Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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368. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the research and investigations undertaken which led to the observation submitted by the Geological Survey of Ireland in its role as a named external consultee, advising the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in respect of the foreshore lease planning application (details supplied) on Galway bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33319/17]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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369. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself regarding the submitted observation in respect of the foreshore lease planning application (details supplied) on Galway Bay which stated that the Geological Survey had no observations to make; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33320/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 368 and 369 together.

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) is a consultee on Foreshore Licence applications as they act as the state agency in relation to aspects of geoscience including marine geology and geological heritage. In particular, GSI jointly manage INFOMAR, the Irish national seabed mapping programme, and have expertise in marine geology. In reviewing the application, the area in question has been the subject of detailed marine mapping and geophysical surveys and there were no issues with the quality of the seabed and marine mapping data, which had been acquired to INFOMAR standards, and no perceived issues in relation to marine geology. In addition, the adjacent onshore area has no issues in relation to geological heritage.  The reports also referenced the GSI data sources for the area and was deemed to be comprehensive and accurate in relation to marine geology and geological heritage, therefore, no observations were offered.