asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is engaged in any form of aerial photography; and, if so, for what purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aerial Photography.
87.
Mr. Kenny
Aerial photography required by the Ordnance Survey for mapping purposes is provided by the Department of Defence. The Office of Public Works are investigating, with the co-operation of the Department of Defence, the possibility of undertaking some low-level aerial photography for its national parks and monuments service. They have also engaged private operators for aerial photography on a small scale.
Is it not true that aerial photography is being carried out in relation to arterial drainage work?
Mr. Kenny
Yes, and on road works too, but not with the aid of a cesium magnetometer.
Has the aerial photography yet shown any evidence of microbial fermentation?
Mr. Kenny
There was no evidence whatever. One cannot reveal microbial fermentation by photography, but one might reveal it with the cesium magnetometer.
My recollection is that there is an aerial photography survey under way by the Office of Public Works. The last I heard of it was that it began in County Louth. Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us about it?
Mr. Kenny
In 1972 the Office of Public Works placed an order with Messrs. Fairey Surveys of Ireland Limited for the obtaining of aerial photographs of the Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Canal in County Leitrim. The aerial photographs are required to assist in the planning for the restoration of the canal and to enable proper contours to be drawn. The aerial work has recently been completed and the photographs are awaited. The Office of Public Works are investigating, with the co-operation of the Air Corps, the possibility of undertaking low-level aerial photography from a helicopter for the National Parks and Monuments Service and some experimental work has been done. The Office of Public Works sometimes purchase suitable aerial photographs from private suppliers for this service.
I gather that commercial aircraft are only employed in a small way. Am I to take it from that that aircraft used are those belonging to the Department of Defence?
Mr. Kenny
Yes.
Is it not true that to do archaeological surveys from the air special equipment is needed and that it would be unlikely that the Department of Defence would be able to supply this? Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that this type of survey should be carried out by private enterprise rather than by State activity?
Mr. Kenny
The best method is to get the Department of Defence to attach whatever apparatus is necessary for aerial survey. They are using the country's planes and would then be using at a certain cost the apparatus attached. Would that not be the best idea?
The Parliamentary Secretary has given instances of where aerial photography is in use. I have a recollection that someone commenced a complete aerial photographic survey of the whole country. I am not sure which particular Government agency started it, but I thought it was the Office of Public Works.
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy may have been mistaken. I understand there is a geological survey in hands but I do not know whether it is being done privately or not. I have not any information regarding it here.