Madam, - Two landslides within a month in the west of Ireland highlight the risks of the natural environment. Safeguarding the public from these risks requires an understanding of the geology and geomorphology of the countryside. This is the area of expertise of the professional geologist.
Madam, - Two landslides within a month in the west of Ireland highlight the risks of the natural environment. Safeguarding the public from these risks requires an understanding of the geology and geomorphology of the countryside. This is the area of expertise of the professional geologist.
The Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI) published guidelines in 2002 to improve the geological content of Environmental Impact Statements and recommends that the geology chapter of an EIS should be signed off by a professional geologist.
However, there are currently no professional geologists employed by county councils. If we want to have proper planning that will safeguard people from natural hazards such as flooding and landslides, it is necessary to employ experts who understand the natural environment. The IGI recommends that:
1. Each county council should employ a professional geologist.
2. There should be an increase in the staffing and funding of the Geological Survey of Ireland. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL BOLAND, Executive Secretary, Institute of Geologists of Ireland, UCD, Dublin 4.