Soils and Geology
For information on Geology to assess during the EIA and include in the EIS:

- a geologist or a scientist with a geological background should be on the team preparing the EIA and subsequent statement to ensure an adequate understanding of the geological data and their relevance to the project.

- the Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI) published "Geology in Environmental Impact Statements, a guide" in 2002. This is a good starting point to find out what to assess under the Environmental Topic "Geology" depending on the project type. Please note that the guidelines are being reviewed at present (end of 2010) to reflect development in EU directives since the first publication in 2002.

Information and datasets available from GSI website and who to contact in GSI for specific enquiries:

- bedrock and structure: geological maps are available for download as datasets or for viewing through GSI map viewer; Brian McConnell, brian.mcconnell@gsi.ie

- geotechnical and/or borehole database mapviewer (make sure pop-ups are not blocked in your browser); Beatriz Mozo, beatriz.mozo@gsi.ie  

- landslide database, mapviewer (select Geohazards); Charise McKeon, charise.mckeon@gsi.ie

- geological heritage, no dataset available yet, but some reports are; Sophie Préteseille, sophie.preteseille@gsi.ie 

- groundwater and karst, see "Surface Water and Groundwater" section

For information on Soils, see Teagasc datasets, or visit the GSI's Groundwater mapviewer and select "Teagasc subsoils" in the "Teagasc Subsoils Folder".