19/08/2014

€2m Midlands Geological Survey Announced

A €2m geological survey of the north midlands area has been given the go ahead by the Department of Energy and Natural Resources.

The 'Tellus North Midlands' project will include surveys of counties Galway, Roscommon, Longford and Westmeath and builds on the work of the 'Tellus Border' project of 2011/-13, which mapped the geo-environmental characteristics of the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The project will be led by the Geological Survey of Ireland and will take place this summer/autumn.

Minister of State for Natural Resources Joe McHugh said: "Significant benefits have been already been realised in the border region from the Tellus Border project, not least an estimated €1.4 million inward investment into the border economy from mineral exploration activity. Other factors such as improved information for assessing radon risk, data to enable better environmental management, and enhance agricultural productivity, are all highly relevant in terms economic and environmental impact.

"Based on this very strong feedback, we are best placed to assess the full potential for the extension of Tellus across other regions of Ireland. We very much anticipate that the value of this latest project will be reinvested in the north midlands region on a long-term basis."

Koen Verbruggen, Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, said: "The highly successful cross-border partnerships on the EU-funded Tellus Border project form the bedrock for this next phase of surveying. I’m delighted that the Geological Survey of Ireland now has the opportunity to extend the Tellus surveying southwards and into the midlands."

(IT/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 June 2019
Nationwide Geological Survey Moves Forward
A nationwide survey which collects geochemical and geophysical data on rocks, soil and water across Ireland has moved to the south east. This next phase will see the Tellus Survey programme cover counties Carlow, Wexford and neighbouring parts of Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wicklow until autumn 2019.
05 November 2019
Geoscience2019 To Help Govt Deliver Climate Action Plan
A conference to discuss how Ireland's geoscience sector can help deliver the government's Climate Action Plan has been officially opened by the Minister of State for Natural Resources and Rural Development Seán Canney.
08 February 2019
€65K Of Grants Announced For Geoheritage Industry
The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has announced plans for the 2019 Geological Survey Ireland Geoheritage funding awards. A total of €65,000 will be provided to thirteen groups across eleven counties this year.
28 February 2024
Gaming Business Ideas To Start In Ireland
Are you passionate about gaming and considering turning your hobby into a profitable business in Ireland? You're in luck! The gaming industry is booming, and many opportunities are waiting for you. Here are ten gaming business ideas that could be your ticket to success in this exciting field. 1.
27 November 2018
Public Trust In Garda At Record High
Some 80% of respondents to the Garda Public Attitudes Survey have said that they are "satisfied" with their local garda service. The survey also found that 76% of respondents agreed that Gardaí in their area can be relied upon to be there when you need them, and 81% said that the Gardaí in their area listen to the concerns of local people.