18 September 2007

Operations Update - Progress in the US

Irvine Energy plc, the AIM listed oil and gas exploration company announces that following the implementation of work programmes at its operations in Kansas, the Company has amongst other activities, completed the first of three planned 3-D seismic shoots and that the wells at the recently acquired Niobrara project are currently testing with the flow and gas gathering lines undergoing pressure tests. The Company is intending to increase the number of producing wells to 20 by the end of 2007 and aggressively build on its proven reserve base through the conversion of its probable and possible reserves.

Northwest Kansas Niobrara Area

Following the proposed acquisition announcement of 16 July 2007 and subsequent placing of new ordinary shares (RNS 23 August 2007), Irvine has completed the acquisition of the Niobrara Project. It is pleased to report that activities have commenced and local service companies and consultants have been contracted for the initiation of the project. On 29 August 2007, the fluid levels on six of the 20 existing wells in the prospect area were taken. This data showed higher than expected static bottom hole pressures throughout the prospect area and as a result the Company has increased its estimated resource base for the area by 35%.

Five initial wells have been selected and these sites are currently in testing, with the flow and gas gathering lines undergoing pressure tests. The initial reworks are expected to begin in late September with three wells being evaluated in their current perforated condition and one re-perforated and re-stimulated. A fifth, which has never been perforated or stimulated, will be completed in accordance with CO2 foam fracturing treatments now being successfully used in the field by other operators. Each of the wells will be equipped with the appropriate downhole and surface equipment.

Kansas Conventional and Chattanooga

Seismic activity has recommenced following a slight delay due to unseasonably bad weather. The seismic crew was temporarily released from location to avoid standby charges, but has now returned and has completed operations on the first seismic shoot. The initial wells are still planned for Q4 of this year. The first of the scheduled 3-D shoots in central Kansas is now complete, while two are on-going.

• The "Rock 3-D" project is a 12 square mile shoot. Data acquisition has been completed and processing should take about three to four weeks.
• The "Ayers 3-D" project is a 15 square mile project. Completion of permitting is expected this week with the survey phase to commence shortly thereafter. Data acquisition is expected to begin on 1 October 2007 and is projected to take approximately three weeks.
• The "Udall 3-D" project is a 24-square mile shoot. Surveying and data acquisition will begin upon completion of the "Ayers 3-D", expected to be in late October 2007.

The information contained in this announcement was completed and reviewed by the Managing Director of Irvine Energy plc, Mr Aaron Close, who has over nine years experience as a geoscientist in the North American oil and gas sector, and is a graduate from the Colorado School of Mines Golden with a Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science Engineering and Geophysics. Mr Close is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

For further information please contact:

Irvine Energy plc
Aaron Close, Tel: +1 281 647 7770

Irvine Energy plc
Michael Frayne, Tel: +44 (0) 207 766 7500

Nabarro Wells & Co Ltd
Hugh Oram , Tel: +44 (0) 207 710 7400

St Brides Media & Finance
Hugo de Salis, Tel: +44 (0) 207 242 4477

St Brides Media & Finance
Felicity Edwards, Tel: +44 (0) 207 242 4477