Project Type - Quarries
Quarrying provides a unique window on our bedrock, otherwise not accessible. Therefore a certain number of quarries (either for crushed rocks, dimension stone or sand and gravel) are listed as geological sites by the IGH programme.

For that reason, the Geological Survey of Ireland has long enjoyed a mutually-beneficial relationship with the quarrying industry. Many operators have an appreciation of the rocks that they work with, and consequently an empathy with geological heritage values and aims. Guidelines from the Irish Geological Heritage Programme (IGH) of GSI and the Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) have been produced to help all quarry operators follow best practice in addressing geodiversity issues. This will not only assist the IGH programme and update GSI’s databases, but should enhance the industry’s own standing in the community. Download the guidelines here.

When it comes to quarry extension, should the quarry be listed for a geological feature of interest (i.e. dissolution pipe, fossil assemblage, stratigraphy...), GSI would ask for the quarry face of interest to remain accessible, as far as practicable and that access to professional geologists be facilitated when requested.