Irish oil and gas exploration firm Providence Resources said on Monday that 3D seismic surveying operations have begun on its Drombeg prospect off the coast of Ireland.

The company, which is listed in Dublin and London, announced in February that it had acquired part of the survey on the Drombeg licence, which is situatioed in the southern Porcupine Basin, approximately 220 km off West Cork.. The prospect lies in 2,500 metre water depth and is 3,000 metres below the seabed.

The total planned seismic acquisition programme will cover a minimum area of 3,200 km2, which will include 1,065 km2 over the Drombeg Licence. This is one of the largest ever 3D seismic surveys to have been acquired offshore Ireland.

Providence has an 80 per cent share in the licence with its partner Sosina Exploration Limited, holding the remaining interest.