Galway City Council and EU Mission Cities are partnering to host a free public information event focused on addressing the growing challenges of extreme rainfall and local flooding.
Scheduled for 26 November, the evening seminar, titled “Extreme Rainfall Events: Local Action and Solutions,” will take place at the Portershed on Market Street, Galway, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.
The event aims to empower the local community with actionable advice to build climate resilience at a grassroots level.As climate change accelerates, communities across Ireland are experiencing a noticeable rise in the frequency and intensity of severe downpours.
These sudden, heavy downpours frequently overwhelm traditional drainage systems, resulting in localized surface water flooding that disrupts daily life and risks property damage.
In response, this collaborative initiative provides a platform for residents, business owners, and community leaders to discover proactive, nature-based ways to protect their neighbourhoods.
The workshop is designed to offer highly practical, accessible guidance tailored for a wide audience, including homeowners, residents’ associations, schools, sports clubs, community groups, and local businesses.
Rather than relying solely on heavy industrial engineering, the event will spotlight sustainable, decentralized water management techniques that anyone can implement.
Attendees will explore real-world examples of green infrastructure, such as rain planters, strategic tree planting, garden ponds, permeable paving, and green roofs.
These nature-based interventions work by slowing down, absorbing, and safely diverting surface water before it can accumulate into damaging floodwaters.
An impressive lineup of environmental and climate experts will spearhead the evening’s discussions. Speakers include Barry Coonan from Met Éireann, who will outline changing weather patterns; David McNicholas, Biodiversity Officer with Galway City Council, who will highlight how water management can coexist with nature; and Dr. Cera Slevin from Climate Matters, specializing in practical climate adaptation strategies.
Together, they will bridge the gap between high-level climate science and everyday local action.
Highlighting the importance of community involvement, Tiarnan McCusker, Community Climate Action Officer with Galway City Council, noted that as climate change drives more intense weather anomalies, equipping locals with the right tools is paramount.
He emphasized that the gathering will deliver useful, actionable insights to help stakeholders understand localized risks, select effective interventions, and collaboratively strengthen community resilience against future weather extremes.
The event is supported by the Mission Implementation Platform (MIP4Adapt ) of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, reflecting a broader European commitment to localized climate resilience.
Attendance is entirely free, and all members of the public are welcome to attend. Complimentary refreshments will be provided on the night, offering an ideal opportunity for networking and community discussion.
Due to limited capacity at the venue, prior registration is essential. Anyone interested in securing a place can sign up directly by visiting the official registration portal at www.GalwayCity.ie/ExtremeRainfall
