Ireland Living Lab Event

Kerry & Cork, Ireland, organised by MTU Kerry & BMRS
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What is the Ireland Mega Event?

Ireland Living Lab organised the second PHAROS Mega Event, an exciting three-day event that took place from 26th to 28th May 2026 in south-west Ireland (Kerry and West Cork).

Over 60 marine scientists, policymakers, and coastal stakeholders gathered in Kerry and West Cork, joining the Atlantic and Arctic Lighthouse community to promote marine restoration, ocean literacy, and the blue economy in Ireland.

The event was organised and managed by Munster Technological University Kerry and Bantry Marine Research Station.

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Ireland Living Lab Event

Collaboration established for a healthier ocean!

The Irish Living Lab event took place from 26th to 28th May 2026 in Kerry and Cork as part of the Mega Event Ireland, uniting government, researchers, innovators, educators, businesses, investors, and local communities to launch two Living Labs. Together, they tackled marine restoration challenges through citizen engagement, school programmes, and innovative demonstrations. The programme also included the MINKA Living Lab launch, “Waste to Worth” 3D printing, fisher-led initiatives, a Blue Schools webinar, a STEM building tour, an art exhibition, and a visit to Bantry Marine Research Station’s kelp farm.

What is MarCoLab?

Mar-Co-Lab Ireland is a blue economy innovation space whose name sums up its mission: Mar as the ocean, Co as collaboration, cooperation and co-creation, and Lab as a living lab; the word Marco within its name explicitly refers to a framework, a shared structure where, through the quadruple helix, innovation and awareness around nature-based solutions are fostered to balance the economy and environmental protection.

THREE-DAY PROGRAMME

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The first day kicked off at MTU Kerry’s new STEM Building with the Opening Ceremony and a PHAROS project overview. Key sessions included a Policy Round Table on effective MPA management, followed by “Waste to Worth” showcasing 3D printing from marine waste, and “Fisher Guardians” on transforming fishing gear.

After a tour of the €20 million facility, participants transferred to Maharees and launched the MINKA Living Lab with local conservation volunteers. The day concluded with ‘Pint of Science’ and a Local Seafood Demo, where marine science met culinary delight.

DAY 1

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

The second day started with two concurrent sessions: Blue Schools: Local School Project Showcase and PHAROS FUTURES – BLUE SKILLS, focusing on ocean preservation and blue economy opportunities.

After lunch, participants visited Fenit for the Fisher Guardians Workshop, where alongside local fishers they explored the Tralee Native Oyster Beds (Europe’s last remaining native oyster beds) while discussing ocean preservation.

The day concluded with a social dinner for PHAROS partners at Tankard Fenit, a perfect setting for informal networking and collaboration.

DAY 2

Thursday, May 28, 2026

The final day took participants from Tralee to scenic Bantry Bay, County Cork. Hosted at the Bantry Marine Research Station, we were welcomed by Dr Julie Maguire for a tour of the PHAROS demo site and a presentation by Alex Ziemba (Deltares). The tour included an innovative kelp farm cultivating winged and sugar kelp, alongside a seaweed and fish hatchery. Participants learned how this nature-based solution supports ecosystem restoration in proximity to a nearby salmon farm.

This hands-on experience of aquaculture research, set in one of Ireland’s most stunning coastal locations, offered a fitting close to three days of collaboration and discovery.

DAY 3

IRISH LIVING LAB NEWS

Ireland Living Lab Day 2: Blue Economy Innovation & Skills Forum gets under way at MTU Tralee
 Ireland Living Lab Day 2: Blue Economy Innovation & Skills Forum gets under way at MTU Tralee 1024 423 PHAROS Project

The Blue Economy Innovation and Skills Forum at MTU explored Ireland’s ocean industries and the talent needed to power them. Wayne Murphy gave a global view on aquaculture and blue innovation that covers fisheries, seaweed, coastal tourism.

PHAROS Irish Living Lab Day 1: Ireland Charts Course for 30×30: Marine Protected Areas Take Centre Stage at MTU, Kerry
 PHAROS Irish Living Lab Day 1: Ireland Charts Course for 30×30: Marine Protected Areas Take Centre Stage at MTU, Kerry 1024 707 PHAROS Project

Over 60 marine scientists, policymakers, and coastal stakeholders convened in person and online at Munster Technological University’s new STEM building for the first session of the PHAROS Irish Living Lab Event, focused on effective management of marine protected areas (MPAs).

