PROJECTS

Ringsend Rain Planters

Aug 2024 - present

Ringsend has a combined sewer system, like many other places in Ireland. This means wastewater and stormwater go into one pipe system to be treated together. As storm events increase in intensity and frequency, the collecting systems are put under stress, and lead to overflow of diluted wastewater into our rivers and sea. The problem is amplified by increased use of impermeable materials over gardens and driveways, and reduction of green spaces.

Rainwater retention planters are a beautiful solution to urban water problems. The principle of a rain retention planter is to slow and temporarily store rainwater before it enters our drains, preventing the likelihood of surface-level flooding and pollution of the sea with wastewater. This is done by channelling water from a downpipe (a pipe which collects water from the roof or a building), into a planter before entering the drain.

We're excited to build upon the success and learning of the Catching Raindrops project in Ringsend in 2022-2023, and the research and outcomes of the Naturerx rain garden Project in Stoneybatter led by Sadhbh at Bí URBAN 2021-2023.

This project will:

Provide free rainwater planters made from long-lasting recycled composite plastic and galvanised steel frame (3 ft long, 36"x24"x36") to Ringsend & Irishtown.

Continue the research on rainwater retention planters as a water management nature-based solution.

Reduce the amount of stormwater entering the sewage system and consequently reducing pollution of our waterways.

Promote a connection to nature and an opportunity for gardening and mindfulness.

Create natural habitats and attract pollinators & biodiversity.

Raise public awareness of the importance of nature-based methods to increase climate resilience and improve the quality of our waterways.

Brighten hard urban landscapes with self-sustainable greenery and biodiversity.

Do you live in Ringsend & Irishtown and would like avail of your own free rainwater planter?

First name

Last name

Mobile phone

Address of the property including the eircode

Do you own the property?

Yes, I own the property

No, I do not own the property (rental accommodation etc.)

I confirm that I am the owner of the property above or have the legal authorisation from the owner to make modifications, including alterations to the downpipe. I hereby give my consent to be contacted. I also understand that ongoing maintenance and any potential future repairs of the planters are my responsibility.

I understand and agree that the organisation is not responsible for any damage or injury that may result from the installation of the planters. I acknowledge and accept that there are inherent risks associated with the installation and use of the rainwater retention planters, including but not limited to potential property damage or personal injury. I voluntarily assume all risks related to these activities.

I agree to the terms above.

Confirm with full name

Signature

What can I expect as a participant?

You will receive a 3 foot/91.44cm long planter worth €800+ including soil, sand and gravel. A dedicated team will safely install it and connect it to your downpipe in your garden or backyard. You will also contribute to a research project, play a part in creating green & biodiverse spaces and improving water management in Ringsend & Irishtown.

To take part, please fill out this application form. A member of our team get in touch to arrange an in-person consultation, where the space and downpipe will be measured. If the site passes the suitability criteria, a dedicated professional team will install the planter and modify the downpipe to divert rainwater into the planter. You will receive a booklet with more details about how the planter works, a list of recommended plants and maintenance instructions. Please note that plants are not included with the planter.

Sustainability in Youth Theatre

Jun 2023 - present

Read the Audit Report Here

Understory partnered with Youth Theatre Ireland to provide consultancy aimed at reducing the National Festival of Youth Theatres' environmental footprint and support their journey towards Sustainability and Carbon neutrality. The National Festival of Youth Theatres (NFYT) is the largest residential week-long gathering of youth theatres in Ireland, offers a unique experience for young people to learn new skills, work with specialist facilitators, and connect with peers from across the country. In this vibrant setting, the 2023 festival took a pioneering step by integrating sustainability into its core operations, ensuring that the arts and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

As part of the initiative, Alex Konieczka from Understory conducted a comprehensive Sustainability Audit, exploring key thematic areas such as Attitudes & Behaviour, Transport, Waste and Litter, Single-use Plastic and Energy.

Working closely with Youth Theatre Ireland, Alex led daily workshops to engage participants and foster a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and incorporated sustainability into the festival's timetable. In addition, Sustainability Champions—young leaders nominated from each participating youth theatre—played a crucial role in the auditing process. These champions assisted in data collection and participated in interactive discussions, helping to shape a more sustainable festival. This collaborative effort contributed to the Report which summarised the findings of the audit, list of recommendations and suggested next steps. The relationship with Youth Theatre Ireland continues to support climate action and sustainable operations within youth theatres in Ireland.

You can read the 2023 National Festival of Youth Theatres Sustainability Audit Report here.

Partners include:

Joy of Bats

Jun 2023 - Nov 2023

Read the Project Report Here

Click here to Join the Project next year!

Joy of Bats Training in Greystones

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 18:00 IST

Mill lane, Greystones, Wicklow

Wicklow remains rich in bat diversity with bat activity observed over fields and waterways but how much do we really know about our local bats? In 2020, the Greater Horseshoe bat and Brandt’s bat was also noted in Wicklow for the first time. What else is there left to discover right at our doorstep?

Delgany and Greystones are highly attractive to investors and developers with several planning applications being submitted annually. Both are heritage towns, with Architectural Conservation Areas and multiple historical and biodiverse sites that are likely to be of significance to bats. Modification to local heritage may result in knock-on impacts on bat roosting and overall ecosystem health.

The “Joy of Bats” project is a bat tree roost potential survey and an acoustic survey of Wicklow bats in Delgany and Greystones, led by Alex (BSc. Environmental Science) from Understory, in partnership with Greystones TidyTowns and Delgany TidyTowns.

Joy of Bats Training in Delgany

Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:30 IST

Kindlestown Castle, Delgany, Wicklow

Citizen scientists taking part have the opportunity to:

· Learn bat surveying and fieldwork skills