There are 26 events listed in the research and funding events database in DROPLET .
Event Description:
The 2017 meeting of freshwater biologists will be held in Dundalk Institute of Technology on Friday March 10th. The theme of the morning session will be 'Informing Policy and Management of Freshwaters'. This session will have 12-minute presentations (plus 3 minutes for questions) of well-advanced or completed projects. In the afternoon there will be 7-minute presentations (plus 3 minutes for questions) on other well-advanced projects and an opportunity to deliver a 2 minute elevator pitch for new projects. There will be some space for poster presentations.
If you would like to give a presentation on your research please email a title and abstract (150 words) to mary.kelly-quinn@ucd.ie by the 17th February.
Advance registration and payment of the €20 non-refundable booking fee is necessary at: http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/events before Friday, 3rd March.
Event Description:
The aim of this event is to promote and disseminate Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 5 Opportunities amongst the Irish Research Community, as well as facilitate networking. For this 2016 Information Day, the focus will be on providing information on the 2017 calls opportunities, as well as on a forward-looking consultation in the context of the preparation for the upcoming Work Programme 2018-2020. Register for event by following link below. Programme – subject to changes Croke Park Conference Centre
9am – 9.30am: Registration
Session-1: Horizon 2020 & Societal Challenge 5
9.30am: Welcome & Opening
9.40am: 2016 Advisory Group Report on WP2018-2020
10.00am: COP 21 Agreement
10.20am: UN Sustainable Development Goals
Session-2: Participating in Horizon 2020 11.30am: Societal Challenge 5 – Upcoming 2017 Calls
12pm: Social Sciences & Humanities across the SC5 WP2017
12.15pm: Irish Successes – Experiences - Tips for applicants (2 projects)
Session-3: Forward-Looking Consultation - Towards WP 2018-2020
Parallel Session 3a: Climate Action
2.15pm: Successful Horizon 2020 Project
2.35pm: Climate Joint Programming Initiative
2.55pm: Group Panel Discussion: Key Research, Development & Innovation Gaps for Climate Action – 2018-2020
Parallel Session 3b: Water
2.15pm: Successful Horizon 2020 Project
2.35pm: Water Joint Programming Initiative
2.55pm: Group Panel Discussion: Key Research, Development & Innovation Gaps for Water – 2018-2020
Parallel Session-3c: Raw Materials & Circular Economy
2.15pm: Successful Horizon 2020 Project
2.35pm: Raw Materials – Policy perspective
2.55pm: Group Panel Discussion: Key Research, Development & Innovation Gaps for Raw Materials & Circular Economy – 2018-2020
Parallel Session-3d: Biodiversity & Nature-Based Solutions
2.15pm: Successful Horizon 2020 Project
2.35pm: Policy perspective
2.55pm: Group Panel Discussion: Key Research, Development & Innovation Gaps for Biodiversity & Nature-Based Solutions – 2018-2020 Panels will include representatives from the Social Science & Humanities community, Scientists, Policy, EU Side Initiatives, End-Users / Industries.
Session-4.: Participating in Horizon 2020 4.15pm: Short Feedback from the Parallel Sessions
4.30pm: Feedback from the Irish Research Community on Support Provided – Have your Say! Close of Information Day
Event Description: Workshop for the project: Biological Quality Element Validation for Tidal Freshwater Transitional Waters in Ireland Date and Time: 15 September 2016 – 10am - 2pm Location: Trinity College Dublin – Auk Room in the Zoology Department, Dublin 2, Ireland Places are free but limited - If you are interested in attending, please contact Cordula Scherer directly: cscherer@tcd.ie Objectives and description of workshop: The workshop is intended to promote knowledge exchange on monitoring programmes of Tidal Freshwater Transitional Waters (TFTW) zones across Europe. It aims to raise awareness of these zones and highlights the (lack of) management of pressures on the TFTW ecosystems. We invite experts to share their experience in developing appropriate methods for the assessment of TFTWs in line with the WFD whilst presenting our own results for nine Irish TFTWs. The workshop further aims to encourage discussion on the development and validation of Biological Quality Elements (BQEs) for the TFTW habitat, specifically. In detail the objectives of this workshop are: • to share the project’s key results with governmental stakeholders and NGOs via oral presentation • to encourage general discussion on this topic and BQEs in particular • to discuss our key recommendations of indicators • to seek feedback from experts across Ireland and the UK by presenting their own approaches in assessing TFTW zones and in developing metrics/indices • to identify further necessary steps for implementation of a monitoring programme for the TFTW zones Preliminary Agenda: 10:00 – 10:05 Registration* 10:05 – 10:10 Welcome, housekeeping 10:10 – 10:20 Introduction of project partners and invited speakers 10:15 – 11:00 Presentation of our EPA-funded project and key recommendations 11:00 – 12:00 Presentations of invited experts 12:00 – 13:30 Start of discussion and wrap up of workshop 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch and (informal) discussion continued *Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the workshop Expected Outcomes: The expected outputs and benefits will be: • Awareness of TFTWs and their unique sensitivity to pressures • Public participation • Identification of challenges assessing the ecological status in TFTWs and in managing pressures on these systems • Knowledge exchange • Analysis/ investigation of alternative approaches • Recommendation of BQEs for monitoring of TFTWs under legislation Target Audience: Management audience who implement monitoring programmes for the assessment of the aquatic environment under legislation (government and public bodies), NGO bodies, academics, members of the public, practitioners and anyone who is interested in the aquatic environment Relevance to policymakers: New assessment method for monitoring TFTWs under WFD regulations
