Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The focus of programme D is to manage Ireland's mineral, hydrocarbon and other geological resources in a sustainable and productive manner. The programme provides funding of €3.7 million for mining services, including €1.6 million for remediation works at the historic mining sites at Silvermines and Avoca. The programme also includes an allocation of just over €12 million for Geological Survey of Ireland services, including €8 million for the Tellus mapping and INFOMAR projects.

The Tellus mapping project consists of airborne mounted geophysical measurements and ground geochemical samplings. Data from the project will facilitate the improvement of geological maps, new radon mapping and agricultural mineral maps. Data from the Tellus project will also facilitate better land use planning and research. The INFOMAR project is Ireland's national seabed survey and is managed by the Geological Survey of Ireland in co-operation with the Marine Institute. I acknowledge the role of the Geological Survey of Ireland in providing equipment and up-to-date mapping in respect of the attempt to recover the helicopter, Rescue 116. I commend everyone involved and acknowledge the tragic loss of life for the families. The INFOMAR project also involves updating navigation charts and has been used by the Admiralty in the UK in updating all charts worldwide.

It is something with which they are discovering things in close proximity to the surface of water, including rock shards that were heretofore not found. It has huge implications for improving safety for seafarers.