International experts to discuss causes of defective concrete crisis at Donegal event
Experts who research the impacts of deleterious minerals on concrete from Canada, Switzerland and Ireland will speak about new research insights into what caused the defective concrete crisis at a conference in Burt hosted by Ulster University
Academics from Canada and Europe will join Irish colleagues in discussing the results of research carried into the scientific causes and societal impacts of defective concrete at a conference in Donegal later this month.
The international conference hosted by Ulster University takes place on Saturday, April 12 at An Grianan Hotel, Burt.
Experts in geology, earth sciences and engineering who research the impacts of deleterious minerals on concrete from Canada, Switzerland and Ireland will speak about new research insights into what caused the defective concrete crisis and share their experience of engaging in government policy.
Other researchers from a wide range of disciplines including business and psychology as well as a range of community stakeholders will be presenting their experiences on the wider societal impacts of living with defective concrete.
The conference incorporates a number of key sessions that includes roundtable discussions with scientists, key stakeholders and government representatives and a session on EU engagement with the issue of Irish defective concrete blocks.
The organising committee for this initiative includes Professor Paul Dunlop, research director for Geography and Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Dr Eileen Doherty, lecturer in Digital Transformation, Ulster University) and Dr Karen Kirby senior lecturer and chartered practitioner psychologist, School of Psychology, Ulster University) as well as Joe Morgan, EU Campaigner, all of whom have been actively involved in researching various aspects of the defective blocks crisis.
They will be joined by Dr Andreas Leemann of Empa, Switzerland, as well as Pierre-Luc Fecteau and Pierre-Luc Fecteau of Laval University, Canada.
Other speakers will include Eoin McGrath and Dr Aoife Braiden of the Geological Survey Ireland, MEP Luke Ming Flanagan, Lisa Hone of the Mica Action Group, Charles Ward TD of 100% Redress Party and Cllr Martin McDermott, Chair of Donegal County Council’s Defective Concrete Steering Group.