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Science Week

A week-long festival of events which aims to encourage students to explore the world of science

Sunday 13 - Sunday 20 November 2022

Infinite Possibilities

Science Week 2022 is focused on the theme of Infinite Possibilities and how society has shown resilience, adaptability, and the ability to withstand adversity.  Uisce Éireann is delighted to be taking part in Science Week 2022 and will discuss how we are committed to improving energy efficiency and reducing our carbon emissions while exploring the infinite possibilities of science. Ensuring that our water and wastewater services are delivered in a sustainable manner is a top priority for us and we are already implementing energy efficient design for all projects as well as energy efficiency measures into the operation of our treatment plants where possible.

Throughout Science Week, we will be highlighting these energy efficiency projects as well as introducing some of the Uisce Éireann  scientists who use science everyday as part of their role.

Nationwide events will take place during Science Week 2022 featuring some of our most prolific scientific minds.


Meet the scientists from Uisce Éireann and our Local Authority partners in the Eastern Midlands Region

Profile image of Leanne Casey

Leanne Casey: Cross Industry Graduate Programme – Wastewater

Leanne Casey is a new visionary breed of scientists having graduated in the middle of the climate and energy crisis with an MEngSc in Water, Waste, and Environmental Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD). Her determination to find sustainable solutions in agriculture, environmental protection, and climate resilience sparked her interest to join Uisce Éireann as part of the Cross Industry Graduate Programme. 

Profile image of John Leamy

John Leamy: Drinking Water Compliance

“Science in its purest form is the pursuit of truth.” Originally from Co. Clare, John Leamy has been based in Kilcormac, Co. Offaly for most of his working life. It is John’s mission to ensure that the water that flows from taps in County Offaly, the Midlands, and across the country.

Profile image of Catherine McDonough

Catherine McDonough: Process Optimisation – Water and Wastewater

Catherine McDonough is the Regional Asset Operations Lead at Uisce Éireann. Born and based in Co. Westmeath with an educational background in science and engineering, Catherine is at the forefront of protecting and enhancing the operations of wastewater and water treatment plants in Westmeath. This combination of skills has given Catherine a full 360 view of not only the delicate balance of complex chemical processes in treatment plants, but also how they work technically, from beginning to end.

Upcoming Science Week interviews on East Coast FM (Wicklow) – The Morning Show with Declan Meehan. Interviews will take place at approximately 11:20 am each day

DateInterview details
Monday, 14 November Charlie Coakley, Sustainability 
Tuesday, 15 November Christine Crawford (Uisce Éireann) and Noel Doody (Wicklow County Council), Water Conservation
Wednesday, 16 November Dr. Brian Deegan, Biodiversity
Thursday, 17 November John Leamy, Drinking Water Compliance
Friday, 18 November Aphra Leavy, Process Optimisation

Upcoming Science Week interviews on KFM – Kildare Today with Eoin Beatty

DateInterview details
Wednesday, 16 November at 10:10am

Geoffrey Bourke, Business Operations Manager - Customer Operations on the success of Green Schools in Kildare and Ireland


Meet the scientists from Uisce Éireann and our Local Authority partners in the Southern Region

Profile image of Tara Foley

Tara Foley: Wastewater Compliance Analyst

Tara Foley is an Environmental Scientist and is part of the Environmental Regulation Wastewater Compliance Team within Uisce Éireann. Her team is responsible for the governance of Uisce Éireanns drinking water and wastewater.

Profile image of Teresa Burke

Teresa Burke: Environmental Regulation Wastewater Compliance Team

Teresa Burke is an Environmental Scientist and is part of the Environmental Regulation Wastewater Compliance Team within Uisce Éireann. Her team is responsible for the governance of Uisce Éireanns drinking water and wastewater.

Upcoming Science Week interviews on WLR FM (Waterford)

DateInterview details
Monday, 14 November Introduction to showcase businesses in Waterford taking part in a water audit. Experts from Uisce Éireann and Central Solutions aim to bring businesses water usage and costs down through an innovative Science Week water conservation experiment.
Tuesday, 15 November The second business of the week to be featured on the show.
Friday, 18 November Friday mention that it is Science Week, some daily tips and hints on how to save energy and money in association with Uisce Éireann
Water audit results

Results of the water audit will be aired in a special one-off programme. 

Site visits

Students from UCC will visit treatment plants in Carrigtowhill and Midleton during the Week. They will be given a tour by the local caretaker and an Uisce Éireann representative to learn more about the work we do. Likely to generate some media interest in Cork.


Meet the scientists from Uisce Éireann and our Local Authority partners in the North West Region

Profile image of Eila McTernan

Eila McTernan: Wastewater Compliance Analyst

In 2018, Eila accepted a job with Uisce Éireann as a Wastewater Compliance Analyst based out of the Cavan office. She’s proud of her role in ensuring that wastewater systems remain compliant. 

Profile image of Pat Real

Pat Real: Wastewater Process Optimisation Lead

As a keen angler and environmental advocate, it’s fitting that Pat’s work focuses on the wastewater side of Uisce Éireann’s business. As a Process Optimisation Lead his role focuses on the best ways to treat wastewater while keeping the waterways of Ireland free from pollution.

Profile image of Eadaoin Joyce

Eadaoin Joyce: Innovation and Technology Specialist

Eadaoin has collaborated with cross functional teams in Uisce Éireann, the local authorities and delivery partners to deliver the most innovative water and wastewater projects including the upgrade of the country’s largest wastewater plant in Ringsend and the introduction of acoustic loggers to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to detect leaks.

Upcoming Science Week interviews on Mid-West Radio’s Tommy Marren Show (Mayo) – from 9am to 11am

DateInterview details
Wednesday, 16 November

Nine experts from around the business and further afield will feature on Mid-West Radio’s The Tommy Marren Show covering various water and wastewater related topics. As part of the broadcast we will be teaming up with Sligo IT, our local Authority Partners, Green Schools and Clean Coast, as well as the National Federation of Group Water Schemes.

  • Anthony Skeffington (Water & Wastewater Regional Operational Manager)
  • Thomas Gibbons (Regional Water & Wastewater Compliance Analyst)
  • Louise Dwyer (Regional Wastewater Compliance Specialist)
  • Christine Crawford (Business Communication & Marketing Lead)
  • Sean Corrigan (NFGWS)
  • Liane Costello (Clean Coasts)
  • Prof. Frances Lucy (ATU)
  • Michael Lennon (Business Rep)
  • David Fallon (Ecology Specialist)

Site visit, 18 November (morning)

This year, an all-female line up of leading experts will provide students and staff in St. Mary’s Secondary School in Ballina, Co Mayo to shine a light on the equal opportunities for women in the field of science.