Research

Research

Research within the Geological Mapping Programme mainly contributes to improving the understanding of the geology of Ireland. We also participate in European geoscience research projects and initiatives where Irish interests are concerned.​

GSI Short Calls Projects are funded by GSI. They are less than 12 months duration and less than €25,000. They are open to academic and non-academic institutes. Further information on Short Calls in general is available in the Research section of the website. The funded projects related to geological mapping are listed below.

Geological Survey Ireland, along with 44 other national and regional Geological Survey Organisations from 32 European countries have joined forces to develop an ERA-NET Co-Fund Action towards 'Establishing the European Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe' called GeoERA.

The main objective of GeoERA is to contribute to the optimal use and management of the subsurface. GeoERA is funding 15 research projects that aim to support a more integrated and efficient management and more responsible and publicly accepted, exploitation and use of the subsurface.

The projects cover the applied geosciences, addressing the following four themes:

  1. Geo-energy. Secure, clean and efficient energy are at the heart of the H2020's Societal Challenge 3, as Europe progresses to make its transition to a reliable, sustainable and competitive energy.
  2. Groundwater. The objective of the groundwater theme is to provide data, information and decision-support tools for the protection, sustainable management and improvement of groundwater resources.
  3. Raw Materials. Mineral Raw Materials underpin societal development and Europe's ambition for economic growth and well-being. The European Commission recognises the importance of Raw Materials.
  4. Information Platform. The geo-energy, groundwater and raw materials themes share the common objective to provide and disseminate spatial information on their respective resources.

The Geological Mapping programme is contributing to the HotLime and GeoConnect3d projects under the Geo-energy theme.

GSI Short Calls Projects

10 projects related to Geological Mapping were funded through the GSI Short Calls. Topics covered included 3D geological map for Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, sediment sources for the NW Carboniferous Basin, an All-Ireland Quaternary map and karst dataset, a toolkit to manage AGS data, and more.

Borehole - EPOS

​We are working with the Information and Minerals​ programmes to complete and synchronise our borehole and core store holdings databases. This will be a contribution to EPOS WP15 Geology. A more detailed description​ of this project is available under our Research heading.

HotLime

​The Geological Mapping Programme is actively involved in the GeoERA HotLime project to map and assess geothermal plays in deep carbonate rocks.

GeoConnect3d

​The GeoERA GeoConnect³d project is developing and testing a new methodological approach to prepare and disclose geological information for policy support and subsurface management.