A new European project to develop the methodology for employing nature based systems has been boosted with new funding.

Cork County Council and the MaREI Research Centre in collaboration with European and British partners have been awarded €10 million to progress the project.

This four-year long Horizon Europe project, called A-AAGORA, will be implemented with the support of the Atlantic Seaboard South Climate Adaption Regional Office (CARO) in collaboration with partners from Germany, France, Portugal, Norway, Finland, Romania and the UK.

MaREI, based in Ringaskiddy, is a Science Foundation Ireland funded research centre for energy, climate and marine research and innovation co-ordinated by the Environmental Research Institute at University College Cork. The centre comprises over 220 researchers focusing on defined global challenges such as the Energy Transition, Climate Action and the Blue Economy.

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The Atlantic Seaboard South Climate Adaption Regional Office (CARO) office supports and coordinates climate actions undertaken by the five Local Authorities of Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork City and County. The office is funded by the Department of Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport and is hosted by Cork County Council as the lead authority within the Southern Region.

Welcoming the award, the Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Danny Collins said: "Coastal resilience is vitally important. As a coastal county with responsibility for 19% of the country's coastline, Cork County Council plays a critical role in the management of coastal environments and climate adaption. On behalf of the Council, I am looking forward to working closely with local, national and international partners on this exciting project."

Mr Tim Lucey, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, added: "Cork County Council is committed to building climate resilience into every aspect of the work we do. We have a strong leadership role in delivering effective climate action. This project will help guide County Cork and other coastal regions throughout the EU to address the challenges together while developing innovative and sustainable solutions that address adaptation and importantly enhance our resilience to a changing climate."