The first phase of a groundbreaking geological project which will provide vitally important data to help sustain and manage Ireland’s natural resources now, and into the future, was launched today (Mon 4 July) in Cavan by Minister for Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte.
Details of the survey phase of the €5m EU-funded Tellus Border Project were unveiled to over 100 cross-border delegates including those from the six border counties – Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth – by the project’s lead partners, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.
The Tellus Border surveys will include airborne data collection along with on-the-ground soil and water sampling. They will start this summer and will be phased throughout the next two years. The resulting data on the soils, rocks and waters of the region will bring widespread cross-border benefits to many sectors including those responsible for environmental and earth resource management, planning and mineral exploration.
Tellus Border also extends the analysis and application of existing data resulting from the original and highly successful Tellus Project, which ran from 2004-2007 throughout Northern Ireland. This will ensure the continued delivery of benefits to the region.
Launching the Tellus Border Surveys, Minister Rabbitte said:
“Following the project’s official launch earlier this year, I’m delighted to now announce the commencement of the survey work across the border counties of Ireland. This is a highly significant project, conducted by world class experts in this field, which will provide crucial baseline information to ensure the sustainable use of Ireland’s natural resources.”
Dr. Patrick O’Connor, Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland welcomed guests to the event and commented, “This is a very exciting stage in the project as the teams commence the geophysical and geochemical surveys, collecting data which will undoubtedly benefit the environment and economies north and south of the border, both now and into the future. This project is an important reminder of just how important our natural resources are and how we can’t afford to take them for granted.”
Mike Young, Director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and Project Manager for Tellus Border said, “Over the next year or so, the Tellus Border team will be visibly working across the rural areas of the six border counties so it is extremely important that the people living and working here are aware of the project and appreciate its value. We have been extremely pleased with the reception across the region to date and through open, two-way communication we hope to sustain and build on this support as the project progresses.”
The cross-border Tellus Border project has been funded by the INTERREG IVA development programme of the European Regional Development Fund, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). This is the largest of the latest awards under the Environment theme of INTERREG IVA and is part funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Northern Ireland’s Department of the Environment
Welcoming the launch of the Surveys Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, said: “This is a very worthwhile project and one that I’m glad the SEUPB has been able to support in line with the objectives of the INTERREG IVA Programme. The surveys now being launched have the potential to inform future planning in the use and management of natural resources on a cross-border basis. Co-operation in the management of joint resources with a view to promote a more sustainable economic development and minimising its impact on the environment is one of the priorities that the INTERREG cross-border programme seeks to support. The Tellus Border project, which is building on the achievements of another previously funded project focused on the counties in Northern Ireland, will make an important contribution to furthering that co-operation.”