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ATU launches Digital Visitor Engagement Project at Glenveagh National Park as part of Heritage Week
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has officially launched An Binse Cliste (The Smart Bench), an innovative digital visitor engagement project delivered by Data2Sustain, ATU's School of Creative Industries and WiSAR Lab at ATU, which explores how embedded technologies and environmental data can enhance interaction with natural environments.
Over the coming weeks three benches will be installed at sites in Donegal and Connemara, adding to the number of Irish sites contributing to “Star4All” a collective awareness platform for promoting dark skies in Europe.
The launch took place on Thursday, 20th August at Glenveagh National Park as part of Heritage Week, where one of the benches has already been installed, allowing visitors to experience the project within its intended natural setting.
The Smart Bench innovative design frames each stunning landscape in a way that is practical and sensitive to the natural heritage of its surroundings. The intention is to enhance the experience of visitors and to showcase our natural environment to a national and international audience interested in engaging with nature.
The project brought together expertise from ATU’s School of Creative Industries and the WiSAR Lab at ATU, combining design, embedded systems and digital technologies to develop an environmental data platform through integrated sensor technologies. The Smart bench design captures night sky darkness level, bird song and air quality. This information is made available through an accompanying mobile app, enabling visitors to view the data and provide feedback.
A dashboard provides on-line users with access to the environmental information including bird activity, bird song recordings, night sky darkness and air quality insights with the opportunity to explore the wider project context.
The project, delivered by the Data2Sustain EDIH, demonstrates how digital capability and interdisciplinary collaboration can be applied to develop innovative approaches to environmental engagement and visitor experience. It was developed in collaboration with public service partners including Connemara National Park, Glenveagh National Park and Donegal County Council, ERNACT with installations in Glenveagh National Park, Fort Dunree and Connemara National Park.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “Technology opens up new and sustainable ways to bring us closer to the natural world. The Smart Bench gives visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of Glenveagh National Park. Glenveagh is known for its education and visitor engagement programmes, and this project further builds on that reputation by working in partnership with Atlantic Technical University, Donegal County Council and Connemara National Park to create an even more engaging and accessible experience for all.”
ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn said, “The Smart Bench – An Binse Cliste – is a great example of how ATU is combining research, technology and design to enhance how people engage with the natural environment. Through collaboration across our Design School, WiSAR Lab and Data2Sustain EDIH, the project demonstrates how innovation can enrich visitor experiences while supporting environmental awareness. As you will see from the beautiful design, this bench will become a focal point for visitors here and other locations for years to come.”
Stephen Seawright, Technology Gateway Manager for WiSAR added, “The Smart Bench transforms real-time environmental data into a simple and engaging experience for visitors. By combining sensor technology, digital design and environmental monitoring, we are helping the public connect more deeply with landscapes they visit while showcasing the value of collaborative innovation.”
The Smart Bench highlights the potential of digital technologies to create accessible and meaningful interactions with natural environment with potential to stimulate the rural economy, while showcasing the value of collaborative innovation across design, research and technology disciplines.
Feature photo caption: Seated L-R: Stephen Seawright (Technology Gateway Manager for WiSAR), Dr Orla Flynn (ATU President), Cllr Terry Crosson (Donegal Co Co – Leas-Cathaoirleach)
Back row L-R: Roscoe Holt (ATU Lecturer and designer of the bench), Mike Conroy (Director and Program Coordinator, Data2Sustain) Emmett Johnston (Glenveagh National Park Regional Manager).
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
