Universities in Wales and Ireland are joining forces to investigate how coastal defense schemes can be improved by more eco-friendly designs, reported the Welsh Government.
More than €3 million of EU funds is being invested in the Ecostructure project, which will develop and trial new methods to enhance the quality of coastal structures, including sea-walls and tidal lagoons, through more ecologically-sensitive design.
The project has been funded through the Ireland-Wales co-operation program, which is helping to strengthen economic links and collaboration between the two countries.
According to the Welsh Government, the investment in Ecostructure will help to modernize future coastal development, create new business opportunities for local companies and improve the protection of wildlife and local ecosystems.
The project will be led by Aberystwyth University, in collaboration with University College Dublin, Bangor University, University College Cork and Swansea University.