Water experts from international consultancy, WYG will talk about sustainable groundwater development and flooding at the annual International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) conference in Co Offaly next week.

The annual two-day IAH conference will take place on 20 - 21 April, and will address groundwater recharge, flow and discharge, industry pressures, legal protection and the impact of climate change in Ireland.

The event, entitled "Groundwater in the Hydrological Cycle - Pressures and Protection" will take place at the Tullamore Court Hotel and will be opened by Teri Hayes, President of the Irish Association of Hydrogeologists and Environmental Services Director at WYG Ireland.

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Over 200 delegates from across Ireland are expected to attend.

Among the line-up of water experts speaking at the event are Gerry Baker, Principal Hydrogeologist and Conor Warner, Associate Engineer from WYG Ireland’s environmental and engineering divisions.

"Gravel Aquifers support large groundwater abstractions, baseflow to rivers and Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems," said Mr Baker.

"It is crucial that we understand the mechanisms which influence groundwater flow and quality in the aquifers as there are significant differences between the hydrogeology of gravel aquifers and bedrock aquifers which is largely related to the intergranular nature of groundwater flow and the higher storage provided by gravel aquifers.

"Key to successfully developing gravel aquifer supplies is an informed drilling programme with detailed design and suitable equipment."

NS