An airborne survey over Kerry this year aims to make Ireland one of the best geophysical mapped countries in the world.
The Tellus programme will undertake the final phases of the national survey over Kerry and Clare this year.
Geological Survey Ireland is a division of the Department of the Environment Climate and Communications, and has been mapping the entirety of Ireland from the sky for 14 years, with its national mapping programme, Tellus.
The programme is collecting geochemical and geophysical data on rocks, soil, and water across Ireland, by fitting scientific equipment to a plane which flies in a grid pattern.
The two aircraft are white, twin propeller planes, easily identified by their red tail and black stripe, with the word SURVEY and registration numbers written across both sides of the planes.
The Tellus survey aims to have 100% of Ireland mapped by the end of the year, and the Department of the Environment says this has potential to deliver positive economic, environmental, and agricultural benefits.
This will be through the understanding it provides of the local environment, soil management, and natural resource potential of the land below.
Minister Darragh O’Brien says by making all of the Tellus data freely available, the Department can assist companies, state agencies, and researchers, to better understand the subsurface, in studying areas like radon gas, environmental pollution, agricultural productivity, and the extent of peatlands.
The Department says the aircraft will fly at very low altitudes, and anyone concerned about sensitive livestock is encouraged to contact Tellus, who can provide information on flight plans.
More information is available on radiokerry.ie.
Anyone concerned about sensitive livestock is encouraged to contact the Tellus Freephone Information Line on 1800 45 55 65. The Tellus team will be happy to provide information on upcoming flight plans.
