Briefing Notes

Geological Survey Ireland compiled these Briefing Notes to provide geoscience information on specific topics relevant to policy making in Ireland.

Soil and Subsoil

​This Briefing Note highlights some geological attributes of soil and subsoil beyond their well-documented role in agriculture and food production. The Briefing Note also identifies information and analysis that Geological Survey Ireland provides to support policy making and regulation in the increasingly multidisciplinary and cross-agency topic of soil and subsoil.

Geothermal Energy

​Geological Survey Ireland provides geological advice and information supporting the development of an Irish geothermal energy policy and regulatory framework, the development of an Irish geothermal industry and understanding of Ireland’s geothermal resources. Geothermal energy is heat energy that is stored beneath the surface of the Earth. It is a secure, environmentally sustainable and economical source of renewable energy.

Radon: A geological health risk that can be managed

​This briefing note outlines the role geology plays in the distribution of radon in Ireland and how Geological Survey Ireland supports the identification of radon risk zones​.

Coastal Change

​​Geological Survey Ireland monitors and analyses changes to Ireland’s coastline and combines oceanographic, hydrological and topographic information to anticipate how the coast may respond to future conditions. This information supports environmental, infrastructure, planning and coastal management decisions.

Supporting Geoscience Research in Ireland

​Geological Survey Ireland’s Research Programme supports the growing needs of policy makers and practitioners, commercial entities, and the geoscience community. It also provides information directly to the public and to the education and research sectors. The programme delivers expertise, data and funding for a range of research topics across Earth sciences.