Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2022
120. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the Tellus airborne geophysical survey for 2022 will commence; the programme and areas of the country to be covered; if he will ensure that adequate public notice is provided in the communities concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22502/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tellus Programme is a national survey which gathers geophysical and geochemical data across Ireland via airborne geophysical surveying using a low-flying aircraft and ground-based geochemical surveying of soil, stream water and stream sediment. This Programme is managed by Geological Survey Ireland, a Division of my Department, and is delivered through a combination of Department officials and external contractors. It has been decided to suspend Tellus airborne operations for 2022. This is to allow Geological Survey Ireland to overcome operational challenges including the provision of communications and outreach support for the survey and to ensure a strategic approach is taken to programme delivery for future years, with plans to recommence in Q2 2023.For all airborne surveys, adequate outreach and public notice is essential, over the years Tellus has put this as a top priority and undertaken a detailed award winning communications programme which it will continue into the future.