Event Description: EPA funded Medium Scale research project: 2013-W-MS-14: Assessment of natural organic matter (NOM) and ptaquiloside in Irish waters will host a Natural Organic Matter & Trihalomethanes, Overview Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are formed when natural water is treated to control microbial presence during the drinking water treatment process and can comprise halogenated and non-halogenated compounds depending on the nature of disinfectants used and precursors present. Trihalomethanes (THMs) are the most eminent class of DBPs in treated water; however, more than 600 different DBPs have been acknowledged. THMs are formed when chlorine re-acts with aromatic structures in humic substances. Ireland has the highest reported non-compliance for THM exceed-ances across the 27 EU Member States and at least two-fold greater than the next highest Member State. The objectives of the proposed workshop will be to share a summary of international and national research from scien-tists in relation to natural organic matter (NOM) and DBPs; define the problems water managers are faced with in rela-tion to NOM and DBPs; agree on defined research questions for further study; and to establish an Irish NOM network. Workshop themes: • Policies and regulations on THMs • National and International catchment based research findings on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leaching • Problems faced by water managers and the technologies available for NOM removal • Methods of analysis for NOM and DBPs Who should attend? Attendance of water managers, scientists, engineers, industry partners, environmental managers, heritage officers, planning officers, policymakers, and students is strongly encouraged.
Event Description: This year's edition will revolve around the topic “Water-Smart!: European solutions for a smart water society”. Water Innovation Europe 2016 will feature the 3rd edition of WssTP Water Innovation SME Awards and will mark the launch of the new WssTP Water Vision 2030 and the new WssTP Strategic Innovation and Research Agenda 2030 (WssTP SIRA 2030). Th WssTP annual stakeholders' conference is dedicated to offering an open platform for constructive discussions and extensive networking opportunities among the key stakeholders of the European water sector. **Registration opening within the next few weeks**
Event Description:
The main topics to be addressed at the Conference will be:
Agriculture in the context of Food Harvest 2020/ Food Wise 2025
Business Models and Financing
Climate Change Adaptation
Critical Pollution Source Areas
Disentangling Stressors – Urban / Rural
Ecosystem Health
Emerging and Innovative Technologies
Governance and Policy
Green Solutions
Integrated Catchment Management
Internet of Things
Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement
Micro and Nano Plastics
Mining, Contaminated Lands, Landfill Sites
Modelling and Forecasting
Storm Water Management
Value of Citizen Science
Water Food Energy Nexus
Water Literacy
Proposed Workshop Themes*
Horizon 2020
Circular Economy
WFD Monitoring
Planning
Emerging Contaminants
Micro-plastics
Decision Support Tools
Transportation/Road and Rail Maintenance
Water Infrastructure and Innovations
*workshops are subject to change
Event Description: "We would like to invite you to attend the IWA Regional Conference on Diffuse Pollution and Catchment Management, taking place in Dublin City University from 23rd - 27th October 2016. The conference will be hosted in conjunction with the International Water Association (IWA) and DCU Water Institute. The target audience of delegates and presenters will include individuals from academia and research institutes, environmental agencies, consultancies, government & political organizations and industries across the spectrum of water management. Water is a global challenge with traditional pressures still very much on the agenda and emerging issues driving new research topics in the search for solutions. We very much welcome your scientific contributions spanning the many traditional areas, as well as new innovative topics addressing diffuse pollution and catchment management. "
CONFERENCE OUTLINE
The programme will cover a vast range of topics during the conference through;
* Pre-Conference Training Options
* Plenary Sessions with Invited Expert Keynote Speakers
* Workshops & Round Table Discussions (Feedback to Conference Declaration)
* Thematic Sessions
* Poster Sessions
* Industry/Business Fora - (Opportunities and Barriers re Planning, Licensing, Regulation etc.)
