Low-flying aircraft will be seen over rural areas in the coming weeks conducting an environmental survey.
The airborne survey of counties Kerry, Tipperary, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan, will assess ground water quality, subsoil condition and the presence of minerals and gases.
Minister for Natural Resources Noel Dempsey today launched the survey saying it would "provide beneficial information for sustainable environmental management".
The findings would assess the dangers posed by naturally occurring radon gas and also be of environmental and economic benefit.
Minister Noel Dempsey
Mr Demspey said: "These surveys will provide important information on the water content of the subsoils and bedrock and will assist in indicating which areas may be vulnerable to pollution."
The survey, commissioned by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), will be carried out over the next month.
"The information acquired throughout the surveys will have several uses for example, certain areas may be revealed to be suitable for mineral exploration or quarrying possibilities," GSI director Dr Peadar McArdle said.
The aircraft will be flying at the unusually low altitude of 56 metres over rural areas.
An information line has been created at 086 872 9685.