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 of €26.7 million under this programme allows my Department to provide reliable geoscience support for environmental protection and the sustainable development of Ireland's natural resources. The programme provides funding of €3.7 million for mining services, including €1.4 million for remediation works at historic mining sites at Avoca and Silvermines. It also includes an allocation of some €12 million for Geological Survey Ireland, GSI, services, including €8 million for the for the Tellus and INFOMAR mapping projects. The INFOMAR project is Ireland's national seabed survey and is managed by GSI in co-operation with the Marine Institute. The Tellus project consists of airplane-mounted geophysical measurements and ground geo-chemical sampling.

Data from the project will allow for improvement in geological maps, new radon mapping and agricultural mineral maps. This data will also facilitate better land use planning and research. Under the GSI groundwater programme, ongoing monitoring will provide key data relating to Turlough flooding to the Office of Public Works, OPW, and the local authorities. Expenditure on the national resources programme to the end of June was €7.2 million, representing 66% of profiled expenditure.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the exploration and mining division and of GSI over the past week in assisting and advising Monaghan County Council on the mine collapse at Drumgossatt, County Monaghan. This is a matter of significant concern to that community and I compliment the team for their ongoing work and advice in this regard.