Pictured: Professor Paul Dunlop and Dr Eileen Doherty, Ulster University
Expert academics and leading defective concrete block campaigners have announced an international conference on the Irish concrete crisis this April in Donegal.
The event is part of Ulster University’s ‘Ulster Talks’ series to highlight research into the scientific causes of defective concrete failure. It will also examine the societal and mental health impacts of living with defective concrete.
It will take place on Saturday, April 12th, from 10:30am to 5pm at the An Grianan Hotel in Burt, Co. Donegal.
Experts in the Schools of Geography & Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Business from Ulster University, with international collaborators in geology, engineering and concrete science from Canada, Switzerland and Ireland will come together for the discussions.
The international conference is being organised by a dedicated committee which includes Professor Paul Dunlop, Research Director for Geography and Environmental Sciences at Ulster University, and Dr. Eileen Doherty, Lecturer in Digital Transformation at Ulster Business School, also at Ulster University. Both Inishowen residents deeply affected by the DCB crisis, Dr. Doherty and Prof Dunlop bring significant expertise to the event, having conducted extensive international research into the causes and consequences of the issue.
Letterkenny-based campaigner Joe Morgan (Director of Engineering, Druva), a prominent voice in the movement, will outline ongoing engagement with the European Union on the crisis.
A dedicated session will explore the EU’s involvement, featuring discussions with MEPs and other political representatives on local and EU efforts to address the issue.
One aspect of the conference will be the examination of the societal and mental health impacts experienced by those living with defective concrete. Dr. Karen Kirby, Senior Lecturer and Chartered Practitioner Psychologist at Ulster University, will lead discussions on this critical issue.
Organisers said: “Join us for this important one day public conference to meet and speak directly with researchers, political representatives including MEPs, campaigners and stakeholders and to have your voice heard.”
The one-day public conference is free of charge, and no booking is required.
