Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | 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 health and safety implications of certain historical mining sites. Funding of €2.75 million is provided for mining services, including some €600,000 for mine safety and monitoring and to develop a detailed plan to facilitate further remediation on the Avoca Mines site.

The programme also includes an allocation of just over €11.6 million for Geological Survey Ireland services, including €7 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 and 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 Ireland in co-operation with the Marine Institute. Under the groundwater programme, Geological Survey Ireland's national network of turlough flood level gauges will provide key data on turlough flooding to OPW and the local authorities.

Programme E provides grant funding to Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is responsible for the conservation, management and regulation of Ireland's inland fishery resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue to deliver its licensing, permitting and enforcement responsibilities and the rehabilitation of our rivers and streams throughout 2019. The delivery of a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions under the national strategy for angling development will ensure that Ireland's fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for both their economic value and their recreational benefit to the communities and visitors they serve across Ireland. The inland fisheries programme includes an allocation of just under €19.9 million towards the staff costs of Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Loughs Agency. The Loughs Agency is a North-South body and is co-funded on a 50-50 basis by my Department and Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Also included in the programme is €13.4 million for non-pay current and capital expenditure by the two agencies.