* Dedicated Session(s) for Young Water Professionals (YWP) - (including IWA - YWP Chapter for Ireland, Mentoring Programme, Study/Work Opportunities in Ireland etc.)
* Conference Declaration - for Submission to DG Environment.
Event Description:
Purpose:
(1) To discuss the structure and development of appropriate standards for sediment fluxes in Irish Rivers
(2) To discuss measures for reducing the sediment load in rivers,
(3) To provide an opportunity to discuss SILTFLUX findings with international experts and with Irish researchers.
Intended participants:
All those interested in: (i) water quality issues related to sediment concentrations and fluxes(ii) setting standards for sediment fluxes and (iii) suitable prevention/reduction measures.
Format:One day intensive workshop with break-out sessions for discussion and feedback.
There will be some car parking nearby (entrance from Clonskeagh Road sign-posted UCD or Leinster Rugby). Most parking bays are for free parking (unless signposted otherwise) but it is imperative that you park in a marked bay.
Draft Proposed Programme
9:15-9:45 Registration, Tea & Coffee
9:50 -10:00 Introduction and Objectives of SILTFLUX Workshop No. 3
10:00 -10:45 Keynote: On-farm measures for sediment control and their potential impacts – monitoring and modelled data Prof. Adrian Collins (Rothamsted Research, UK)
10:45- 11:15 SILTFLUX Team - 1: Suspended sediment measurements in Irish Rivers (summary).
11:15- 11:30SILTFLUX Team - 2: Ecological impact of sediment (summary)
11:30– 11:45 Coffee/Tea
11:45- 12:45 Break-out small group session (Measures) 12:45 -13:15 Group reports from session recorders
13:15 -14:15 Lunch
14:15 -14:45 SILTFLUX Team - 3: Framework for a sediment regulating policy with targets.
14:45 -15:45Break-out small group session (Policy/Targets)
15:45 -16:15Group reports from session recorders
16:15 -16:30 Final Wrap up
Event Description: Organising committee: Dr Mary Kelly-Quinn (University College Dublin), Dr Ian Donohue (Trinity College Dublin), Pascal Sweeney (Sweeney Consultancy), Dr Simon Harrison (University College Cork), Maria Walsh (National Biodiversity Data Centre).
Event Description:
Events are scheduled to take place as follows:
Monday 25th: Marine Science Art Fusion "Diaphanous Beneath" & reception, 4-7pm
What lies beneath? Below the waters transparent surface there is growth. Drawing on research from DCU Water Institute's Marine and Environmental Sensing Technology Hub (MESTECH) Diaphanous Beneath is a collection of garments which explores and interprets the growth, layering and patterns of the diatom and crab surface. Materials are manipulated, layered and embellished to represent the expansion of organic matter and the clear and translucent quality of the sea.
Growth, action and reaction, layering, repellent surfaces, complex details. Fashion meets Science in this 3-dimensionsal visual exploration of these biofilm forming organisms.
Tuesday 26th: Photography Exhibition – DCU
Underwater vision system for the identification of sharks and other marine species.
Wednesday 27th: SWIG workshop: 9.30am – 4pm.
Coastal Pollution Monitoring Workshop
The SWIG Coastal Pollution Monitoring Workshop will address the impact of EU Directives including Water Framework, Bathing Waters and Shellfish to monitoring of rivers through to coastal waters under current pressures from both industrial and natural pollution. The Workshop will provide delegates the opportunity to learn about current monitoring projects and practices from regulators, academics, water companies and sensor suppliers from both the UK and Ireland.
The workshop will look at monitoring technologies for application to coasts, ports, marinas affecting leisure users, fisheries, aquaculture and bathing waters
Thursday 28th: DCU Water Institute/Agilent Symposium 9.30am – 5.30pm.
Advanced Analytical Methods for Environmental Analysis of Water
This symposium will bring experts from Ireland, Europe and the United States to show applications of advanced analytical methodologies for the field of water monitoring. Topics cover emerging contaminants, challenges of detection and matrix and global water perspectives.
Event Description: The first IAH (Irish Group) Groundwater Conference was held in 1980, four years after the Irish Chapter was founded in 1976. The two-day conference has evolved over the years with the growing IAH membership and has become a keenly anticipated event in the IAH calendar for members and non-members alike. Each year, the committee endeavour to present conference themes and presentations which are topical and relevant to delegates from academic, consulting , statutory and non-technical backgrounds, alike. The IAH (Irish Group) Groundwater Conference can be expected to benefit hydrogeologists, engineers, local authorities, consultants, planners, environmental scientists, public health officials, professionals and practitioners from a variety of sectors involved with groundwater.
