An urgent appeal has been made after a lack of volunteers has halted progress on a plan to map the genetic history of Ireland.
The Irish DNA Research Project was launched in October, with academics and genealogists planning to create the most detailed and accurate map ever made of Ireland’s genetic history prior to the mass migrations of the 20th century.
However, the firm behind the ambitious project, Living DNA, has warned not enough volunteers from Ulster, Munster and Leinster have come forward to provide DNA samples, and have appealed for help.
Those sought for the project are required to have four Irish-born grandparents.
David Nicholson of Living DNA said: “To complete the project, the team still urgently needs more qualifying people from North Munster, Leinster and Ulster, where not enough suitable volunteers have yet come forward.
“To qualify, a person must have all four grandparents born in close proximity of each other, within an 80km radius. Initial research has already shown people from these areas may have distinct genetic differences, though the team of researchers needs more data to go on to allow for more accurate results.
“A higher number of voluntary participants will increase the opportunity for the company to identify patterns in the data.”
To find out more about the project and take part, visit www.livingdna.com/en-gb/irish-dna-research-project
