Geoscience Ireland (GI) was originally a project  delivered and mainly financed by Geological Survey Ireland, a division of the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications (DECC). GI is also supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs. GI is focussed on assisting Irish geoscience companies to  win business in international markets and is described in a recent independent Review by Indecon Economic Consultants as a successful example of an innovative Business Cluster whose members have created over 1,000 new jobs over the past 5 years.

GI has now become a stand-alone entity, retaining its core objective of assisting its member companies in developing business internationally. This new structure means that GI is now a registered Company Limited by Guarantee, trading as Geoscience Ireland. Financed initially by membership subscriptions, GI plans to seek appropriate matching finance from Enterprise Ireland and will retain close links with Geological Survey Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

GI offices have moved to the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Applied Geoscience (iCRAG) premises at University College Dublin.  The GI project is managed by Sean Finlay, assisted by Dermot Duff of TCD Business School, Joe Mongan and Jessica Allen, all of whom have been involved with GI over many years.

Commenting on the development, Sean Finlay , Director of Geoscience Ireland (GI)  said;

“The transition of GI from Geological Survey Ireland has been supported and facilitated by Geological Survey Ireland and DECC over recent months. The Indecon Review of GI recognises its success and its significant financial and non-financial benefits to its members. Indecon also points to the need for long term support for the geoscience sector, the role that geoscience can play in National Climate Objectives and the need for continued engagement with the educational sector. The reconfigured GI continues to enjoy the support of 35 member companies and I look forward to the successful continuity of the GI initiative.”