Event Description: Lecture given by Dr Les Brown on Artur Kozlowski's cave diving explorations. Part of the monthly Technical Discussion Meeting series. Venue: Geological Survey of Ireland, Beggars Bush, Dublin 4 Date: Tuesday 3rd May 2016 Time: Tea/Coffee 17:30 Talk & discussion 18:00 – 19:45
Event Description: Seeing things differently: Rethinking the relationship between data and models. 2016 NGWS Darcy Lecturer Ty Ferré (University of Arizona). Part of the monthly Technical Discussion Meetings series. Venue: Geological Survey of Ireland, Beggars Bush, Dublin 4 Date: Tuesday 31st May 2016 Time: Tea/Coffee 17:30 Talk & discussion 18:00 – 19:45
Event Description: Geotechnical aspects of developing deep basements in water bearing gravels in Cork. Mike Long (UCD), Toby Roberts (WJ Groundwater Ltd) & Martin Murphy (MMOS Consulting Engineers). Part of the monthly Technical Discussion Meeting series. Venue: Geological Survey of Ireland, Beggars Bush, Dublin 4 Date: Tuesday 12th January 2016 Time: Tea/Coffee 17:30 Talk & discussion 18:00 – 19:45
Flood Forecasting Technology Workshop
Event Description:
DRAFT Purpose:
(1) To describe some of the internationally available flood warning platforms, suitable for use in Ireland
(2) To provide an opportunity to discuss their warning requirements with potential users of warning systems and with stakeholders who may use their outputs.
Intended participants:
This is a technical workshop aimed at those whose work is related to producing, delivering or managing the response to flood warnings in Ireland.
Format: One day intensive workshop with break-out sessions for discussion and feedback.
There will be some car parking in front of Building no. 55 (entrance from Clonskeagh Road sign-posted EPA). Most parking bays are for free parking (unless signposted otherwise) but it is imperative that you park in a marked bay.
Draft Programme
9:15-9:45 Registration, Tea & Coffee
9:50 -10:00 Introduction and Objectives of Workshop – Prof. Michael Bruen
10:00 -10:45 Keynote 1 : Floods in Ireland – Messrs. Timothy Joyce and Mr. Mark Hayes (OPW)
10:45- 11:30 Keynote 2 : Flood forecasting based on the Delft-FEWS platform (Dr. Jan Verkade, Deltares, Holland)
11:30 -12:30 Break-out small group sessions (and participants survey)
12:30 -13:00 Group reports from session recorders
13:00 -14:00 Lunch
14:00 -14:45 Keynote 3: Flood froecasting based on the MIKE system ( Drs. Mark Bailes and Johan Hartnack, DHIGroup)
14:45 -15:15 Natural Disasters and Warnings (EPA-WARNDIS project) (Prof. Michael Bruen and Dr. Mawuli Dzakpasu)
15:15 -16:15 Break-out small group sessions (with tea/ coffee survey)
16:15 -16:45 Group reports from session recorders and final wrap-up
ENVIRON 2016
Event Description:
The 26th Irish Environmental Researchers' Colloquium, ENVIRON 2016, will be held at University of Limerick, from Tuesday to Thursday 22nd-24th March, 2016.
The ENVIRON colloquium is the longest running and largest annual gathering of environmental researchers in Ireland, with over 300 delegates attending the event each year. It provides a venue for researchers to exchange information on their most up-to-date findings with a large and diverse audience made up of academics, industry members and policy makers. It is an excellent platform for the sharing of ideas and for knowledge transfer among groups working in disparate disciplines. The interdisciplinary nature of the colloquium and its associated workshops fosters interaction between scientists, engineers, industry members and policy makers.
The theme of this year's colloquium 'Ecosystem Services for a Sustainable Future’ will stimulate consideration of how current research informs this theme and the development of sustainable policies for future generations.
The University of Limerick previously hosted the 7th and 14th ENVIRON in 1997 and 2004 respectively and the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering are very pleased to welcome the colloquium back to Limerick in 2016. 2015 saw the launch of the The Bernal Project, a €52 million strategic investment in research excellence, at the University of Limerick. The role of environmental sciences in the collaborative and cross-disciplinary teaching and research in Environment, Engineering and Energy are important foci of this new project and will continue the long standing record UL has established in these disciplines including Faculty representation in the UN Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
The University of Limerick was named 'University of the Year 2015' in the Sunday Times Good University Guide. Other recent achievements include the University receiving the prestigious Athena SWAN Institution award. This recognises and celebrates good practice in recruiting, retaining and promoting women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. UL is a recent recipient of the internationally recognised Green Flag by An Taisce’s Green-Campus programme. This is an international environmental education and award scheme that promotes long term, whole college action for the environment. Significant initiatives and advances in the areas of Energy Conservation, Biodiversity and Travel and Transport have been incorporated into campus life.
