Ahern hails seabed mapping deal with Canada

Ireland may become a world leader in the international seabed mapping market due to a new initiative with the Marine Institute in Canada, it emerged today.

The Geological Survey of Ireland has joined forces with the Marine Institute and interests in Canada to co-operate in a new initiative in the mapping market.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who announced several new initiatives as part of a visit to Newfoundland, said: “We value our relationship with Canada and the historic province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our shared values mean it is easy, worthwhile and profitable, in the widest sense of that word, to work with each other and to do business together. We can and we do turn our shared heritage to advantage in matters of economic development and common interest.”

As well as the Atlantic Partners Initiative, Mr Ahern announced a new trans-Atlantic collaboration on petroleum exploration.

Mr Ahern said researchers from Ireland and Newfoundland were developing a programme to advance the understanding of the petroleum potential of the Atlantic Ireland Basins.

As part of a technology transfer programme, Enterprise Ireland and Newfoundland’s Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development were working on an agreement in the area.

Mr Ahern said the programme seeks to partner companies with similar technology profiles in Ireland and Newfoundland.

A joint venture has been established between Butler Manufacturing Services of Longford, Ireland, and Construction Management Technologies of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland.

The Taoiseach is visiting the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador at the invitation of the Premier, Danny Williams who visited Ireland in July 2004.

The Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador has existed since 1996.

The agreements are linked to the significant migratory ties between the two regions which date back to the 17th century.