The Tellus survey is undertaking the final phases of a national airborne survey over counties Kerry and Clare this year. When finished, the survey will be complete for the whole country, making Ireland one of the best geophysical mapped countries in the world.

The survey takes off this spring with the two aircraft crossing the skies of counties Kerry and Clare. The aircraft fly at very low altitudes – 60 metres in rural areas – about eight times the height of a two-storey house – and 240 metres in urban areas, to allow them to make accurate measurements. The survey uses two aircraft, which are white, twin propeller planes. They are easily identified by their red tail and black stripe as well as the word 'SURVEY' and registration numbers C-GSGF and C-GSGP written across both sides of the plane.

Tellus is a national mapping programme managed by Geological Survey Ireland, a division of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The programme is collecting geochemical and geophysical data on rocks, soil, and water across Ireland. To gather this data, scientific equipment is fitted to a plane which flies in a grid pattern. In 2025, the survey planes will be based at Shannon airport under permit as approved by the Irish Aviation Authority.

Minister Darragh O'Brien said:

"I will be delighted to see the survey aircraft back in the air to finish the final phases of the Geological Survey Ireland's Tellus survey after 14 years of work. By the end of the survey, we will have flown all the far corners of the country and everywhere in between, collecting detailed geophysical data. The airborne data is being used to improve our geological maps and search for critical raw materials. By making all the data freely available, we can assist companies, state agencies as well as researchers in better understand the subsurface, in particular studies into radon gas, environmental pollution, agricultural productivity, and the extent of peatlands."

The Tellus survey aims to have 100% of Ireland mapped by the end of 2025. The data has the potential to deliver positive economic, environmental, and agricultural benefits by helping to assist in understanding the local environment, soil management and natural resource potential for these counties and the whole country. Data collected throughout the Tellus project is published and made freely available to all on the Geological Survey Ireland website.

Due to the low-flying altitude of the survey aircraft, anyone concerned about sensitive livestock is encouraged to contact the Tellus Freephone Information Line on 1800455565. The Tellus team will be happy to provide information on upcoming flight plans.