ELIPSE Launch at Lifetime Lab

Lifetime Lab was the venue for the launch of a new three-year UCC research study, “ELIPSE-the study of Environmental Linkages between In-Port Ship Emissions of Particulate Matter, their Chemical Analysis and Effects on Health.”

The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Michael Ahern, officially launched the study in Lifetime Lab. The project was instigated by Professor John Sodeau and Dr. John Wenger from the “Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry” located in the Chemistry Department and Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at UCC. It has been mainly funded by the EPA within its research sub-programme “Environment and Health.” Among the attendees was Dr. Brian Donlon of the Environmental Protection Agency. “The EPA is delighted to provide part of the funding for this project and the collaboration among the many different groups involved is important and should provide strong linkages going forward.” 

The project is also being carried out in co-operation with the Irish Naval Service (Cmdr. P McNulty) and the Port of Cork (Capt. P Farnan) and Cork City Council under the guidance of Michael O’ Brien, Senior Engineer. “Cork City Council is delighted to be involved with this project and has provided funding for research equipment. Through Lifetime Lab, Cork residents will be able to access information on the study.” This new research project aims to consolidate educational and research links between University College Cork environmental research activities and Cork City Council/Lifetime Lab, by the study of airborne pollution in the Harbour and dockside area of Cork City and County. It is hoped that the new data obtained in ELIPSE will also help inform the Health and Safety Executive, the EU and the general public in the Cork Region about local PM levels and content. It should thereby aid in the making of legislative and lifestyle decisions relating to the nature of Cork Harbour air pollution, and its sources and effects.

Lifetime Lab, the venue for the launch and a public source of information from the study, is located at the old Waterworks building on the Lee Road. The site now comprises; a Visitor Centre and Steam Engine Room, Playground, Conference Room, School Resource Centre and Energy office. It is open 0900-1700 Monday-Friday. For further information, please contact the Lifetime Lab at: 021-4941500.