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WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, EXHIBITION REPORTS

MPA Policy

Tuesday 26.05.2026 (10:15 – 12:30): MPA Policy, Protection & Public Good:

Participants explored the future of marine protected area planning and management in Ireland through national, regional and local authority lenses with expert-led sessions:

  • Effective MPA management: policy, protection, and public good – with guest speaker Tom Higgins from the Department of Climate, Energy & Environment (MPA LIFE EU Horizon Project)

  • Science-based tools for MPA management with guest speaker Tasman Crowe of University of Dublin (BLUE4ALL EU Horizon Project)

  • Effective engagement of stakeholders for MPA planning with guest speaker Oisín Callery from University of Galway (BIOPROTECT EU Horizon Project)

  • Showcase of the ‘MPA Solutions Hub’ with guest speaker Bob Rumes, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

Venue: MTU Kerry Campus, Tralee Co. Kerry V92 HD4V)

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Waste to Worth

Tuesday 26.05.2026 (14:00 to 15:30):

This innovative session showcased the collaboration between PHAROS and the INSPIRED Blue Hub, demonstrating how marine waste (such as fishing nets and ropes) can be transformed into functional utensils through 3D printing. The initiative brings together adults with additional needs, school students, and MTU’s engineering department, fostering inclusivity while advancing circular economy solutions.

Participants and contributors included:

  • Clean Technology Centre – MTU

  • Clean Oceans Initiative – BIM

  • WAZP 3D on-demand printing with INSPIRED Charity

  • Gravity Wave – best practice marine waste solutions from Gran Canaria

  • “Plastic Fantastic Hackathon” – showcase of innovation by IHA

Venue: MTU Kerry Campus, Tralee Co. Kerry V92 HD4V)
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Living Lab Launch – MINKA

Tuesday 26.05.2026 (17:00 – 19:00): The centrepiece of our community-driven efforts, the MINKA Living Lab, was launched in the ecologically fragile Maharees coastal region, placing citizens at the heart of marine restoration. It brought together local volunteers, schools, and researchers to address pressing challenges including sand dune protection, biodiversity preservation, marine plastics, and human-induced degradation. By fostering hands-on participation and intergenerational learning, the Living Lab empowered the community to co-create solutions and monitor environmental change.

An Irish Living Lab experience in Maharees highlighted citizen engagement, biodiversity protection, and marine coastal innovation. Participants met with Maharees Conservation stakeholders and took photos that were uploaded to the MINKA citizen engagement platform.

Venue: Maherees Beach

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Pint of Science’ & Local Seafood

Tuesday, 26.05.2026 (19:00 – 21:00): The first day concluded on a deliciously engaging note as marine science met culinary creativity. Set in a relaxed atmosphere, the ‘Pint of Science’ session offered informal conversations with researchers over a refreshing drink, making complex marine topics accessible and fun. Alongside, a Local Seafood Demo showcased the best of Ireland’s coastal harvest, prepared fresh for attendees to sample. This unique pairing of science and seafood created the perfect setting for networking, storytelling, and lively discussion.

Venue: Spillanes Bar & Restaurant, (Fahamore, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry, V92 PX93)

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EU Blue Schools Workshop

Wednesday 27.05.2026 (09:30 – 12:00): A workshop for educators and access to EU Blue Schools, an interactive online session connected classrooms across Ireland with the PHAROS project, engaging students and educators in marine restoration efforts. The Blue Schools workshop included young learners (specifically designed for teachers and educators for Blue Schools) to explore ocean literacy, biodiversity preservation, and sustainability through live discussions with PHAROS experts. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and contribute fresh perspectives from the next generation of ocean stewards.

Venue: MTU Kerry Campus, Tralee V92 HD4V

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PHAROS Future: Blue Skills

Wednesday 27.05.2026 (09:30 – 12:00): As Ireland’s blue economy grows across fisheries, aquaculture, seaweed cultivation, and coastal tourism, the demand for new skills, talent, and innovation is rapidly increasing. This forum explored future career pathways, emerging industry opportunities, and the skills needed to support a scaling blue economy. Keynote Speaker: Wayne Murphy, Co-Founder & Partner at Hatch Blue, a global venture capital firm focused on aquaculture, agritech, and alternative seafood sectors.

The event included an interactive Innovation Mapping session exploring Ireland’s highest-potential blue economy opportunities and future workforce needs.
Venue: G241, An Cuan, MTU North Campus, Tralee
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Fisher Guardians

Wednesday 27.05.2026 (14:00 – 16:00): The Fisher Guardians programme empowers fishers to actively participate in ocean protection, while the BIM Clean Oceans Initiative focuses on transforming end-of-life fishing gear into valuable secondary materials. Supported by MTU’s Clean Technology Centre, the presentation showcased Irish companies and initiatives leading the way in circular economy solutions for the fishing industry. Attendees gained insights into how discarded nets and gear can be recovered, recycled, and reintegrated into supply chains – turning waste into opportunity while safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.

