This document summarizes several case studies of geoscience-related planning applications in Ireland from 2000-2016. It discusses key issues around public perception, understanding, and the social license to operate for developers and research. Three significant case studies are described in detail: the Corrib Gas project, Tara Mines, and Lisheen Zinc Lead Mine. It also outlines several research projects aimed at better understanding public attitudes towards geoscience and improving consultation.

1. Sean Finlay, Director, Geoscience Ireland
Presentation for
EPA H2020 Information Day
October 7th 2016

2. OVERVIEW
•Public Perception & Understanding (PPU) - a key issue
for Developers and R&D
•Social Licence to Operate (SLO)- needs PPU !
•Geoscience-related planning applications
•Significant Case Studies
•Consultation –An Evolving Science

3. Review of Geoscience-related planning
applications (2000 -2016)
No. of Projects assessed = 52
Success Rate = 73%
Consultation Approach –Varied but
majority limited and localised

4. Corrib Gas –A multinational in a rural
coastal peninsula
• Shell E&P Ireland Ltd. Local and State
Consultation: Planning 2001-2011;
Project Completed late 2015
• First application unsuccessful: peat
and g/water issues; substantial
modifications; Cost overrun (€1Bn to
€3Bn); Policing cost = approx. €20M
• Significant community gain (ABP
condition €8.5m; €7m in other
community projects, €22m in local
road upgrades)

5. The West’s Awake!

6. Tara Mines – Industry Beneath our Feet
• Discovered 1970; Ext. Local Consultation & EIS
• Planning 1973;Production since 1977
• 1980’s - 2012; Multiple permissions for extensions
to mine and TMF
• EPA Approvals
• Current Application
for new TMF
• Promoting
Green Agenda
(Wind/ ICW)

7. Lisheen Zinc Lead Mine, Co. Tipperary
• Discovered 1990; by Ivernia West &Chevron JV
• Extensive Scoping and Consultation re: EIS; Minimal Objections
• Operated from 1998 to 2015
• CRAMP Implemented;$33M Bond (Photo below from July, 2016)
• After-use includes Wind Farms (latest permitted Sept. 2016)

8. Waste to Energy
•Dublin Waste to Energy (Covanta/Poolbeg) – Extensive
Local & Statutory Consultation (c €3m+)
•Inception late 1990’s; Planning 2000-2014 incl. High &
European Courts; Construction 2015 -2017

9. R&D for PPU
• GSI- Attitudinal Study by SLR (completed)
• iCRAG Projects: 2 no post docs to provide relevant geoscience information
to decision makers
• GSI Projects : 2 Post docs research funding (currently open) :
(i) Socio-economic impact of geoscience activities (including Ireland)
(ii) Assessing public understanding of geoscience and risk perception in
Ireland
• Irish Research Council-GSI : 3 projects:
(i) Public Perception (ii) Public and health policy in relation to groundwater
resources
(iii) Economic and public policy for the development of geothermal energy in
Ireland