Geological Survey of Ireland


Geological Survey Ireland or Geological Survey of Ireland, founded in 1845, is the National Earth Science agency of Ireland.

Overview

Geological Survey Ireland is a division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and is based in Beggars Bush Barracks in Dublin. Its multidisciplinary staff work in sections such as Groundwater, Bedrock Mapping, Information Management, Heritage, Marine and Minerals. It is responsible for providing geological advice and information, and for the acquisition of data for this purpose. Geological Survey Ireland produces a range of products including maps, reports and databases, and acts as a knowledge centre and project partner in all aspects of Irish geology.
The organisation is internationally known for its work in marine mapping, having managed the Irish National Seabed Survey, which on completion was the world's largest civilian marine mapping programme. The INSS mapped all of Ireland's waters over 200 m deep, principally in support of territorial claim, and covering over 600,000 km2. Since 2006 Geological Survey Ireland has managed the successor programme INFOMAR, which is completing the mapping of all Irish waters. INFOMAR is funded by the Geological Survey Ireland parent Department and undertaken in conjunction with the Marine Institute Ireland.
GSI and the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies operate the Irish National Seismic Network together.