lough bed and the subsurface geology, including the nature and thickness of superficial sediments. This information is needed to produce a sand and gravel resource calculation. The geophysical survey and subsequent grab samples and boreholes will be used to produce an extremely accurate lough bathymetric map, and also enable us to provide lough-bed characterisation and aggregate-resource models for the designated priority area. Influencing decision makers The GSNI holds a unique position as it sits directly within the central government of Northern Ireland, through the Department for the Economy. Due to this, we are exclusively placed to advise and inform decision makers on a range of issues including energy and natural resources. This year, we provided input to over 50 Assembly Questions for Written Answer (AQWs) with topics ranging from outlining the current status on the moratorium on lignite mining to defining the difference between conventional and unconventional oil and gas exploration. We also provided input on over 30 Environmental Information Requests (EIRs) that arose from areas of concern to individuals and non-governmental organisations. This year, these included mining as well as unconventional and conventional oil and gas exploration. Informing planning and development We continue to act on behalf of DfE as a statutory consultee on planning issues in Northern Ireland through the GSNI, providing geoscience information and advice on all aspects of planning and development. In April 2015, significant change occurred when the responsibility for planning applications transferred from the NI Planning Service and devolved to the newly created ‘super-councils’. This change was augmented as it coincided with the long-anticipated restructuring within local government, which reduced the number of local councils from 26 down to 11. We embarked upon a year-long programme of engagement with the newly formed super-councils and with chief planners to promote our data and services, as well as providing guidance and advice on the likely risks and issues regarding planning in each area. We responded to just under 100 planning consultations that varied from wind-farm applications to quarry extensions, and advised on a range of potential impacts including Did you know? The National Bedrock Fence diagram covers the entire UK and totals over 20 000 km of section to a depth of 1.5–6 km. ©iStock.com 20 Annual science review Carmean Quarry, Moneymore Co. Londonderry. ©Sperrins Gateway Landscape Partnership.
Annual Science Review 2015-2016
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