Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 7

Written Answers. - Ordnance Survey Maps.

Patrick McCartan

Question:

61 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the plans of the Ordnance Survey Office with regard to the commissioning of new scaled maps; the plans for the disposal of existing stocks of old scaled maps; if he will give an assurance that no stocks are destroyed; if consideration will be given to a scheme of making unwanted stocks available to academic and other institutions as required; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The plans of the ordnance survey for the production of a new 1:50,000 series have already been outlined in the statement made to Seanad Éireann on 14 March 1990.

As regards the disposal of old map stocks, the Survey are currently engaged in efforts to alleviate accommodation problems. This entails clearing out the old map stores and disposing of stocks of old maps created by the old production system. Much of these have become unsaleable due to storage and handling difficulties.

The old system for meeting demand for maps system was inefficient, costly and labour intensive and was replaced some eight years ago by a "printing on demand" service. This is in effect a photocopying process using one master copy for each sheet and large format photocopying machines. This eliminated the need to keep numerous copies in stock.

Academics will continue to enjoy access to maps in those institutions which receive copies under copyright arrangements. Any applications by academics requiring special access to old maps in the Survey itself for research purposes will continue to be considered by the director.