Conference Registration
The themes of the sessions of this year's colloquium have been chosen to accommodate the widest possible participation and span a broad spectrum of activities from the physical, life and social sciences. Submissions are invited from the following thematic areas:
• Water quality and resources
• Biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Waste management
• Climate change
• Energy
• Environmental policy and communication
• Environmental socioeconomics
• Invasive species
• Environment and human health
• Air quality and urban development
• Marine and coastal
• Environmental management
• Sustainability and research innovation
• Nanotechnology and the Environment
• Sustainable land use
To ensure a high standard of submission, all abstracts will be peer-reviewed by an academic committee comprising of experts in all the topics addressed within the session themes. Presenters who have submitted posters will be offered the opportunity to summarise their findings in a one-minute oral presentation at the end of an oral session. Prizes for the best overall oral and poster presentations and in a number of selected topics will be on offer again this year, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.
The registration fees for ENVIRON 2016 are as follows:• Full delegate €190
• Students/Reduced/Seniors €100
• Student Group Discount Rate (groups of ten) €75
The conference gala dinner will take place at the Castletroy Park Hotel and tickets cost €35.00 for a four course meal. We strongly encourage all delegates to come to this event which will include plenty of entertainment. The Castletroy Park Hotel is also the conference hotel and special rates have been negotiated with the hotel. Please organise your accommodation directly and quote 'Environ2016' for the discounted room rate.
Workshop on ‘Rare’ River Types
Event Description:
RARETYPE is a 2 year project, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, with the overall aim of characterising reference conditions for ‘rare’ river types. Four categories of ‘rare’ river types were included in this study: 1) low conductivity, naturally acidic rivers, 2) highly calcareous rivers with calcium precipitation, 3) groundwater-dominated rivers, and 4) rivers strongly influenced by lakes, i.e. lake outlets. All four groups present a potentially challenging combination of environmental conditions for aquatic biota and so may host communities different to those expected according to type-specific reference conditions. There is a paucity of information across Europe determining if these rivers represent distinct river types, sub-types or if they warrant modification of metrics/assessment tools when assessing their ecological status. The objectives of this study are to: i) characterise the biological communities of ‘rare’ river types using all the Water Framework Directive (WFD) biological quality elements including macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and phytobenthos, ii) determine if these ‘rare’ rivers represent separate types to the twelve already defined in Ireland, iii) determine the performance of water quality metrics by analysing data from both potential reference sites and impacted sites. The aim of this workshop is to receive feedback on the results to date.
Time Speaker
2:00-2:10 RARETYPE Project and Workshop Introduction by Dr Mary Kelly-Quinn
2:10-3:00 The biological communities of rare rivers – distinct types? by Dr Edel Hannigan
3:00-3:30 Feedback/Discussion
3:30-3:45 Tea/Coffee
3:45-4:15 Performance of quality metrics by Dr Edel Hannigan
4:15-4:50 Feedback/Discussion
5:00 Close of workshop
EPA 2015 National Information Day on Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 5
Event Description:
The EPA is organising a National Information Day for Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 5 on the 21st October 2015 at the Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin 4. This event aims at promoting Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 5 amongst the Irish Research Community and at supporting the active and successful engagement & participation of Irish researchers in Horizon 2020.
Who should attend?
Research Community (Academics, NGOs and Companies/Industry)
Registration:
The event is free of charge but places are limited. All attendees must register before the 7th October 2015.
To Register, please visit the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/epa-2015-national-information-day-on-horizon-2020-societal-challenge-5-registration-17765398786
Flash Presentations Opportunity:
Do you want to give a 2-minute Flash Presentation during one of our parallel sessions? Please indicate so when completing your registration. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come-first served basis.
EPA Horizon 2020 Expertise Catalogue
Are you registered on the EPA Horizon 2020 Research Expertise Catalogue? If NOT, please do so now!
The Catalogue is available at: http://erc.epa.ie/h2020catalogue
Draft Programme
Please see a draft programme of this event available at the following link
http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/internationallinkages/horizon2020/horizon2020sc5events/infoday2015/#.VgpptvlVhBc
Please note that it is possible that we will take photographs during the event.
