NEW PROSPECT THAT SCIENCE CAN HELP ECONOMIC RECOVERY
As we emerge from recession, we have the potential to attract innovative multinationals and home-grown entrepreneurs through the development of a geoscience hub on the island of Ireland. This is the conclusion of a recent North-South study. In welcoming the report, Minister of State Mr Conor Lenihan TD, who has responsibility for science, technology and innovation, said he hoped that geoscience could achieve in the coming decades what other technological sectors had contributed in the past two decades. In 2006 the geoscience sector contributed €4.24 billion to Ireland’s economy, representing 3% of GNP, and it employed over 30,000 people in activities such as mining, quarrying, natural gas production and environmental services.
Mr Lenihan acknowledged the report’s identification of the sector’s potential to increase exports of knowledge-based services as well as inward investment for priority research and educational services. The report highlighted the need to examine how such development could be supported and developed, recognising that extending our capability in geoscience research and services could be critical. Our small scale and collaborative approach should be helpful in creating a dynamic environment with strong growth. Government wished to see new knowledge-rich industries develop and the report pointed to real geoscience potential in this regard.. However such new investment must be delivered in the face of significant international competition in the geoscience sector.
Mr Lenihan concluded that Government will continue to work through all of its agencies to maximise potential of the knowledge society and the economic returns from geoscience.
Notes for Editor
1. The report is entitled “Geoscience-Towards a Smarter Economy” and is published by the Royal Irish Academy (www.ria.ie ), the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (www.detini.gov.uk ) and the Geological Survey of Ireland ( www.gsi.ie ). It is available on the websites of these bodies. (see link http://www.gsi.ie/News/Towards+a+Smarter+Economy.htm)
2. Additional information on the geoscience sector is available in “Geoscience-Gaining Ground” and can be accessed at www.gsi.ie .
3. For additional information contact Peadar McArdle (087-226-2519), Director, Geological Survey of Ireland.