GSI - Supporting the economic recovery in Ireland

9/26/2011 04:17:29 PM

During the boom years of strong economic growth in Ireland in the 1990's and early 2000's, the GSI played a key role in supporting national and regional planning and development.  However when the recession hit in the late 2000's  and the construction industry ground to a halt, the GSI started to look at new ways to support the country.

The organisation realised that its vast geological data assets could be used much more widely to help drive economic recovery in Ireland.  It therefore began to align its own activities with government priorities such as generating jobs, encouraging enterprise, developing sustainable energy and maximising the country's natural assets.

"Our role has changed", says Koen Verbruggen, Principal Geologist at GSI. "Previously, we were very much focused on infrastructure and construction. Now, we focus on a broader range of activities - with the ultimate aims of adding value, creating jobs and stimulating the economy".

You can read the GSI case study in full here, along with real return on investment figures realised as a result of the use and application of geographic information.