Dungarvan Enterprise Centre (DEC) hosted a public consultation as part of its ongoing feasibility study exploring the development of a collaborative living laboratory (CLL) for the agri-food sector in the south-east.

Led by Dungarvan Enterprise Centre chairperson, Bill O’Gorman, the consultation brought together stakeholders from across farming, food production, agri-business and agri-tech, reflecting the strong regional interest in shaping the future of innovation within the sector.

The Co. Waterford session provided allowed participants to share practical insights, identify key challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The diverse attendance ensured a balanced and constructive discussion, with valuable contributions from those working directly within the industry.

O’Gorman said that the level of engagement at the consultation demonstrated the genuine appetite across the south-east for practical collaborative innovation in the agri-food sector.

He added: "The insights shared by farmers, food producers and agri-tech leaders will play a crucial role in shaping this feasibility study.

"It is essential that any future collaborative living laboratory is grounded in real industry needs and delivers tangible value to the region."

Feedback gathered during the consultation will be compiled alongside survey responses and stakeholder interviews as part of the next phase of the feasibility process.

The study, will assess the potential for establishing a collaborative living laboratory in the south east focused on hands-on collaboration, technology testing and sustainable sectoral development.

It is co-funded by Enterprise Ireland and the EU through the European Regional Development Fund's Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027.

Dungarvan Enterprise Centre thanked all who attended and contributed to what it described as a productive and forward-looking discussion.