Sponge City
An Taibhdhearc
10am to 11am

Join us at the Climate Festival on Saturday, 14th September for the "Sponge City - Adapting to More Rain, More of the Time in Irish Towns and Cities" panel discussion at An Taibhdhearc, Middle Street, Galway. Facilitated by Journalist Ella McSweeney, experts in environmental planning, biodiversity, and water management will explore strategies for adapting to increased rainfall in Irish urban areas, followed by an interactive Q&A.

Panelist Bios
Ella McSweeney

Food and Farming Journalist and Reporter

Ella is an Irish food and farming journalist and reporter. She has worked for RTÉ and the Guardian newspaper. She graduated with a first-class honours degree in science – specialising in zoology from Trinity College, Dublin and studied food policy as a postgraduate at City University, London.
Féidhlim Harty

UOG Business School, Facilitator

Féidhlim Harty is an environmental consultant and writer. His company, FH Wetland Systems, established in 1996, offers designs and guidance on waterway repair and rewilding, eco-friendly wastewater treatment training and education, and holistic land-use management for catchment protection and regeneration. He is the author of Septic Tank Options and Alternatives and Permaculture Guide to Reed Beds, both published by Permanent Publications.
 
Paula Kearney

Biodiversity Officer Galway City Council

Paula holds a BSc Ecology and Environmental Science, H.Dip Planning and Environmental Law, and is a Chartered Ecologist.

In a professional career which spans over 20 years, Paula has provided strategic advice and managed multi-disciplinary inputs for Environmental Impact Assessments on a wide-range of projects including wind farms, greenways, roads, water treatment and flood relief schemes.

She is also involved in the development of nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation, and assists in the planning process to promote sustainable development.
Dr Mary Ann Harris

Environmental Planning Manager in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Dr Maryann Harris is the Environmental Planning Manager in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, representing Ireland on the EU SEA/EIA National Experts Group. She has qualifications in landscape architecture (Cornell), environmental science (TCD and UCD) and environmental and planning law (Law Society). She has over 25 years’ experience working in government (national, regional and local) in the development and implementation of policy in biodiversity, climate, landscape and green infrastructure. She has extensive experience of environmental assessment, public engagement in environmental planning, design and construction of public green spaces and scientific research, specialising in urban ecosystems.

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