The Groundwater Programme is part of the Groundwater and Geothermal Unit.

​​​​Groundwater is important as a source of drinking water, and it supports river flows, lake levels and ecosystems. It contains natural substances dissolved from the soils and rocks that it flows through, and can also be contaminated by human actions on the land surface.

As a clean, but vulnerable, resource, groundwater needs to be understood, managed and protected. We provide advice and maps to members of the public, consultancies and public bodies about groundwater quality, quantity and distribution.

Geothermal energy is the heat that exists beneath the surface of the Earth. Ireland has abundant geothermal energy resources that are as yet largely untapped. Geothermal energy is proven to be secure, environmentally sustainable, effectively carbon-neutral and cost-effective over long-term periods, and can play an important role in decarbonising Ireland's heat energy sector.

We provide scientific advice and expertise in this area to support new policies and regulations developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. We are developing a new National Geothermal database to promote the use of this clean natural resource.