Our data and maps are freely available for use in the preparation of Strategic Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), etc. They will be of greatest use for the chapters on Land & Soils, Water and Material Assets.
Information is available on geological heritage sites, bedrock geology including structural data (faults), soils including soil geochemistry, landslides, groundwater, flood risk, mineral deposits, aggregate resources, coastal vulnerability, Quaternary and the Irish seabed. Quaternary refers to the current glaciated landscape of Ireland and is useful in identifying landscape characteristics. The section on geological heritage is useful for general planning and also for the general heritage sections.
Our available information comprises maps, reports and extensive databases such as site investigation reports and geotechnical data, borehole logs, karst features, wells & springs, 3D modelling and geohazards.
We recommend using these various data sets when undergoing the EIAR, planning and scoping processes. Geological Survey Ireland should be referenced to as such and should any data or geological maps be used, they should be attributed correctly to Geological Survey Ireland.
As a statutory body, we act as consultee on County Development and County Heritage Plans, planning related to wind or solar farms, roads and quarries, or any proposed development that may involve a County Geological Sites.
Our responsibility as a statutory body to respond to planning consultations is coordinated by the Planning Programme at Geological Survey Ireland.
Planning documents for our consideration may be sent directly to us at GSIPlanning[AT]gsi.ie, to the Planning Advisory Unit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications at PlanningAdvisory.Unit[AT]decc.gov.ie or by post to
Geological Survey Ireland, Booterstown Hall, Booterstown Ave., Blackrock, Dublin A94 N2R6, Ireland. Please contact us for further information.