North And South Combine On Geoscience

Ireland (SANEPR.com) April 17, 2008 -- Minister of State and Clare T.D., Tony Killeen today delivered the opening address at the first joint meeting of the Consultative Committees of the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI).

Addressing those in attendance, Minister of State Tony Killeen, T.D., described the recently agreed Framework for Increased Cooperation between the GSNI and the GSI as pragmatic and feasible.

According to Minister Killeen, “The benefit of this scientific cooperation would be significant for both organisations, not only in terms of increased efficiency and a shared knowledge and skills base, but also to the economy, delivering improved competitiveness and support for balanced regional development.”

Minister Killeen also launched the study ‘Geoscience: Gaining Ground’, which has concluded that in 2006 the geoscience sector contributed €4.24 billion to Ireland’s economy, while it employed over 30,000 people, 1.4% of total Irish employment.

Commenting on the study, he stated, “This year, International Year of the Planet, is providing the opportunity to demonstrate the valuable contribution Geoscience is making socially and economically. It is a long-established sector in Ireland, spanning many areas including industry, research and education. Most recent figures indicate that the sector contributed over €4billion to the economy, something which I regard as an excellent example of how science can underpin economic activity.”

Minister Killeen added, “The role of the British Geological Survey (BGS) in enhancing technical knowledge and product delivery should be acknowledged. I know that there are strong historical linkages between the BGS and the GSI and I am confident that the continued cooperation will enhance this relationship now and in the future.”

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) is a Division of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Its purpose is to provide geological information and advice of relevance to Ireland.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request
- ‘Geoscience: Gaining Ground’ is published by GSI and is an edited version of the report: ‘Economic Study of the Impact of the Geoscience Sector in Ireland’, by the CSA Group with Jerome Casey and Co. Ltd. For further information on the report contact Dr Peadar McArdle, Director, GSI, on 087 – 2262519, and on IYPE, Mr Enda Gallagher, Marketing Officer, GSI, on 01 – 6782834
- For the programme of events scheduled for International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) visit www.planetearth.ie