The first Czech-Irish Water & Energy Summit was held in Dublin on September 26, 2018. The event was attended by Irish Water chief technology officer Gerry Galvin, Czech Republic ambassador to Ireland Petr Kynštetr, and Trinity College Dublin provost Dr Patrick Prendergast.
The event's aim is to showcase new technologies and research in an effort to increase capabilities and capacity of Irish engineering with the help from the most industrialised nation in the European Union, the Czech Republic, and the team at Trinity Research & Innovation.
Galvin told the audience of 100 researches, engineers, diplomats and officials that they have been in crisis management mode since last October when Storm Ophelia occurred; followed by Storm Eleanor in January; Storm Emma in March; and the drought, which started in May and lasted until recent weeks.
Resilience of the country's infrastructure and management systems
This has tested the resilience of the country's infrastructure and management systems, said Galvin, and only underlined the importance of investment so as to protect against climate change.
The event showcased some of the best Czech companies in the areas of water and energy engineering.
Hutira presented its solution in providing emergency and flexible drinking water filtration which can be used in rural deployments.
Zebra showcased its innovative modular vehicle system, which can be adapted to any industry or municipal environment, as well as its low emission alternatives. New technologies and wastewater solutions were presented by
Brentwood.
Cink Hydro Energy presented ready-made hydroelectricity plants. Smart city technologies, automation systems and controllers were showcased by
Enika and
Amit. All of the companies are looking for long-term partners in the Irish market, researchers are looking to industrialise their findings all in an effort to bolster sustainable engineering in Ireland.
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland Petr Kynštetr said: “It is fantastic to be able to work with the CTO of Irish Water Galvin in his search for the best technologies for the Irish market.
"The Czech Republic is one of the most advanced nations in the world when it comes to manufacturing, innovation and engineering. There is an old proverb from Czechoslovakia - pure water is the first and foremost medicine.”