Data released today from Airborne Environmental Surveys

New data being released today by the Geological Survey of Ireland will provide important information on our environment. Speaking in Dublin at the public release of the data, the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D. welcomed the pilot surveys involved as “providing useful information for our natural environment.” He went on to explain that the surveys addressed specific issues including radon incidence, groundwater applications, mineral potential and the environmental impact of past mining activities.

The surveys were carried out by a low-flying aircraft during the month of June in parts of counties Cavan, Leitrim, Monaghan, Kerry and Tipperary. It is ultimately hoped to extend the survey nationally, but first an evaluation of the survey techniques employed will be undertaken.

The surveys were carried out by JAC, a Finnish – UK consortium who had recently completed similar surveys across the entire land area of Northern Ireland. Among the techniques being employed in probing the earth’s crust and understanding its rock formations were magnetics, electromagnetics and radiometrics. The knowledge generated by such techniques may be beneficial in identifying possible mineral resources, radon incidence, groundwater quality and assisting in geological interpretations to support these studies.

Addressing a seminar at the Dublin offices of the Geological Survey of Ireland the Director, Dr. Peadar McArdle, observed, “the information acquired throughout the surveys will have several uses, for example, the suitability of certain areas for mineral exploration, landfill or quarrying possibilities.” Speakers at the seminar expanded on Dr. McArdle’s comments by highlighting important initial findings from the data, although the audience was reminded that interpretation of the data was still ongoing.

In Kerry the focus of the survey was on the incidence of radon and the initial findings illustrate a correlation between the occurrence of uranium (the parent material for radon) and particular geological formations. In the Silvermines area of Tipperary the survey focused on attempting to identify possible contamination resulting from past mining activities. The results are being examined to determine if there is such contamination. The surveys in Cavan-Leitrim-Monaghan were carried out to demonstrate that the surveys could be integrated with those carried out in Northern Ireland, to examine the geological structure of the area to assist in mineral exploration and to investigate the efficacy of the systems in assisting groundwater studies. The survey results are already being used to assist in these topics.

Dr. McArdle also commented “the results will be of significant benefit, not only to Geological Survey staff, but also to other agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, Local Authorities as well as private industry, research and the public.”

ENDS