Towards Integrated Water Management (TIMe) Project Workshop
Event Description:
Water Management and Community Engagement Workshop
25th Nov 2015, Crown Plaza Hotel, Dundalk
The Towards Integrated Water Management (TIMe) Project is funded through the Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland, and based through the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
The TIMe Project aims to connect science, policy, managers and local communities for the integrated management of Ireland’s water resources to assist in delivering improvements in environmental status, water quality and water management.
The project is holding a workshop on ‘Water Management and Community Engagement’ to be held on 25th November 2015 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, County Louth. This workshop will bring together water managers, environmental professionals and representatives of local communities to discuss and debate the role of communities in water resource management and how improvements can be made in Ireland to move towards more integrated water management.
The morning session of the workshop will consist of presentations from invited speakers, followed by an afternoon ‘World Café’ type event where attendees will be given the opportunity to engage with each other through structured questions and topics.
Confirmed speakers include Professor Ken Irvine (UNESCO-IHE), Donal Daly (EPA Ireland), Fran Igoe (IRD Duhallow), Dr. Daire ÓhUallacháin (Teagasc) and Guy Pluckwell (Environment Agency, England).
08:30 Registration and Tea/Coffee
09:00 Welcome and Introductions
Alec Rolston, TIMe Project
09:10 Plenary Presentation: Integrated Water Resources Management
Prof. Ken Irvine, UNESCO-IHE
09:55 Integrated Catchment Management in Ireland
Donal Daly, EPA
1030 Launch of Streamscapes Public Engagement Report
Paddy Morris, EPA Mark Boydon, Streamscapes
10:40 Coffee Break
11:00 Towards Integrated Water Management (TIMe) Project
Alec Rolston, TIMe Project
11:40 Delivering Integrated Water Management through the bottom-up approach: A critical analysis
Fran Igoe, IRD Duhallow
12:00 Community engagement and Local Authorities
Bernie O’Flaherty, Monaghan County Council
12:20 Cattle exclusion from water courses: Environmental and socio-economic implications
Daire ÓhUallacháin, Teagasc
12:40 Love your River Telford Project
Guy Pluckwell, Environment Agency, UK
13:00 Lunch Break
14:00 Discussion Groups (World Café format)
Alec Rolston, TIMe Project
15:20 Coffee Break
15:40 Discussion Groups continued
16:30 Summary and close
Alec Rolston, TIMe Project
EPA funded Research Project: 2012-W-MS-11: The role of passive sampling in screening and monitoring of new and emerging chemicals
Event Description:
Workshop
Thursday the 5th of November, to be held in DCU Invent Building 8.30am – 3.00pm
This EPA funded research project is a 36 month medium scale study that pilots the use of passive sampling technology combined with biota monitoring to assess the presence of priority substances in Irish surface waters.
The lead Coordinator working on the project is Professor Fiona Regan, DCU and this second workshop follows the first workshop that took place in DCU in April 2014. A number of recommendations emerged from the first workshop (please see doc attached) and the main focus of the second workshop (The role of passive sampling in future monitoring programmes) is on linking biota monitoring and passive sampling in the knowledge that EQS values linked to biota pose significant monitoring challenges. Confirmed speakers for the workshop are listed in doc attached.
The Role of Passive Sampling in future monitoring programmes
WORKSHOP November 5th, 2015
8.30 – 3pm
DRAFT Agenda:
8.30 Registration with tea/coffee
9.00 Introduction
(Fiona Regan, DCU)
9.15 The role of passive sampling in screening and monitoring of new and emerging chemicals – Project Overview
(Lisa Jones, DCU)
9.45 Challenge of Biota EQS – can passive sampling play a role?
(Brendan McHugh, Marine Institute)
10.15 TBC
10.45 Coffee Break
11.15 Title TBC
Ian Allen, Contaminants in Aquatic Environments, Niva
11.45 Break out session: BAF and Passive Sampling
12.15 Feedback
12.40 European Updates
(Simon O’Toole, EPA)
12.50 Title TBC
(Evin McGovern, Marine Institute)
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Break out session
Trend analysis or compliance barriers with passive sampling
14.30 Feedback
15.00 Close
CONNECT: COmbiNing earth observatioN and gEochemical traCing Techniques for groundwater detection and evaluation in Ireland (2012-W-MS-13)
Event Description:
Thursday October 15th 2015 2pm - 5pm
Programme
1400 – 1410 CONNECT Project and Workshop Introduction
Dr Jean Wilson (TCD)
14:10 – 14:45 A desktop GIS analysis of surface-groundwater connectivity
Dr Jean Wilson & Professor Catherine Coxon
14:45 – 15:30 A national assessment of groundwater discharge to lakes and TRACs using remote sensing
Dr Jean Wilson
15:30 – 16:30 Groundtruthing, verification and in situ evaluation of groundwater discharge
Professor Carlos Rocha & Dr Jean Wilson
16:30 – 16:45 Questions & Answers
17:00 Tea & Coffee
To register please contact Jean Wilson: jewilson(at)tcd.ie
Event Description:
Course Duration: Cost: Members: Non-members: Course Certification: BACKGROUND
For firms committed to water management, the EWS Standard is a practical tool for improving sustainable water use with technical advice, risk assessment, (physical, reputational, regulatory and financial) and implementation of strategic improvements through a process of continuous improvement.
