Land and Soils

Subsoil (Quaternary Sediments)

Geological Survey Ireland maintains online datasets of subsoils (Quaternary) mapping that are reliable and accessible. We would encourage you to use these data which can be found here, under the ‘Geology’ tab.

Please note we have recently launched QGIS compatible Quaternary geology map data, with instructional manuals and videos. This makes our data more accessible to general public and external stakeholders. QGIS compatible data can be found in our downloadable .zip file on the Data & Maps section of our website.

Subsoil (Quaternary Sediments) Data Access

Geochemistry of Soils, Surface waters and Stream Sediments (Tellus)

These data are of particular use for Plans at national and regional level and for developments where bulk soil excavation may be anticipated.

Geological Survey Ireland provides baseline geochemistry data for Ireland as part of the Tellus programme. Baseline geochemistry data can be used to assess the chemical status of soil and water at a regional scale and to support the assessment of existing or potential impacts of human activity on environmental chemical quality. Tellus is a national-scale mapping programme which provides multi-element data for shallow soil, stream sediment and stream water in Ireland. At present, mapping consists of the border, western and midland regions.

This page also hosts urban geochemistry mapping (Dublin SURGE project), Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural and Grazing Land Soil of Europe (GEMAS) and lithogeochemistry (rock geochemistry) from southeast Ireland datasets.

Geological Survey Ireland and partners are undertaking applied geochemistry projects to provide data for agriculture (Terra Soil), waste soil characterisation (Geochemically Appropriate Levels for Soil Recovery Facilities) and mineral exploration (Mineral Prospectivity Mapping).

Geochemistry Data Access

Geotechnical Database

Geological Survey Ireland continues to populate and develop our national geotechnical database and viewer with site investigation data submitted voluntarily by industry. The current database holding is over 7500 reports with 134,000 boreholes; 31,000 of which are digitised which can be accessed through downloads from our Geotechnical Map Viewer. We would encourage the use of this database as part of any baseline geological assessment of the proposed development as it can provide invaluable baseline data for the region or vicinity of proposed development areas. Selected subsets of the data can also be produced for specific projects upon request. This information may be beneficial and cost saving for any site-specific investigations that may be designed as part of the project.

Geotechnical Data Access

Bedrock Geology

Geological Survey Ireland maintains online datasets of bedrock geology that are reliable and accessible. We would encourage you to use these data which can be found here, in your future assessments.

Please note we have recently launched QGIS compatible bedrock (100K) geology map data, with instructional manuals and videos. This makes our data more accessible to general public and external stakeholders. QGIS compatible data can be found in our downloadable bedrock 100k .zip file on the Data & Maps section of our website.

Bedrock Geology Data Access

Geophysics

These data are of particular use for developments were baseline studies for large areas are being undertaken such as route options, regional constraints studies and so on.

Geological Survey Ireland produces high-resolution geophysical data (Magnetic field, electrical conductivity, natural gamma-ray radiation) of soils & rocks as part of the Tellus programme. These data currently cover approximately 75% of the country and provide supporting geological information on a regional scale useful for assessing environmental impact and risk. The Tellus programme provides expertise to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the determination of radon risk. The data is used in mineral exploration or is useful in aiding site investigation works for large scale projects.

Geophysics Data Access

3D Models (Bedrock and Quaternary Geology)

Our 3D models can help stakeholders visualize, understand and characterise geology, for deposit and resource mapping, for flooding and for urban geology applications including basement impact assessment, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and subsurface management. Our 3D models offer a key element of geotechnical risk management by identifying areas requiring further site investigation.

Further information and download instructions for the 3D models is available on the Geological Mapping programme dedicated page.

3D Model Data Access