News

IAEG Delivers Deep Understanding of Minerals

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Founded in 1973, the Irish Association for Economic Geology (IAEG) is a  a relatively small voluntary collective of geoscientists focussed on exploring and understanding the nature of Ireland’s minerals. It has consistently produced an extensive collection of scientific and technical papers on the  genesis and geological characteristics of Irish mineral deposits, adding to our ability to locate and develop new resources.

Ireland enjoys a rich endowment of base metal  deposits with seven  mines developed since the 1960’s; five of these have been zinc and lead mines. IAEG members have been to the forefront in studying and understanding these and other mineral deposits, leading to the discovery of significant new resources e.g. the 27 Million tonne Tara Deep deposit which lies c 3 km form the existing Tara Mines site in Co Meath.

The supply chain for these mines has seen the development of several Irish consultancies and specialist  contractors, many of which have gone on to develop significant business overseas. Examples include Aurum Exploration, BRG, CSA  and SLR which design and develop exploration projects worldwide; QME a mining contractor active in the UK and Portugal and PW Mining active throughout Africa. Others include  ALS which took over OMAC Laboratories; Priority Drilling and Irish Drilling, which along with OMAC were largely the result of the Tynagh Mine in Co Galway.

The development of this supply chain has contributed  significant added value to the mining sector, as demonstrated in the Indecon Review of the Geoscience Ireland (GI) Programme which indicates that GI companies generate  c €400M per annum from overseas projects. In addition, many Irish geoscientists have formed mineral exploration and mining ventures operating in Ireland and overseas and provide many leading researchers for the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geoscience  iCRAG .

Commenting on the IAEG, GI Director Sean Finlay said;

“The most recent IAEG event in Galway celebrated its 50th  year with a conference on Irish Type Zinc Lead Deposits Around the World and which heard speakers outline how Irish zinc deposits now have recognisable analogues across the globe. The IAEG is a truly remarkable example of a collective dedicated to the provision of excellent geoscientific research. Congratulations to IAEG President Ally Barrow and the Organising Committee on the Conference and its related publication.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geoscience Ireland (GI) Partnership with Development Aid

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Geoscience Ireland has renewed its Partnership Agreement with DevelopmentAid, the leading international provider of information on procurement by Multilateral Development Banks and Aid Agencies.

Many GI member companies already use DevelopmentAid with success in their pursuit of international business. The service provides information on a range of tenders which can be refined for individual sectors and tracks awards of contracts. It also provides information on potential partners, country strategies and procurement guidelines.

GI is pleased to support DevelopmnetAid in its service to GI members.

Visit: https://www.developmentaid.org/

Geoscience Ireland (GI) welcomes Geothermal Policy Statement

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Geoscience Ireland (GI) warmly welcomes the publication by the  Government of Ireland of a Policy Statement on Geothermal Energy for a Circular Economy . Prepared by the Department of Environment Climate and Communications (DECC), the Policy sets out regulatory, environmental  and technical objectives for the sector.

New developments in science and technology mean that there is potential for Geothermal energy to make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy sector in
Ireland, particularly for heating and cooling buildings.
This policy statement sets out the approach to regulating shallow and deep geothermal systems, including licencing the exploration for and the utilisation of deep sources of
geothermal energy.
The full geothermal potential of Ireland is not yet fully understood because more needs to be known about the temperatures and geology in Ireland’s deep subsurface.
Addressing geological uncertainty is critical to the success of geothermal projects at almost every step of the planning and development process. Publicly available, high-quality subsurface data should be collected and disseminated through the National Geothermal Database, which will contain maps, tools and best practise guidelines. It is vital therefore that a program of geoscientific data gathering is undertaken to encourage geothermal development. In
particular, it is recognised that a programme of deep drilling and deep geophysics research will be required to address the knowledge gaps.
Commenting on the Policy , GI Director Sean Finlay said;
“GI members are well placed to support the development of Geothermal Energy, providing geoscientific and engineering advise and assessments, together with drilling and geophysical surveying services . The recent Policy Statement aligns with ambitions outlined for Geothermal Energy in national Climate Policy  and provides a framework for its orderly development.”

Unearthing the Heat Beneath our Feet GeoEnergyNI

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Geoscience Ireland (GI)  was delighted to attend the Launch on 26th June at the Pavilion, Stormont Estate, of GeoEnergy NI, which will examine both shallow and deep geothermal at the Stormont Estate, Belfast and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Greenmount Campus, Antrim, respectively. Two GI member companies are involved in the project; Geo Drilling Solutions and Priority Drilling. 

Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy (DfE) , said: “GeoEnergy NI is a milestone project of the Energy Strategy Action Plan, which focuses on delivering a reduction in energy-related emissions as part of the pathway to deliver net zero carbon and affordable energy by 2050. This project will increase our understanding of the potential role that geothermal energy can play in Northern Ireland’s green economy and future energy mix.”

Representing a £3 million investment, GeoEnergy NI is being delivered by DfE with scientific support from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and a specialist contractor team led by Tetra Tech Europe.

Marie Cowan, Director of GSNI, outlined the potential for geothermal energy in Northern Ireland: “Geothermal is regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly ways of producing local, sustainable, and low-carbon energy and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whatever the weather. Geothermal energy is already used widely and successfully in many countries around the world including the Netherlands, Germany and France, and there are several significant geothermal projects currently being delivered elsewhere in the UK.

Northern Ireland is very fortunate to have favourable geology with significant untapped potential for geothermal energy right beneath our feet. Building on our extensive data, research, and mapping to date, GeoEnergy NI will provide us with invaluable data to help us realise this potential and deepen our understanding of the subsurface even further.

“An additional benefit of the GeoEnergy NI project is its public and stakeholder outreach campaign, involving a new website, VR representation, and educational resources. A mobile visitor centre is also planned later this year to further enhance the public’s awareness and understanding of geothermal and the economic potential Northern Ireland’s geothermal sector holds.”

Conor Lydon, Northern Ireland Director of Tetra Tech Europe said: “Working with DfE and GSNI, we are delighted to lead the consortium for the GeoEnergy NI project to help showcase the power and potential of Northern Ireland’s geothermal sector. Geothermal technology has been safely and successfully harnessed throughout the world for decades and we’re proud to bring our expertise in this sector to the project. The survey and exploratory work will use world-leading technologies and processes, safe and well-established techniques, and will be in full compliance with all local planning and environmental regulations. We have put together a strong team of experts from across the globe, all experienced in delivering geothermal projects and who have seen first-hand the tremendous benefits geothermal energy can offer.”

Other speakers at the Launch were Katriana Godfrey ( Perm Sec DERA) and Richard Rogers (DfE).

Photo shows panellists Prof Mark Palmer (QUB), Ryan White (DfE), Dr Marie Cowan (GSNI) and Con0r Lydon (TetraTech), with Moderator Sam McCloskey (Simply Blue).To find out more about geothermal energy and the  GeoEnergy NI project visit www.GeoEnergyNI.org

Geoscience Ireland (GI) Member GDG 500 Offshore Wind Jobs

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Geoscience Ireland (GI) member Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), a leading Irish-based, global offshore wind energy consultancy firm, yesterday announced  plans to recruit up to 500 professionals over the next five years to support the establishment of an Engineering Hub focused on analysis and innovation to serve growing demand for its services, both domestically and internationally.

Founded in 2011 by Paul Doherty, a veteran of the Irish offshore wind sector, the company
with offices in Dublin, Cork and Belfast, was acquired by UK-based Venterra Group in 2021. The new roles announced on 31st May will focus on engineering analysis, numerical modelling, and offshore design. Leveraging its solid international industry networks, GDG aims to reinforce its position as Ireland’s leading offshore wind energy consultancy, while expanding its customer base in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Welcoming the news Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD  said: “ These new engineering roles are hugely welcome and create numerous exciting opportunities for skilled engineers of all levels. This project supports the Governments plans in aiming to have Ireland carbon neutral by 2050. We are committed to increasing the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources from 30% to up to 80% by 2030. Wind energy provides an emissions free, clean and renewable energy source and initiatives like this that create employment and advancing our decarbonisation goals are fully supported.”

Speaking at a  Press Conference in Engineers Ireland yesterday, Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: “This  expansion will add important capability to Ireland’s offshore wind supply chain  and positions Ireland as the GDG’s global engineering services hub to serve its growing customer base internationally.”

Commenting on the development, GI Director Sean Finlay said;

” Geoscience  provides the  the foundation for the development of Offshore Wind Energy (OWE). GDG is a leading designer and advisor for the sector and under the leadership of Paul Doherty, has built a significant presence in the OWE  markets in Ireland and internationally. Paul serves on the Advisory Board of GI ; he and GDG make an important contribution to GI and to the engineering profession.”