Implementation of the European Water Stewardship (EWS) Standard allows companies to:
* Identify and respond to local water risks
* Implement a water management strategy
* Anticipate and comply with local water regulation
* Build trust with authorities and supply chain
* Communicate good water performance to consumers and investors
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The workshop aims to:
* Introduce Water Stewardship concept and the EWS
* Provide knowledge about Water Stewardship basics such as water impact, shared risk and opportunities, the four Water Stewardship principles and the area of influence
* Get insight into European Water Policy and major trends that will affect your water management
* Understand the EWS standard as a s tool to assess your local water risks and design a robust water management strategy
* Prepare for EWS Certification and beyond
* Answer your questions
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This workshop will appeal to those responsible for water management in industrial facilities including facilities managers, EHS managers and operations directors. It will also appeal to representatives from water authorities, agriculture and large public infrastructure facilities such as airports, hospitals and universities.Event Description:
ESManage is a 3 year project, funded by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency, with the overall aim of integrating Ecosystem Services (ES) derived from freshwaters into policy and decision-making for sustainable management of water resources, as required by the Water Framework Directive. ES are defined as 'the functions and products of ecosystems that benefit humans, or yield welfare to society' (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005).
The aims of this workshop are to introduce the project objectives, and to seek stakeholder’s view on (i) what are the key ecosytem services delivered by freshwater ecosystems in Ireland and (ii) how alternative future land-use and other pressures, and management responses might impact the delivery of freshwater ecosystem services. The output from this workshop will contribute to the project’s overall objective to harness the knowledge and tools required for incorporating the ecosystem services approach into policy and decision-making for sustainable management of water resources.
The programme includes two keynote addresses.
Time Speaker
9:30-9:50 Registration, Tea & Coffee
9:50-10.00 EPA 2014-2020 EPA Research Strategy– Dr. Alice Wemaere
10:00-10.15 Welcome & introduction to the EsManage Project - Dr Mary Kelly-Quinn
10:15- 11.00 Keynote : The Ecosystem Services (ES) Approach Speaker to be confirmed
11.00- 11:30 Irish Freshwater Resources & Associated Ecosystem Services - Dr Hugh Feeley
11:30 -12.30 Break-out small group sessions – Identifying key ES delivered by freshwater ecosystems in Ireland
12:30-13:00 Reports from session rapporteurs
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-14.45 Keynote Prof. Mike Christie – ES valuation: Keys Steps and Information Needs
14.45-15.00 Pressures on Irish Freshwater Resources: Present & Future – Martin Mc Garrigle
15.00-16.00 Break-out small group sessions – Management Scenarios for Investigation & Study Catchments
16:00-16:30 Reports from session rapporteurs
16.30-16.45 Wrap Up & Next Steps – Prof. Michael Bruen
16.45 Close of Workshop
Event Description:
There is a growing concern that the application of new and existing research knowledge to support the sustainable intensification of the Irish Agri-Food sector is being undermined by a lack of effective knowledge transfer and innovation systems. The more traditional model, largely based on a one-way transfer of knowledge from research to policy to extension to farmers, has not provided the on-farm results expected. Progress has and continues to be made in improving knowledge transfer (e.g. Teagasc Discussion Groups). Recent reviews by the OECD (2015) and SCAR (2013) provide valuable insights to the challenges and potential solutions.
There was a strong consensus that there was a need to identify new models of knowledge transfer to support sustainable intensification of agriculture in Ireland emerging from the Ag-Impact workshop held in Dublin (January, 2015). The primary objective of the workshop was to identify the water quality research priorities for the next five years. However, the participants strongly suggested the biggest step-change in mitigating the impact of agriculture on water quality could be achieved by improving knowledge transfer and the associated implementation of solutions on farms i.e. innovation.
Developing the option(s) to improve the current knowledge transfer and innovation systems in Ireland was beyond the scope of the Ag-Impact project. However, the EPA wished to explore this issue and offered a six month project extension.
