Building capacity for nature-based surface water management across Ireland
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are playing an increasingly important role in helping towns and cities manage surface water, improve climate resilience and deliver wider environmental benefits. To support the delivery of these measures, we recently delivered a nationwide training programme, equipping local authority staff with the knowledge, tools and practical skills needed to design effective rain gardens and tree pits for urban surface water management. Read on to find out more.
Strengthening local authority expertise
This bespoke, one-day, in-person technical training on the design of NbS for surface water management for local authority technical staff was delivered to each of the 31 local authorities nationwide. The training was coordinated by the Local Authority Services National Training Group (LASNTG), in conjunction with the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) and the Eastern & Midlands Climate Action Regional Office (E&M CARO).
The purpose of this training was to equip local authority staff with the technical design concepts and practical knowledge required to design effective rain gardens and tree pits for surface water management in urban environments.
Building capacity for nature-based SuDS delivery
Delivered in partnership with GreenBlue Urban, the training programme was designed to build knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and support the delivery of Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Drainage Systems (NbS SuDS) across all 31 local authorities in Q2 2026.
The programme combined a one-day, in-person masterclass for each local authority with five optional half-day online group workshops. The masterclasses introduced key concepts, practical approaches, and implementation considerations, while the follow-up workshops created a collaborative space for participants to explore emerging opportunities, share experiences, raise queries, and discuss specific projects, site challenges, and potential opportunity areas.
Participants represented a wide range of disciplines, including engineers, architects, landscape architects, planners, technicians, biodiversity officers, climate action officers, tree officers, parks and landscape officers, scientists, inspectors, and superintendents. This breadth of expertise demonstrated the multidisciplinary nature of successful NbS SuDS design and highlighted the importance of cross-departmental collaboration in delivering resilient, nature-focused solutions.
By bringing together professionals from across local authorities, the training helped to strengthen internal networks, encourage knowledge sharing, and support the practical implementation of NbS SuDS measures within communities.
Participants explored a range of topics, including:
- Introducing NbS and their position in policy requirements.
- Where and how to choose NbS SuDS locations and the physical and hydraulic information required.
- Structural and stormwater management components and performance principles.
- Demonstration of the rain garden/tree pit bespoke design tool developed in house by JBA Consulting.
- Construction and maintenance considerations, including soil media specifications, species selection and integration with existing surrounding environment.
- Case studies showing both good and bad examples outlining the key takeaways from each.
Following the sessions, attendees were provided with a comprehensive training pack including all the teaching materials, the bespoke design tool, sample specifications and sample checklists.
For more information on this training programme, contact Leanne Leonard.
