Dublin 27 June 2014
A second annual Review of Geoscience Ireland (GI) for 2014 shows continued
strong job creation by GI members. The review was completed by Neary Marketing
Surveys on behalf of the Geological Survey of Ireland/ Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Speaking about the results of the Review, Minister with responsibility for
Natural Resources, Fergus O’Dowd T.D. said, “These are very encouraging
figures and are a testament to the resilience and determination of these Irish
Geoscience companies that they have continued to expand as we recover
economically. The effective collaboration of state bodies in GSI and EI to
create and develop this Geoscience Ireland business cluster is a great example
of how government can assist industry in an effective way.”
The key findings of the Review are:
· Since September 2012, GI companies have created a total of 145 new jobs of
which 61 were created since July 2013.
· One third of members reported that GI’s contribution to members in winning
international business was significant, while 60% reported that GI was assisting
them in key areas of geoscience.
· Ratings of GI Support Services were considered useful/important by c. 66%
of members.
· Ratings of Enterprise Ireland Support Services s were considered important
by 80% of members.
A recent GI Workshop resulted in the following key recommendations:
· Development of a Marketing Plan for July 2014-June 2015. The focus of the
Plan will reflect the priorities of the member companies as to sectors and
geographical areas to target for the next 12 months.
· Opportunity Updates: the Review proposes a new type of structure,
appointing Lead Companies to focus on tendering opportunities in particular
sectors.
· Build on continued support by GSI, Enterprise Ireland, the Department of
Communications Energy & Natural Resources and the Department of Foreign
Affairs & Trade.
The Minster went on to say, “If this were a single factory with 60 or a
100+ jobs it would lend itself to a fairly significant announcement. However it
is no less important for the fact that it reflects sustained incremental growth
across a range of companies.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
About Geoscience Ireland (GI)
· GI is a business cluster of 21 companies supported by the Geological Survey
of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Launched in September 2012, GI member
companies provide integrated services to international markets in geology,
hydrogeology, environmental and geotechnical engineering, water services and
capacity building.
· GI member companies have undertaken projects in over 50 countries for
international finance and aid agencies, private and semi-state companies.
· GI members employ over 1,200 persons and turnover €160 M of which c.40% is
generated from work overseas.
Geoscience
Partners
The companies and
organisations partnering together as Geoscience Ireland can be found here:
http://www.geoscience.ie/about/who-we-are/
For further information, please click on the
following link:
http://www.geoscience.ie/
