A new map which depicts the detailed geology of the island of Ireland could assist the identification of future energy resources and prevent future mistakes in large infrastructural projects.
Launched yesterday by Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey and his Northern Irish counterpart Maria Eagles, the multimillion euro map provides the first detailed account of Ireland's geological bedrock structure since 1928.
It was developed by Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI). It is based on field observations and, to a lesser extent, aerial photographs and satellite mapping.
It shows what you would expect to see if the surface level of soil could be stripped back.
It will be used by consulting engineers, planners, local authorities, and exploration, waste and water companies.
"This new bedrock geological map of the country, which displays the remarkable variety of bedrock across the island of Ireland, will have a number of important uses, for example in the planning and construction of infrastructure, identifying and protecting groundwater, acting as a guide for exploration of energy resources," Mr Dempsey said.
He said that international studies had shown that the benefits of geological mapping outweigh the costs. The maps cost €10 and are available from GSI and in a number of bookshops. In Northern Ireland they are available from GSNI.