asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his Department are engaged in any form of aerial photography; and, if so, for what purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aerial Photography.
40.
An aerial photographic survey of the country commenced in April. The survey, which is estimated to take three years, is being undertaken by Institut Geographique National of France on behalf of the Geological Survey Office, which is administered by my Department. The purpose of the survey is to make available to the Geological Survey office photographs for geological mapping and interpretation. Photographs resulting from the survey, which will eventually be on sale to the public, will be of benefit also for other purposes including soil surveying, forestry planning, local planning operations and mining.
Will this survey not only bring forward mineral deposits but also be beneficial to archaeological research?
The Deputy knows, as he asked the question, that a great deal of interesting archaeological evidence has come to light as a result of aerial photographs. It is intended that the results of this survey will be made available to all possible interested parties and that we get the maximum national benefit from all aspects of it. I have no doubt that the photographs will be carefully scrutinised by the archaeologists and it may be that they will be useful to them.