Geoscience Ireland

Overview

About us

Geoscience Ireland (GI) is a cluster of 40 companies, delivering collaborative expertise in water, minerals, environmental and infrastructure development to commercial clients in over 75 countries. The cluster is supported by two State Agencies: Geological Survey Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

Operating under a cluster dynamic, GI was founded on a belief of shared effort, collaboration, innovation, combined resources and stakeholder support. The overarching aims of GI are to develop the Irish geoscience SME sector through:

• sharing knowledge and the networking effect,
• increasing Irelands ratio of project wins overseas through managed collaboration,
• investing in and delivering on R&D projects, and
• stimulating job growth and economic activity in the geoscience sector.

In order to deliver on these ambitions, GI provides systems of support to facilitate and develop the cluster including:

• hosting regular workshops where members share market and export knowledge,
• undertaking Market Visit Studies to identify overseas networks and clusters,
• facilitating interactive sessions for members to develop trust and to welcome new cluster members,
• deliberating on the common goal that Ireland is a centre of geoscience excellence,
• providing a forum for members to put forward ideas on the clusters future directions,
• identifying tender and project opportunities whereby GI Members can respond with a collaborative approach to winning business,
• marketing and branding, and
• a uniform approach to accessing European institutions and donor agencies.

This well-managed system of supports recognises the human factors involved in developing industry. Through careful management and support, the GI Member Companies have developed and continue to grow a trusting and open relationship with other cluster members. This network approach enables SMEs to grow and for the Irish geoscience sector to develop and become part of the global community.