Coastal environment up for discussion at Dingle conference
THIS week local and international experts are gathering at a conference in the Skellig Hotel to discuss the West Coast of Ireland and in particular the Dingle Peninsula.
The conference organisers, Sacred Heart University, have adopted a broad approach to their discussions on the coastline and coastal communities. The conference started on Tuesday morning with a session on the folklore of the land and sea with Dr. Billy Mag Fhloinn from Ballyferriter speaking about fishermen’s traditional beliefs and legends . Later on Tuesday Máire Uí Laoithe and Muiris Ó Fiannachta were members of a panel who discussed the changes they have witnessed and the impact of economic development on the local environment.
The changing coastline as well as education, health and wellbeing starts the discussion today ( Wedneday) with Dr. Seán Lucey from Dingle giving with a talk on ‘ The Development of Health Care in the West of Ireland’. The environment in the philosophy of John Moriarty from Rathmore is the subject of another session with Br. John Aherne and Brendan Tuohy among the speakers.
Isabel Bennet from Fán will discuss Archeology and the Coastal Environment on Wednesday while, on Thursday, Micheál Ó Cinnéide from Paróiste Mór will present a talk on The Blasket Islands a Learning community as part of a session entitled ‘History of Coastal Environments’.
To further encourage community involvement in this international conference a poster competition was held where school children were asked to design a poster for the conference. The prize winners were Under-8: 1, Isabel Ní Ghráinne; 2, Molly Ní Riain; 3, Kayla Getkate. Under-10: 1, Ciara Ní Chinneide agus Hayley Ní Fhlaithearta; 2, Caitríona Nic Carthaigh; 3, Emily Ní Dubhda. Under-8: 1, Ruairí Ó h-Eanacháin; 2, Silva Bates; 3, Emma Ní Ruaire.