Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A lot of really significant research is done in this space. The geological survey programmes have just short of €15 million in this Estimate. To give an idea of what it is used for, there are research programmes like the Tellus programme and by the end of 2025, about 92% of that airborne survey will be completed. Ground-based sample collection is complete, with samples now being processed and analysed. There is ongoing funding of research projects through EU and Exchequer projects. There is an INFOMAR programme that is continuing the mapping of the marine territory. It is currently focused around the Donegal area. That is expected to be completed at the end of 2026. Then it is really about providing the robust scientific basis for restoration, protection and enhancement of our natural resources, especially groundwater and the decarbonisation of our energy supply. These are a very important part of our Department and the work is very specialised. There are other areas concerning mine safety and monitoring.