'Smart Dún Laoghaire' Programme Launched

Launched on the 10th of March at the dlr LexIcon, the ‘Smart Dún Laoghaire’ programme seeks to deliver innovative research and technology projects to promote adaptation and mitigation for climate change in Dublin.

Smart Dún Laoghaire is a collaborative research programme co-funded by the Science Foundation Ireland Enable Research Programme through CONNECT, and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council (DLRCC). The research focuses on ‘mitigation’ through sustainable mobility, and ‘adaptation’ through urban resilience. The programme brings together academic expertise and local authority experience to work collaboratively with the local community to solve key climate challenges.

Speaking about the launch event, An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Lettie McCarthy, DLRCC said:

Smart city programmes can play a vital role in tackling key climate challenges such as mass-urbanisation, extreme weather events and complex systems. The value of the Smart Dún Laoghaire Programme has already been demonstrated in the success the team have enjoyed in winning 3 impactful EU research projects. These projects will bring leading EU research to DLR, research funding worth €800k for DLR and the latest technologies from across Europe.

Chief Executive, Frank Curran, DLRCC also spoke at the launch:

We are delighted to be part of this new, exciting partnership. The Smart Dún Laoghaire programme demonstrates Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown’s commitment to innovation, using new technology projects to improve life in Dún Laoghaire and future-proof the county. The inclusive approach is demonstrated by the announcement of the largest IoT accessible parking trial in Ireland as part of the Smart Dún Laoghaire programme.

This new initiative is a key “Smart District” under the Smart Dublin umbrella, which is supported by Enable across the Dublin region.

The Smart Dún Laoghaire Programme will focus on delivering smart projects that meet the needs of the local community, including the areas of sustainable mobility, urban resilience and innovation-promotion.