The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
MULTI-MEDIA EXPERTS SEE SKELLIG POTENTIAL
DRAWN to the Skellig region by its long-established reputation as a place of learning and knowledge, experts in cutting-edge fields such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and multimedia visited South Kerry at the weekend to explore how the region can become a major power once again in the global communications revolutions. AS part of its efforts to attract and support people and projects in the area, NAISC Skellig Kerry Diaspora Network, in partnership with SMARTlab, organised a series of public and private events at the weekend, with major figures addressing how the region can capitalise on developments in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and multimedia, ahead of an international VSMM Conference billed for Dublin and Belfast this week.
Public events took place at the Valentia Transatlantic Cable Station – a special place in the history of global communication – and Ballinskelligs’ Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, with discussions involving VSMM Conference delegates, experts and visitors. Among the wide range of contributions on the day was Professor Lizbeth Goodman’s suggestion of an AR app project to help tourists learn more about the region’s sites, with many panellists also agreeing that Iveragh’s strong storytelling tradition could allow it to make the most of VR technology. The events featured a wide range of internationally renowned names such as University of Washington Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Jeffords and Alonso Addison of Berkeley
“The Skellig Region, from Kells to Castlecove, has always been a place of innovation where learning has been respected, and these initiatives are about building on that strong foundation,” NAISC Chair June O’Connell told The Kerryman. “This place was the world’s leader in communications with the laying of the Transatlantic Cables from various points along our coast, completely changing the way we all communicate. New advances in technology and broadband infrastructure, as well as virtual and augmented reality, now mean that the Skellig Region has the opportunity to be at the forefront of communications again.
“The opportunity arose from links with Professor Lizbeth Goodman of SMARTlab in partnership with Kerry Business, and the fact that there are local PhD candidates living and working here, undertaking a practice-based PhD. SMARTlab International Academic Seminars were hosted in Cahersiveen library recently with support from Kerry County Council, and Dr Anita McKeown of NAISC is also based here for this academic year, conducting research and working with students and staff at Coláiste na Sceilige. People make things happen!”