News Release
19 October 2011
Major
Geological Airborne Survey takes off across the Border Region
-
Crucial
second stage of Tellus Border Project gets ‘off the ground’
The second stage of the Tellus Border
project, a highly significant EU-funded environmental mapping project of
Ireland’s six border counties - Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and
Louth – is set to begin next week (weather permitting). The Airborne Survey, conducted by a
small aircraft equipped with the very latest geophysical technology, will be flown over the next four to six
months and will play a crucial role in the collection and analysis of
scientific data on soils, water and rocks across the region.
The aircraft operated and flown by world
leaders in this field, Sanders Geophysics Limited from
Ray Scanlon, Senior
Geologist at the Geological
Survey of Ireland, said “We are delighted to launch
this major and extremely exciting phase of the project which will greatly add
to our understanding of the environment we live in.”
“ We are working in full co-operation with
the Irish Aviation Authority and the flight plans are strictly regulated –
however as the sound of the plane overhead is similar to that of a passing
lorry, it may disturb sensitive livestock such as horses, poultry, pedigree
cattle and deer if they are outdoors. It is therefore important that any animal
owner or concerned party contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss any
issues and together take action if necessary. ”
An extensive awareness-raising campaign,
involving community groups, farming and equine organisations and other relevant
parties is currently underway. Anyone requiring further detail about the
project can contact the Tellus Border information line on freephone
1800 303 516 or email tellusborder@gsi.ie.
The commencement of the Airborne Survey
comes on the back of the recently launched Ground Survey which began in Co
Donegal in August. This part of the programme consists of trained teams
collecting soil, water and stream samples every four square kilometres across
the survey area. As with the airborne survey, every attempt is being made to
inform landowners in advance.
ENDS
For further information please contact
Kelly McKee, Seona McGrath or Claire Bonner at Morrow Communications on 02890 393837
or see the project website is www.tellusborder.eu .
Notes for Editors
·
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, Community and Local Government and
·
The project is a joint initiative between the
Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland
(GSNI), the Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen’s University Belfast and
builds on the award-winning Tellus Project which has already successfully
mapped
· ‘Tellus’ was the Roman goddess of the earth, also called Terra Mater
· The aircraft being used in the survey is a white, twin propeller plane with a distinctive red tail and blue stripe, and it carries the registration number of C-GSGF.
· The plane will fly during daylight hours, seven days a week.
SEUPB
• The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South
Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in
• The INTERREG IVA 2007-2013 Programme is worth €256 million and aims to address the economic and social problems which result from the existence of borders. It has two distinct priority measures to create co-operation for a more prosperous and sustainable cross-border region.d sustainable cross-border region.
• For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu