DkIT Showcases Nature-Based Solutions as Minister Launches New €5 Million Funding Initiative

Hosted by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) in partnership with DkIT, the conference continues to grow in scale and influence, attracting almost 400 delegates this year through a combination of in-person and online attendance. The event brought together local authorities, policymakers, researchers, community groups and environmental practitioners from across Ireland to share knowledge and showcase innovative approaches to addressing climate and environmental challenges.

The new investment will support projects that help manage surface water, enhance biodiversity, reduce flood risk, improve water quality and strengthen climate resilience in towns and cities nationwide. The funding builds on the successful work already being delivered through local authorities and the LAWPRO.

Fran Igoe, Regional Co-ordinator with the Local Authority Waters Programme said:

"We learn best by example, we were delighted that DkIT pulled out all the stops to put in a fantastic example of a large raingarden in time for delegates to see first-hand. This is just the type of example that we need across the country if we are to mainstream NbS."

As host venue for the national conference, DkIT provided a fitting backdrop for the announcement, with delegates having the opportunity to see a nature-based solution in action through the Institute's newly established raingarden.

Opening the conference, Minister O'Sullivan planted an iris in the DkIT raingarden, symbolising the growing importance of nature-based approaches in addressing environmental challenges.

The raingarden has been developed as a practical demonstration of sustainable water management. Designed to capture road run-off from surrounding hard surfaces, the garden naturally filters and stores water before slowly releasing excess water back into the drainage network. In doing so, it helps reduce pressure on conventional drainage systems while supporting biodiversity and improving water quality.

Dr Suzanne Linnane of DkIT said the raingarden demonstrates how relatively simple interventions can deliver multiple environmental benefits.

"Nature-based solutions are increasingly recognised as an essential part of how we respond to climate change, biodiversity loss and water quality challenges. The DkIT raingarden provides a visible and practical example of how sustainable drainage can be integrated into our built environment while creating valuable habitats for wildlife."

Dr Linnane added:

"There is increasing recognition that working with nature is not an environmental luxury – it is an economic, social and environmental necessity. The challenge before us now is not whether we should implement NbS, but how quickly we can scale them up."

Among those attending were representatives from Dublin City Council, including Peter Iver and Dara Peyton, who demonstrated their innovative NbS model to delegates.

DkIT has a strong track record in applied environmental research and is committed to supporting sustainable development through research, education and community engagement. Through initiatives such as the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) and demonstration projects like the campus raingarden, DkIT continues to play a leading role in advancing NbS in Ireland.

The announcement of the new €5 million funding programme highlights the growing national commitment to NbS and their role in creating healthier, more resilient communities. DkIT is proud to support this agenda and to provide a living example of how these approaches can deliver tangible benefits for people, biodiversity and the environment.

Photo 1: Opening the conference, Minister Christopher O’Sullivan planted an iris in DkIT’s raingarden. Pictured front row: Dr Suzanne Linnane (DkIT), Fran Igoe (LAWPRO), Minister Christopher O’Sullivan and Thomas Brennan (LAWPRO), with back row: Dr Caroline Stephens (DkIT), Averil Gannon and Eamonn O’Connell (LAWPRO).

Photo 2: Minister Christopher O’Sullivan meets Peter Iver and Dara Peyton from Dublin City Council, who demonstrated their Nature-based Solutions model at the conference.

Photo 3: DkIT’s rain garden is a nature-based solution in action, capturing road run-off, naturally filtering and storing water before slowly releasing excess water back into the drainage network.