Issue 6 2021

Leading Champions of Gas & Oil Industry Development 2021 - ROI With significant unexplored offshore potential Ireland can be a good prospect for investors in the oil and gas industry , but it pays to work together when it comes to tackling universal issues. That’s what the Irish Offshore Operators’ Association (IOOA) does, drawing together member companies so that they can speak clearly with one voice. Their work has had a positive impact, so we took a closer look to find out more. In 1995, as the Irish offshore oil and gas industry was undergoing a resurgence, it became clear that there was a need for an association that could pull together the various voices involved and provide a representative voice for the companies and the sector. The IOOA was the result, being an association composed entirely of companies licensed by the Government to explore for, and produce, oil and gas in Irish offshore waters. The IOOA provides a forum in which its member companies to work together to identify and tackle issues facing Ireland’s offshore industry. By cooperating and providing a common approach to issues such as safety, the environment, legislation and employment, the IOOA pro-actively assists in the development of oil and gas exploration and production in Ireland’s waters. The team at this intrepid organisation have been responsible for an impressive outreach programme which operates across political stakeholders, the media, regulators and the public. The role of IOOA is not to manage disputes within the industry but instead is to bring together the various national and international experiences of those involved in order to make a constructive contribution to national dialogue. The role of gas and oil is key to Ireland’s development, and the companies involved know that they play a valuable role in the growth of Ireland’s economy and the Irish offshore industry. The major issues affecting the world at the moment are those of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, these have had a major impact on the work of IOOA as the team adapted to new and unique challenges. Firstly, the Irish Government recently produced a Bill that plans to ban the issuing of new licences for gas exploration but to honour all existing licences and leases fully. Members of IOOA are already committed to a lower carbon economy and are involved in several recent major transitional energy projects and proposals. Similarly, the Irish Government introduced Mandatory Hotel Quarantine for two weeks, which has affected member companies as it limits workers’ efficient mobility. The team are working closely with the industry to ensure that the Government will review this to ensure industry members are able to continue their operations. Maintaining good and constructive relations with the Irish government is key to the team’s success, and IOOA is in constant contact with Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to ensure that they can comment and react quickly to any legislation, bills or amendments that may affect their industry. The future sees an Ireland where the political landscape might not understand fully the very significant value and contribution of the gas and oil industry to Ireland’s economy and society. The effective response to the Irish Government’s ambitious targets to achieve carbon reduction targets is a big part of the team’s agenda for 2021. For almost half a century, the oil and gas industry has been an enormous contributor to Irish society. The companies involved have provided uninterrupted and secure natural gas to Irish industries and Apr21114 homes. They are fully committed to the rapid transition to a low carbon future while ensuring Ireland’s energy security and continuing economic health. IOOA provides an invaluable voice at the highest level so that all involved in the sector can thrive not just now, but for years to come. Company: Irish Offshore Operators’ Association Name: Alan Linn Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.iooa.ie IOOA is in constant contact with Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to ensure that they can comment and react quickly to any legislation, bills or amendments that may affect their industry.