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

The aim of programme D is to manage Ireland’s mineral, hydrocarbon and other geological resources in a sustainable and productive manner. Funding under this programme allows my Department to provide reliable geoscience support for environmental protection and the sustainable development of Ireland’s natural resources, and to address the environmental, health and safety implications of historical mining activity. In 2018, funding of €3.75 million is provided for mining services, including €1.4 million for continued remediation works at the former mining sites of Silvermines and Avoca.

The programme also includes an allocation of just under €12.5 million for Geological Survey of Ireland services, including €8 million for the Tellus and INFOMAR mapping projects. The Tellus mapping project consists of airborne geophysical measurements and ground geochemical sampling. Data from the project will allow for improvement in 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. Under the groundwater programme, the Geological Survey of Ireland's monitoring will provide key data relating to turlough flooding to the Office of Public Works, OPW, and local authorities.