Time is running out for Providence Resources

In the deep waters off our southern coast could lie an incredible fortune for the country.

Tony O'Reilly jnr, chief executive, Providence ResourcesFeargal Ward
Tony O'Reilly jnr, chief executive, Providence ResourcesFeargal Ward

Buried below the sea bed are billions of barrels of oil and the equivalent amount of gas. At least that’s the view of the evangelists of Ireland’s exploration sector, chief among them Providence Resources.

Three years ago, it struck a major gas find in what it calls the Barryroe field. It was a world-class discovery that would transform the company and attract other major oil companies to ...