Sligo, Ireland: A diverse group of community members, researchers, and local officials convened recently in Grange, County Sligo, as part of the PRO-CLIMATE project to co-design locally driven solutions to address the growing impacts of climate change on Ireland’s northwest coast.
Organised by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and supported by the Sligo County Council, the workshop brought together stakeholders from Grange and the wider coastal community to collaborate on a shared vision for resilience in the face of rising sea levels, increasing coastal erosion, and storm surge risks. It marked the second major event in the Sligo Living Lab’s co-creation journey under the PRO-CLIMATE project.
Empowering Local Action through Knowledge and Dialogue
Participants engaged in hands-on sessions that included presentations on local flood modelling, sensor technologies, and the impact of Storm Éowyn on the region. These technical insights sparked an open dialogue among attendees about their concerns for coastal areas like Streedagh Beach, a site rich in ecological and cultural value.
Using storytelling and interactive tools like the “Point of View” framework, participants co-developed shared visions for climate adaptation, highlighting the need for sustainable beach access, improved public facilities, better protection of vulnerable dune ecosystems, and increased environmental awareness across sectors.
Locally Rooted, Scientifically Informed
“Our goal is to connect scientific insights with community priorities”, said Dr. Salem Gharbia of ATU, who helped lead the facilitation team. “The Living Lab model empowers residents to be active contributors to climate solutions – not just recipients”.
Stakeholders emphasised practical actions such as managed parking for camper vans, creation of dune-friendly infrastructure, and expanded environmental education. Feedback from the workshop will inform the next phase of the Sligo Living Lab’s pilot projects, set to begin later this year.
Next Steps Toward Climate Resilience
The Sligo Living Lab is one of several across Europe under the PRO-CLIMATE project. The Living Lab approach fosters collaboration among academia, local authorities, civil society, and business stakeholders to generate solutions grounded in real-world needs.
Future workshops will continue to build momentum for on-the-ground climate adaptation, focusing on pilot implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of co-designed solutions. These include nature-based dune restoration, digital twin sensor deployment, and community-led education campaigns.
