Providence has completed site surveying in preparation for its Summer 2007 Celtic Sea drilling programme. Using the R.V. Ocean Researcher, Gardline Geosurveys Ltd carried out the site survey over two well locations on the Hook Head structure.

Providence is also pleased to confirm that it has now been advised that Island Oil and Gas plc has taken delivery of the semi-submersible drilling rig, Petrolia, which they have secured for operating their summer drilling programme. As per its agreement with Island, Providence and its partners now expect to take delivery of the Petrolia rig at the beginning of August 2007, when a 50-day drilling programme over Hook Head in the Celtic Sea will commence.

Commenting on today's announcement, Tony O'Reilly Jnr., Chief Executive of Providence Resources P.l.c., said, "I am pleased that we have now successfully completed our site surveys and that all aspects of the summer drilling programme can now be finalised. This will be a very exciting period for Providence and I look forward to updating you further over the next few months."