Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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191. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Geological Survey of Ireland recently undertook an aerial geophysical survey on 10 May 2025 in a coastal area stretching from Doonbeg, County Clare, as far as Tarbert, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25033/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Tellus airborne geophysical survey managed by my Department, surveyed an area between Doonbeg Co. Clare and Tarbert Co Kerry on 10 May 2025. The national 'Tellus' programme collects airborne geophysical and ground geochemical data which can be used to help map Ireland's geology and provide environmental baseline survey data. The airborne survey started in 2011 in Co. Donegal and has been working southwards over the years, with the final phases over counties Clare and Kerry currently being flown.

The aircraft is permitted to fly at a low altitude to ensure high quality data are recorded from the three different instruments on board. Maps and data collected as part of the survey will not only assist Geological Survey Ireland in updating geological maps but are used to help map areas of radon risk, soil properties and support the management of our natural resources. All data collected is made freely available from the project website on www.gsi.ie. Once completed Ireland will be one of the best geological mapped countries in the world.