the BBC.
He added: "Today is a time for celebration – this is fantastic news for the community, our water, our climate and our wellbeing.
"We feel vindicated that this harmful, worthless and ill-conceived project is now over. The democratic meltdown that allowed exploratory drilling in Woodburn can never repeated."
(MH/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
28 November 2001
Engineering jobs shock for east Belfast
East Belfast has received a jobs shock after it was announced that manufacturing firm Hughes Christensen is to axe almost 90 jobs just after Christmas due to a slowdown in activity. A subsidiary of American corporation Baker Hughes, the company supplies drill bits for the oil and gas exploration sector.
Engineering jobs shock for east Belfast
East Belfast has received a jobs shock after it was announced that manufacturing firm Hughes Christensen is to axe almost 90 jobs just after Christmas due to a slowdown in activity. A subsidiary of American corporation Baker Hughes, the company supplies drill bits for the oil and gas exploration sector.
10 May 2016
Man Arrested During Protest At Woodburn Forest
Police have arrested a 57-year-old man during a protest at the drill site at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. Protesters carried out a "slow walk" ahead of an equipment convoy and a man scaled a rig forcing the convoy to stop. The man arrested at the scene has been released on police bail.
Man Arrested During Protest At Woodburn Forest
Police have arrested a 57-year-old man during a protest at the drill site at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. Protesters carried out a "slow walk" ahead of an equipment convoy and a man scaled a rig forcing the convoy to stop. The man arrested at the scene has been released on police bail.
04 January 2012
Recognition For First APM Register Project Professionals
The Association for Project Management (APM) has recognised the first Northern Ireland recipients of its new APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) designation.
Recognition For First APM Register Project Professionals
The Association for Project Management (APM) has recognised the first Northern Ireland recipients of its new APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) designation.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