Venue: FENIT PIER V92 YE14

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Exhibition & Theatre Event

Wednesday 27.05.2026 (All day): This was a captivating marine art installation that blends creativity with ocean advocacy, setting the stage for deep reflection on our relationship with the sea, followed by the official launch of the Living Lab video, documenting community engagement and restoration efforts in Maharees and Tralee Bay. A dynamic panel discussion then brought together artists, scientists, and community leaders to explore how the Living Lab can evolve throughout the PHAROS project. Together, they considered ways to deepen citizen participation, amplify local voices, and integrate artistic perspectives into marine restoration.

Blue Schools Citizen Engagement Project

Wednesday 27.05.2026 (All day): At the heart of community engagement, MTU hosted an inspiring showcase of local school projects focused on marine conservation. Participants were presented with young students’ hands-on work exploring biodiversity, sand dune protection, and the impact of marine plastics, offering fresh perspectives on the challenges facing Tralee Bay. This intergenerational exchange allowed attending PHAROS experts and guests to hear directly from the community’s citizens.

Innovative nature-based solution for ecosystem restoration

Bantry Marine Research Station & PHAROS Demo Site – Cork

Demonstration & Impact for Ireland’s Marine Ecosystems

Thursday, 28.05.2026 (11:00 – 14:00): The final day took participants to the picturesque Bantry Bay, home to the Bantry Marine Research Station and the PHAROS demo site. Guided by station director Dr. Julie Maguire and a presentation from Alex Ziemba of Deltares, attendees explored a state-of-the-art seaweed and fish hatchery featuring innovative kelp cultivation of winged (Alaria esculenta) and sugar (Saccharina latissima) kelp.

This nature-based solution monitors ecosystem restoration by comparing kelp growth near a salmon farm to a control site. The tour offered first-hand insight into sustainable aquaculture, marine research, and the potential of seaweed farming to restore marine habitats, all within one of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal settings.

This demo consists of a kelp farm cultivating winged (Alaria esculenta) and sugar (Saccharina lattisima) kelp. In this demo the effect of a salmon farm, located near the seaweed farm, on the growth of the kelp will be monitored and compared to a control side.
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AGENDA

IRELAND LIVING LAB THREE-DAY PROGRAMME

Tue, 26.05.2026

Day 1

Time Programme Item
09:00 – 09:30 Registration & Welcome Coffee – MTU Kerry STEM Building
09:30 – 10:15 Opening Ceremony & PHAROS Project Overview
10:15 – 12:30 Effective MPA Management: Policy, Protection & Public Good – Policy Round Table, Panel Discussion
12:30 – 13:00 Tour Stem Building
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:00 “Waste to Worth” – INSPIRED & WAZP – Impact Hub Athens Showcase Hackathon Video
15:00 – 16:00 “Fisher Guardians” – BIM Clean Oceans Initiative – Video Gravity Wave Showcase
16:00 – 17:00 Bus Transfer to Maharees Coastal Region
17:00 – 19:00 Living Lab Maherees & Tralee Bay – Citizen Engagement: MINKA Launch – VR Headset Display
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner Spillanes
20:00 – 21:30 ‘Pint of Science’ & Local Seafood Demo – Marine Science Meets Culinary Delight, Bar Spillanes

Wed, 27.05.2026

Day 2

Time Programme Item
09:00 – 09:30 Arrival & Morning Coffee
09:30 – 12:00 Blue Schools: Local School Project Showcase
09:30 – 12:00 PHAROS FUTURES – BLUE SKILLS: Ocean Preservation & Blue Economy Opportunities
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch and Bus to Fenit
14:00 – 16:00 Fisher Guardians Workshop: Meet Local Fishers – Tralee Native Oyster Beds – Ocean Preservation
16:00 – 19:00 Free time
19:00 onwards Social Dinner (Pharos Partners) – Tankard Fenit

Thu, 28.05.2026

Day 3

Time Programme Item
09:00 Bus to Bantry Departs Tralee
11:30 – 13:00 Bantry Marine Research Station – Pharos Demo Site – Cork – Seaweed and Fish Hatchery Tour, Dr. Julie Maguire
13:30 – 14:30 Lunch – Market Day Bantry
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About the Organiser: PHAROS Project Consortium

The PHAROS Consortium consists of 24 scientific and research institutions from Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Greece, Ukraine, and Norway, all active at the European level, covering the spectrum of marine ecosystem restoration, ocean pollution prevention, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.

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Event organised & managed by

PHAROS is an EU-funded project, led by the Canary Islands Ocean Platform (PLOCAN), and implemented by a consortium of 24 organizations from September 2024 to August 2029, which aims to provide nature-based solutions for restoring ecosystems and biodiversity while tackling climate change and human impacts in the Atlantic and Arctic maritime regions. These goals align with the European Union’s ambitious Ocean Mission objectives.

Funded by nearly 9.5 million euros in European funds, the PHAROS project aligns with the European Union’s Ocean Mission. This mission focuses on protecting and restoring marine ecosystems and biodiversity, eliminating pollution, and achieving a sustainable, carbon-neutral, and circular blue economy by 2030.

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