Thursday, 11th July: University College Dublin’s School of Geography and the Dublin 12 environmental group Bloomin’ Crumlin announced the launch of the community engagement phase of the National Challenge Fund INTERVAL Project, a pioneering initiative aiming to map all trees in Crumlin.

The National Challenge Fund was established under the Government’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, and is coordinated and administered by Science Foundation Ireland.

On July 13th, 2024, UCD researchers and members of the community in Crumlin will join forces to begin the community-led data-gathering process. This will culminate in a subsequent co-design workshop where key stakeholders in the community will learn how to harness the power of the collected data to visualise and identify areas for green development. On Saturday, families will be trained in how to map and gather data on existing tree stock using state of the art mapping platforms and modern technologies such as drones, AI, and remote sensing. 

Community-Led Environmental Innovation

The INTERVAL Project brings together local volunteers and residents to actively participate in enhancing their environment. Bloomin’ Crumlin, known for its award-winning environmental efforts, empowers residents to contribute to various green projects, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.

Minister Malcolm Noonan: "The INTERVAL project is a shining example of how community engagement and advanced technology can come together to create a positive environmental impact. Mapping Crumlin's trees will not only provide valuable data but also inspire local residents to actively participate in greening their neighborhood. This initiative will help us understand our current tree canopy and identify opportunities to increase it, enhancing the overall health and resilience of our urban environment and supporting the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law. I am thrilled to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the transformative outcomes it will bring for the community.”

Trevor Clowry, Coordinator of Bloomin’ Crumlin, highlighted the importance of this initiative: ‘Our community values our trees and the essential role they play in our ecosystem. By mapping the number and types of trees and understanding their environmental benefits, we hope to advocate for more trees and ensure their fair distribution. We encourage everyone to participate, even in small ways, to help gather as much data as possible.’

Dominic Robinson, Senior Research Scientist, UCD School of Geography, said: 'As researchers, it is amazing to be able to tap into such active communities, and Crumlin provides us with the perfect case study for the study of urban trees. Their passion for their environment allows us to co-design a data collection process together, which will help to both identify and fill knowledge gaps on what we know of Dublin's current tree stock.’

Expert Insight from UCD

Dr Srikanta Sannigrahi, INTERVAL project lead, UCD School of Geography, said: ‘The INTERVAL project represents a significant step forward in utilizing technology for environmental management. By involving the community in data collection and analysis, we not only enhance our understanding of Crumlin's urban forest but also foster a deeper connection between residents and their natural surroundings.’

Dr Anh Vu Vo, project co-lead, UCD School of Computer Science, said: “One of the core technologies underpinning the INTERVAL project is LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), an active remote sensing technology that enables our team to capture the 3D geometry of tree canopies with high resolution to aid in ecosystem service evaluation. What sets INTERVAL apart from other projects is our strategic integration of airborne LiDAR with handheld LiDAR devices and other complementary datasets, ensuring comprehensive captures of tree canopy structures. INTERVAL presents an exciting opportunity for our team to leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance the quality of life for the Irish people.”

Support from Science Foundation Ireland

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director, Science for Society, SFI, said: “The National Challenge Fund encourages collaboration between the academic research community, government departments, agencies, enterprise, and societal stakeholders to develop solutions for key challenges - with and for those most impacted. The INTERVAL project is an exemplar of this objective and I wish the team every success as they move forward with this exciting project.”