Tellus Airborne Survey Cork, south Limerick and west Waterford

On behalf of the Geological Survey Ireland, we would like to inform you about the upcoming phase of the Tellus Survey. As you may know, the Tellus Survey is a nationwide programme that collects geochemical and geophysical data on rocks, soil and water across Ireland to help us sustainably manage the environment, natural resources and protect public health in the future. This year, Tellus celebrates its tenth birthday!

To collect this data, the latest phase of the survey will involve an aircraft flying at low heights from July until autumn 2021 (weather permitting) over County Cork, and neighbouring parts of south Limerick and west Waterford. The Tellus website – www.tellus.ie – is updated weekly with the planned flight schedule and contains further information on the programme.

The manned aircraft will fly at a low level of 60 metres over rural areas (approximately eight times the height of a standard two storey house), rising to 240 metres over urban areas. The sound of the plane is similar to that of a passing lorry and it may startle sensitive livestock, such as horses, pedigree cattle, sheep-in-lamb and poultry flocks.

As it is vital to raise public awareness of the project, particularly amongst farmers and animal owners, the Tellus team is continuing to deliver an ongoing communications campaign across the regions. In advance of the survey starting, we want to inform all relevant and interested stakeholders that the Tellus Survey will be taking place. We would appreciate your help and support in disseminating this information to your members and networks.

you have any concerns about the survey, particularly if you own sensitive livestock, or if you are interested in finding out more about the project,  you can contact the Tellus Freephone information line on 1800 45 55 65 or visit www.tellus.ie. You can also follow Tellus on twitter @TellusGSI.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any further information.

Best regards,

Aiveen Finn

Tellus Survey Project Team