The aim of the project extension is to identify potential approach(es) for anto support sustainable intensification of Irish agriculture as outlined in FH2020 and in the new 2025 Agri-Food Strategy to be published by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine later this year.
The project extension concept of a IKTI system is one that represents the linkages between the people and institutions to promote mutual learning, generate, share and utilise agricultural related technology, knowledge and information to promote the innovation required to achieve FH2020 sustainable intensification goals. The Workshop will also consider the IKTI requirements to meet the needs of rapidly changing Agri-Food sector and the ambitious targets that will set out in DAFM’s 2025 Strategy.
The June 26th, 2015 Workshop output will be:.
* A list of the characteristics of an IKTI model to meet the current and future needs of the Agri-Food sector.
This output will be used in a follow up survey among a wider group of interested parties. The final step will be a stakeholder consultation workshop to develop an outline strategy for the development and implementation of IKTI.
The Workshop .
A small group of 20-25 experts from science, policy, extension, education, farmers and agri-food industry will be brought together for a one-day workshop to discuss approaches to improve knowledge transfer.
To stimulate thinking during the workshop a Foresight expert, Dr. Patrick Crehan will be present short talk on how existing and emerging technologies might impact on the sector up to 2025. The subsequent discussions will be recorded with a focus on recording key characteristics of an IKTI model.
* Registration for this event is by invite only * Registration for this event is now closedEvent Description:
An International Conference exploring the latest developments in catchment science and their application to the environmental and economic challenges facing farmers, policy makers and regulators.
Hosted in Wexford, Ireland by the Agricultural Catchments Programme, the conference will run from the 28th - 30th of September with two days of indoor sessions and a choice of of field trips on day three.
Conference Sessions:
1. Detecting change and lag times - patience and policy implementation.
Agri-environmental nutrient measures are required to fit into a DPSIR framework of improving water quality or to provide evidence of at least no change to acceptable water quality status. This session will explore evidence based examples of positive outcomes to policy measures and also confounding influences that require further consideration in policy reviews.
2. Integrated approaches to solving catchment policy questions.
Sustainable intensification of agriculture requires consideration of environmental and economic objectives. This session will highlight monitoring and modelling approaches to achieve these objectives showing if and where trade-offs could occur.
3. Soil analysis and nutrient management – achieving environmental and agronomic goals.
Fertiliser recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of nutrient loss to water while addressing production needs are based on soil analysis and adaptive nutrient management strategies. This session will highlight the soil parameters and nutrient management approaches needed to improve nutrient use efficiency and deliver a win-win - improved water quality and profitable production.
4. Farmer engagement, behavioural change and knowledge exchange.
What’s the best way to promote farmer engagement on an individual or collective basis in management practices that achieve both agronomic and environmental goals? How can we accelerate the adoption of these practices among the diverse farming population at farm and catchment scale? These challenges will be addressed in this session from a research, advisory and farming perspective.
5. Adaptive management approaches to reducing nutrient loss risk.
The majority of catchment scale nutrient transfers occur from a small proportion of catchment areas during a few storm events. This session will explore the latest developments in the identification and management of critical source areas and critical source times of nutrient transfer in agricultural catchments.
6. Disentangling the impact of multiple stressors on aquatic ecology.
Achievement of water quality objectives requires an understanding of the links between land management, water chemistry and ecological quality. This session will explore the impact of nutrient and sediment dynamics in headwater streams on biological water quality indicators from a range of point, diffuse, acute and chronic pressures.
7. Soil erosion – measurement and mitigation.
The impacts of erosion on soil productivity and downstream water quality are a key catchment management challenge. This session aims to explore soil erosion measurement and provenance, assess the impact of landscape, land use, and climate interactions on soil erosion risk, and consider mitigation measures to reduce soil loss and downstream sediment transfers.
8. Economic analysis of environmentally-based regulations.
This theme explores integrated biophysical and economic modelling approaches to addressing water quality issues. This session welcomes research looking at the cost effectiveness or cost benefit analysis of policy measures at various scales.
For further information on the conference and abstract submission email CatchmentScience2015@teagasc.ie .
Event Description:
Catchment Science into Policy
A briefing and discussion on the main findings of the Agricultural Catchments Programme and their policy implications in the context of meeting Ireland’s water quality and food production goals.
This event will be divided into themed sessions in which the key outcomes of the programme will be presented in an agri-environmental policy context.
Topics to be covered and discussed will include:
Policy Needs – Agriculture and Water Quality
Soil Phosphorus Management
Identifying Nutrient Pathways and Critical Source Areas
Nutrient Delivery, Pressures and Ecological Impact
Farmer Engagement, Knowledge Transfer and Changing Farm Practice