Geoscience Ireland (GI) Welcomes New Members to Advisory Board

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Geoscience Ireland (GI) is pleased to  welcome two new members to its Advisory Board.

Jim Fox  is a Senior Development Advisor with Enterprise Ireland’s High Tech Construction and Housing  Division. He was previously  with the Local Enterprise Office in Cavan, having worked as Leasing Executive with ICC Bank and BOSI and with IDA as a Project Executive. A Business graduate from TCD,  he holds post graduate diplomas from IMI, IOB and ACCA.  Jim replaces Dermot Reidy of Enterprise Ireland who retired earlier this month.

Trevor O’ Regan is a director of Economic Development Consultants Ireland, having previously worked with PM Group  as an Associate Director. Currently based in Hanoi, Trevor has worked as Team Leader and advisor on technical assistance projects being implemented by the EU, USAID, the World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). A  graduate of UCC, he holds a Masters of Business Studies from UL.

Commenting on the appointments, GI Director Dermot Duff said;

“Jim Fox’s presence on our Advisory Board confirms Enterprise Ireland as  a key enabler for the GI network. I thank Dermot Reidy of EI who retired recently for his significant support and guidance from the earliest days of GI.

Trevor O Reagan’s  experience with Multilateral Development Bank projects in many jurisdictions will provide important insights for GI members active in that sector and to those seeking new market opportunities .”

 

Geoscience Ireland (GI) Welcomes Calls for Increased Support for PhD Researchers

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A national review of State supports for thousands of PhD researchers is expected to recommend increasing their pay to €25,000 in an attempt to retain research talent, according to today’s “Irish Times”.

About 6,000 doctoral researchers across higher education institutions are in receipt of stipends and most are paid at a standard rate of some €18,500 annually.

The low rates of pay have sparked protests over recent months and warnings from students that inflation and cost-of-living issues have created a “crisis” which threatens the sustainability of higher education research.

Geoscience Ireland (GI) strongly supports calls for this increase which is reported   to be a key conclusion of a  forthcoming Review commissioned by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris TD. The collaboration between third level applied research centers and industry is an essential  component for the continued success of Ireland’s economic policy. .

Engineers Ireland | Chartered Environmentalist

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Engineers Ireland has become the first organisation outside the UK to be licensed by the Society of the Environment to award this  important professional title. Engineers Ireland will use the Chartered Environmentalist title to drive environmental practices in engineering and recognise Chartered Engineers who are leading the way to a more sustainable world.

Sean Finlay of Geoscience Ireland  commented;

“Geoscience Ireland welcomes this initiative, recognising that environmental engineering and protection are  at the center  of  sustainable development. Engineers, Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists have important roles to play in furthering public understanding of science and technology and need to collaborate more closely in this regard. ” 

 

 

Geoscience Ireland (GI) members win ACEI Awards 2023

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Geoscience Ireland (GI) members feature again at this years  Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI) Awards.

In the Civil Engineering Categories , ARUP won the Large Project Award for the North Runway at Dublin Airport , while JB Barry won the Medium Project Award for the Lee Road WWTP. Nicholas O’ Dwyer won the Sustainability Natural Environment Award for Clifden WWTP.

ARUP  also won awards for Structural Engineering (Bolands Quay) and Project Management (IDA Advanced Manufacturing Centre), while JB Barry won a Mechanical & Electrical Award for the Main Lift Pump Station at Pigeon Hse Rd.

Geoscience Ireland (GI) joins European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC)

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Founded in 1998 to promote the European Geothermal industry , EGEC , based in Brussles, supports research, shapes policy, provides market intelligence and enables collaboration between members. Over 120 members from 28 countries include developers, suppliers, national associations, geological surveys, public authorities and research agencies.

Geoscience Ireland (GI) has partnered  with EGEC in the delivery of a recently completed EU project Geo Energy Europe. GI’s main task , led by Joe Mongan, was assisting the delivery of Market Study Visits to Chile, Canada, Kenya and Costa Rica, along with  providing market intelligence and business metrics. Other participants were Pole Avenia, CAPES, Celle Drilling, Jesder, Geodeep, Cosvig and Geoplat. Geological Survey Ireland  was the project coordinator.

Geoscience Ireland (GI) is now pleased to join EGEC as a member. Geothermal energy remains largely underdeveloped  but governments and policy makers are increasingly recognising and encouraging its potential. EGEC continues to play a pivotal  role in promoting and developing this source of renewable energy and GI is delighted to support these objectives.

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