Cannan to Rule on Crogga Licence

Chief Minister Alf Cannan has confirmed that he is now responsible for determining whether Crogga can go drilling.

Mr Cannan was answering questions from the deposed DoI minister Chris Thomas.

Mr Thomas had asked the interim DoI Minister whether he now had the power to decide if Crogga vary the terms of its licence to drill for gas off Maughold coast, by bringing forward the drilling of an appraisal well.

He also asked if Mr Cannan had used his powers as Chief to ask for all detail to shared by the DoI and whether he met with the company on Monday morning, as his first act as DoI Minister.

Mr Cannan replied: ‘Yes, yes and yes.’

Delay

Crogga announced in June that it would be unable to go drilling this year, blaming the Manx gov for the delay. The gov said the company had failed to complete the steps required. In essence, the issue is surrounding Crogga’s’ bid to alter the terms of the licence which required 3D seismic surveys to be completed before drilling could commence.

The company’s CEO Richard Hubbard has claimed this is not necessary and that Crogga’s plans should be allowed to continue to the next phase.

Gef understands that Mr Thomas was not minded to support deviating from the previously agreed to plans, while Mr Cannan is believed to be more supportive.