Draft News Release

26 October 2011

Soil Sampling Scientists Now Active in the Border Region Agricultural Heartland of Cavan, Monaghan and Louth

A major scientific ground survey will move into Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth in November as the roll out of the European Union funded Tellus Border Project gains momentum.

A team of 12 scientists, based in Carrickmacross, will work across the region over the next few weeks, collecting soil, water and sediment samples as part of the ground breaking survey which will map the entire border region of Ireland.

In addition to the team working on the ground, the project, funded under the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme, includes an airborne ‘geophysical’ survey which is about to take-off and will also cover the entire border region. A low-flying aircraft will use state-of-the-art technology to measure the physical properties of soils and rocks at an altitude of 60m above the earth’s surface. The new data collected from both surveys will produce a series of ‘never seen before’ geological, geophysical and geochemical maps which will prove highly beneficial for the sustainable management of Ireland’s environment and natural resources in the future.

The ground survey team started sampling in County Donegal in August this year, and to date almost 1500 soil, water and sediment samples have been collected. Ray Scanlon, Senior Geologist with the Geological Survey of Ireland is delighted with progress to date:

“The geochemical team made a great start to the project in Co. Donegal. With almost 25% of the border region now surveyed we are very positive about moving to Cavan, Monaghan and Louth – an area which is renowned for its agricultural heritage and diverse landscapes. From the ancient volcanic rocks of the beautiful Cooley peninsula, to Ireland’s most important gypsum mine near Kingscourt; the team is sure to find a broad range of geology in between.”

“Despite not having land registry information, we’ve made every effort to inform local land-owners of our work and gain permission before entering land. Many farmers and land-owners have shown great interest and have been highly supportive of the project and we look forward to further positive engagement as we move across the rest of the border counties.”

A continuation of the successful Tellus Project in Northern Ireland which ran from 2004 – 2007, 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 Northern Ireland’s Department of the Environment.

Mike Young, Director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland added, “We’re often asked about the purpose of the Tellus Border project and in essence it is a widespread mapping survey of the elements and compounds which make up the land surface. The results will provide invaluable data on composition of the rocks, soils and waters which will be of benefit environmentally, agriculturally and economically to the border region.”

“The sampling team carry identification and their vehicles are branded with the Tellus Border logo so landowners can be assured of their authenticity. However if you are concerned about this or the airborne survey, particularly if you own sensitive livestock, or if you are interested in finding out more about the project you can contact our helpline on 1800 303 516 or visit www.tellusborder.eu.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Kelly McKee/Seona McGrath/ Claire Bonner at Morrow Communications on 02890 393837 or k.mckee@morrowcommunications.com

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 Northern Ireland’s Department of the Environment.

· 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 Northern Ireland. Data collected during both surveys will be integrated with the existing data to give a cross border geological baseline.

· ‘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 Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU structural funds Programmes PEACE III and INTERREG IV designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society. The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland.

• 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