Entitled ‘Challenges and Opportunities: Flooding and Renewable Energy in 2017’ is the theme of the Engineers Ireland's Annual Conference 2017, reflectinh the critical role of engineering in assessing and mitigating challenges while excelling in innovation to meet both future energy demands and prevent flood risk. The event takes place in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Co Offaly, on Thursday, 4 May.
In collaboration with the Engineers Ireland Midlands Region, Engineers Ireland has assembled an esteemed line-up of national and international speakers and engaging topics that are relevant for the spectrum of engineering professionals who will gather at the conference.
Speakers will share their experience and knowledge of the resources, techniques, innovation and focus required meet Ireland’s future challenges and opportunities.
Two parallel insight sessions will take place in the afternoon and will focus on the following themes:
- 'Engineering Flooding Solutions'; and
- 'Renewable and Indigenous Energy'.
Keynote speakers include:
- Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Natural Resources Denis Naughten TD;
- Marie Donnelly, former director for new and renewable sources of energy efficiency and innovation at DG Energy, European Commission;
- Conall Boland, board member and deputy chair, An Bord Pleanála; and
- Erik Kraaij, (deputy) director of the National River and Sea Defence Program, The Netherlands.
'Insight Session' speakers include:
- Mark Adamson, head of Flood Relief and Risk Management Division, Office of Public Works;
- Dr Paul Quinn, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University;
- Tony Cawley, senior hydrologist and director of Hydro Environmental Ltd;
- Gary Healy, CEO, Irish Wind Energy Association; and
- Tom Marren, CEO, CES Energy.
Mountlucas Wind Farm Site Visit
In the late afternoon, delegates will have the opportunity to visit Mountlucas Wind Farm, Co Offaly. The Mountlucas site visit offers an opportunity to see at first hand an example of one of the largest renewable electricity generation sites in Ireland. The Mountlucas Wind Farm has an installed capacity of 84 MW, and is located in 1100 ha of cutaway peatlands, approximately 4km east of the village of Daingean in Co. Offaly. It is in commercial operation since September 2014.
The visit, led by Brendan Connolly, business development manager, Bord na Móna Powergen, will be hosted at the recently opened visitor meeting-room facilities in the heart of the wind farm. Connolly will give a talk on the development and construction of the project, the ongoing initiatives on community engagement and advocacy associated with the wind farm, and the role of projects like Mountlucas in the transition to a low-carbon society.
Places are limited for the site visit and places will be allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis.
To register your intention to visit the site please email
aclarke@engineersireland.ie.
Dream Big: Engineering Our World movie screening
During the wind farm visit, a screening of
Dream Big: Engineering Our World will take place in the conference centre. Narrated by Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges,
Dream Big: Engineering Our World will transform how we think about engineering. From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings, to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities,
Dream Big celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small, and reveals the heart that drives engineers to create better lives for people around the world. To view the movie trailer,
click here.
Interactive exhibition
Engineers Ireland Conference and Exhibition presents a valuable opportunity to promote your organisation among decision makers, peers, customers and prospective clients by establishing a positive relationship with Engineers Ireland at its annual flagship event.
The conference offers an opportunity for engineers from the public and private sector an occasion to come together to share ideas and experiences in conference sessions or while browsing in the exhibition, providing you with an opportunity to build your brand position and increase brand awareness among key stakeholders within the engineering community.
Engineers Ireland Annual Conference 2017 offers a wide range of sponsorship and exhibition options that can be tailored to your requirements and to suit your budget.
There are a limited number of high quality exhibition spaces still available at this year’s conference. Please contact
aclarke@engineersireland.ie for further information.
Further information
For more information on Engineers Ireland Annual Conference and Exhibition 2017 or to view the full conference programme, go to the website
www.engineersirelandconference.ie. To book a place at the conference, call Anne Marie Clarke on 01 665 1307.