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Delivering the opening address at the first joint meeting
of the Consultative Committees of the Geological Survey of
Ireland (GSI) and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland
(GSNI), Minister of State Tony Killeen, TD said that the recently-agreed
Framework for Increased Cooperation between the GSNI
and the GSI is pragmatic and feasible.
According to Minister Killeen, the benefit of this scientific
cooperation would be significant for both organisations -
not only in terms of increased efficiency and a shared knowledge
and skills base, but also to the economy, delivering improved
competitiveness and support for balanced regional development.
At the meeting, Minister Killeen also launched the study
- Geoscience: Gaining Ground - saying - "This
year - International Year of the Planet - is providing
the opportunity to demonstrate the valuable contribution geoscience
is making - socially and economically. It is a long-established
sector in Ireland - spanning many areas including industry,
research and education. Most recent figures indicate that
the sector contributed over €4 billion to the economy - something
which I regard as an excellent example of how science can
underpin economic activity."
The Minister added - "I also want to acknowledge the
role of the British Geological Survey (BGS) in enhancing technical
knowledge and product delivery. I know that there are strong
historical linkages between the BGS and the GSI and I am confident
that the continued cooperation will enhance this relationship
now and in the future.
Notes:
1. The Geological
Survey of Ireland (GSI) is a Division of the Department
of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Its purpose
is to provide geological information and advice of relevance
to Ireland.
2. Geoscience: Gaining Ground is published
by GSI and is an edited version of the report - Economic
Study of the Impact of the Geoscience Sector in Ireland
- by the CSA Group with Jerome Casey and Co. Ltd.
3. The recently published study has concluded that,
in 2006, the geoscience sector contributed €4.24 billion to
Ireland’s economy. The sector employed over 30,000 people
- 1.4% of total Irish employment.
4. For the programme of events scheduled for International
Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) - Click
Here
5. For further information on the report contact Dr
Peadar McArdle, Director, GSI, on 087 – 2262519, and on IYPE,
Mr Enda Gallagher, Marketing Officer, GSI, on 01 – 6782834.
To download a copy of Geoscience: Gaining Ground -
Click Here
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