‘Real map of Inishbofin’ published today by Geological Survey of Ireland

Connemara island’s seabed territory charted

Seabed survey carried out by the Geological Survey of Ireland in 2012. Data shown here vertically exaggerated four times to highlight features.
Seabed survey carried out by the Geological Survey of Ireland in 2012. Data shown here vertically exaggerated four times to highlight features.

Inishbogfin islanders know the shape of their coastline from Admiralty charts, but new images show the exact size of the Connemara seascape.

A "real map of Inishbofin" is being presented to the community by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI)today.

The images are a result of hydrographic work undertaken by the GSI with the Marine Institute as part of the State's seabed mapping project known as INFOMAR.

The project to chart Irish marine territory in detail began in 2006 and is funded by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

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Inishbofin was surveyed as part of INFOMAR's 2012 plan. The team also provided support to other projects, such as the Copper Coast GeoPark in the south-east, and shipwreck diving and surveying with the National Monuments Service's underwater archaeology unit off Donegal.

Minister of State for Natural Resources Joe McHugh said that the “real map” of Inishbofin allowed communities to gain greater insight and understanding of the landscape around them.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times