Expansion of offshore acreage

Providence Resources PLC
05 May 2005


                            PROVIDENCE RESOURCES Plc

                  PROVIDENCE EXPANDS OFFSHORE IRELAND ACREAGE
                              IN DRAGON FIELD AREA

Providence Resources Plc, the oil and gas exploration and development company,
today announces that it has been granted a 100% interest in a new Licensing
Option 05/3 in St. George's Channel, offshore south east Ireland.

   •The block is adjacent to the existing Dragon gas field, which straddles
    the international median line where Marathon Oil Corporation is expected to
    drill an appraisal well during the second half of 2005.

   •This new Licensing Option further expands Providence's portfolio of oil
    and gas discoveries and prospects located off the east, south and west
    coasts of Ireland.

   •Licensing Option 05/3 is located close to shore in the St. George's
    Channel Basin off the south east coast of Ireland, between Wexford and
    Wales. The licensed area is at 100 meters water depth and covers
    approximately 850 sq kms. It is adjacent to Providence's existing Licensing
    Option 03/7 which contains the Dionysus and Pegasus prospects.

   •Providence has identified hydrocarbon trend potential in reservoirs of
    both Jurassic age (as at Dragon) and Triassic age within the Licensing
    Option 05/3 area. Oil shows have been noted in wells close to the Licensing
    Option area, however the main hydrocarbon type is expected to be gas.

   •Providence's subsurface work programme will focus on the interpretation
    of existing data and the identification of prospects within a regional
    hydrocarbon framework that will also include Providence's existing Licensing
    Option 03/7 together with Marathon's Dragon gas field. Providence is
    currently planning additional seismic surveying in the area as a prelude to
    a future drilling programme.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Brian Hillery, Chairman of Providence, said:
'This new Licensing Option is of particular interest to Providence given that
Marathon will be drilling nearby this year on its Dragon gas field. The
Licensing Option represents an opportunity for Providence to strengthen its
existing Irish portfolio in an area from which we believe there may be
significant future gas production.'

Ends.                                       Thursday, 5th May 2005.

For further information:

Providence Resources Plc
Tony Odone, Chief Operating Officer         Tel: [phone]
Stephen Carroll, Finance Director
John O'Sullivan, Exploration Manager

Murray Consultants
Pauline McAlester                           Tel: [phone]

Powerscourt
Rory Godson                                 Tel: [phone]
Victoria Brough

Notes to Editors

 1. Providence's active licence portfolio includes interests offshore in
    Ireland, UK and West Africa (Nigeria). Active work programmes are planned in
    all areas during 2005 including drilling, seismic acquisition and
    electromagnetic surveying.

 2. Irish offshore licence interests
     a. Providence's new Licensing Option 05/3 (Providence 100% interest) refer
        to the following part block numbers off the south east coast of Ireland:
        Blocks 50/4, 50/5
        Part blocks 41/29, 41/30, 50/3, 51/1

     b. Providence's other Irish offshore oil and gas licence interests are:
    i. Licensing Option 03/7 - St. George's Channel Basin
    Part blocks 41/25, 41/30, 42/21, 42/26, 51/1 ('Dionysus' and 'Pegasus')

    ii. Licensing Option 03/8 - North Celtic Sea Basin
    Part blocks 49/8, 49/9, 49/13, 49/14 ('Helvick field and Helvick area')
    Part blocks 49/13, 49/14, 49/18, 49/19 ('Ardmore')
    Part block 50/11 ('50/11')
    Part blocks 50/6, 50/7 ('50/6&7')
    Part blocks 50/8, 50/9 ('Glandore')

    iii. Licensing Option 03/1 - North Celtic Sea Basin ('Blackrock area')
    Block 49/26
    Part blocks 48/29, 48/30, 49/22, 49/23, 49/27, 49/28, 57/4, 57/5, 58/1, 58/2

    iv. Exploration Licence 2/04 - Porcupine Basin ('Spanish Point' & 'Burren')
    Blocks 35/8, 35/9

    v. Exploration Licence 3/04 - Porcupine Basin ('Dunquin')
    Blocks 44/18, 44/23, 44/24, 44/29, 44/30

 3. A location map of Providence's interests offshore Ireland, UK and West
    Africa is available from Providence electronically and at
    www.providenceresources.com






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