HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY

Ireland extends Infomar programme

13 years ago

The Irish government’s Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources has extended its Infomar national marine mapping programme with commitment of a further €15m over the next five years.

Established eight years ago and managed by Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) in association with the Marine Institute (MI) in Galway, the programme covers mapping of some 125,000 sq/km of national underwater territory to provide surveys used for planning offshore renewable energy projects and ensuring all shipping lanes are safely charted. It encompasses an area approximately ten times the size of Ireland’s land mass and is one of the world’s largest seabed mapping ventures.

Mapping is carried out using all state marine research vessels including Celtic Explorer and Celtic Voyager managed by MI and the GSI’s Keary, Geo and Cosantoir Bradan. The next phase of the project will include mapping of Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly, Broadhaven Bay, Youghal, Dungarven and Drogheda. It will also see the launch of a new range of services, reports and apps.