Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for tabling the question on this exciting project that will be most helpful in terms of the information provided to many sectors and key stakeholders. The Estimates for my Department published as part of budget 2015 include provision of €3 million next year for the Tellus project, which is a comprehensive environmental and resource mapping project being undertaken by the Geological Survey of Ireland. The project has already completed one phase of geological data collection of the rocks, soils and waters in the Border counties, funded by European Regional Development Funds. It is currently undertaking a second phase of geophysical data acquisition and soil sampling across counties Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath. The allocation in 2015 will allow for a further phase of geophysical surveying and soil sampling and analysis to be undertaken. The areas for surveying under this next phase will be based on progress on the existing three midland counties this year, assessment of logistics of terrain to be flown in contiguous areas and consideration of the priorities of other sectoral stakeholders interests, such as agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency's, EPA, Office of Radiological Protection.

The long-term objective is to complete eventually national coverage of geophysical and geochemical surveying. I understand a cost-benefit analysis by University College Dublin, UCD, demonstrated a 5:1 return on investment to the State for such a comprehensive survey, which of course has to be managed within available resources. Information from this project is freely and openly available to all citizens. I encourage everyone to access the information, including primary schools and secondary schools. It is collected to assist environmental management and support sustainable development of natural resources across Ireland. I am advised that the data collected to date has already proven to have application across many sectors including informing agricultural productivity, radon mapping, mineral exploration and environmental management.

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