Presov Regional Tourism Strategy presentation, Day 1

ORIGINN Study Visit to Prešov, Slovakia

From May 20–22, 2025, the picturesque Prešov Self-Governing Region in Slovakia played host to the fifth Study Visit of the ORIGINN project. The event brought together partners from Ireland, Sweden, Romania, Italy, Estonia, and Catalonia to share and explore good practices in soft innovation in our regions. Soft innovation can be a difficult concept to pin down, but in broad terms, whereas “hard innovation” refers to new technologies or functionalities, soft innovation encompasses more aesthetic or intellectual innovations, ranging from artistic expressions to management processes. In the context of ORIGINN, the project is focused on soft innovations that support the economic and social development of rural communities.

The three-day gathering opened with a full-day conference held at the PSGR Office in Prešov. Participants were welcomed by the Deputy Chairman of the region, who introduced the diverse landscape and potential of Prešov. This was followed by contributions from several regional experts. Mario Popper of the Strategic Development Department outlined the Prešov Region’s broader development strategy, while Štefan Pavlík spoke on integrated territorial strategies and their application in agricultural initiatives.

A key theme of the morning session was the role of education and regional collaboration. The Department of Education highlighted its work with secondary schools to support agri-food and technical vocational training. Daniel Šimčík discussed the region’s Tourism Strategy as a complementary driver of local economic sustainability.

The afternoon presentations turned to innovation in natural products and sustainable farming. Ivan Šalamon, PhD, of the University of Prešov, spoke on the healing potential of the region’s medicinal plants, while fellow academics Emília Huttmanová and Jana Chovancová introduced the university’s new sustainability-focused study programmes. Case studies from Agrokarpaty Plavnica and the family-run Hemp Bona farm provided tangible examples of how organic farming and medicinal plant cultivation are contributing to the region’s agricultural transformation.

A Trip to an Urban Farm

The project partners also visited Urban Flora, a family-run urban farm in Prešov specialising in aeroponic cultivation of herbs and leafy greens—a forward-looking example of high-efficiency indoor urban agriculture with minimal environmental impact.

On the second day, the focus shifted to hands-on learning with study visits in the Plaveč and Hniezdne areas outside the town of Prešov. In Plavnica, attendees toured Agrokarpaty, Slovakia’s largest medicinal plant producer and one of the largest in Europe. The visit offered an up-close view of sustainable large-scale herbal cultivation and processing. In Hniezdne, the group experienced Nestville Park, a modern distillery, chocolate factory, and cultural centre, where traditional skills are being revitalised for modern markets.

The final day was dedicated to the internal workings of the ORIGINN project. Partners gathered for a steering meeting to review progress and plan future collaboration. This was followed by a session showcasing good practice examples in soft innovation from each partner region. The exchange of ideas highlighted diverse methods being used across Europe to support rural development, including innovative models of stakeholder engagement in Sweden, supporting local creativity as a driver of innovation in Ireland, and an online retail platform for local food producers in Romania.

The event concluded with a shared lunch and closing remarks, affirming the project’s commitment to knowledge exchange and cooperation. With a strong blend of policy dialogue and real-world examples, the fifth ORIGINN Study Visit reaffirmed the value of cross-border partnerships in building more resilient and sustainable rural communities.

 

15-min city pathway

EMRA Unveils New Implementation Pathway to Support Vibrant 15-Minute Neighbourhoods in Dublin

The Executive of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) has presented The 15-Minute City – An Implementation Pathway for Delivering Vibrant Urban Neighbourhoods in the Dublin Region to the Elected Members of the Assembly at its June meeting, held at City Hall in Dublin.

This practical new resource is designed to support the development of more liveable, connected and sustainable communities across the Dublin metropolitan area by guiding the implementation of the 15-minute city concept in a local and regional context.

The 15-minute city is based on a simple but transformative idea: that people should be able to access most of their daily needs—such as work, education, shops, parks and healthcare—within a 15-minute walk or cycle from their home. As Dublin continues to face complex challenges around housing, transport, and quality of life, this model offers a people-centred approach to planning that is increasingly reflected in national and regional policy.

15 min city

15-Min City Pathway

The implementation pathway was developed by EMRA as the Action Leader for Action 2.1 of the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan to 2025. It brings together national, regional, and local policy supports; showcases relevant good practice projects from across the region; and outlines funding streams that can be leveraged to deliver 15-minute neighbourhoods in practice.

Intended as a go-to resource for local authorities, planners, transport and housing agencies, enterprise bodies, business groups, and community organisations, the document supports more integrated, people-focused, and place-based development across the Dublin Region.

The full implementation pathway is now available to download here:

‘The 15-Minute City’ Report’_EMRA_June 2025

New Research Launched at Tóchar Conference Reveals Strong Public Support for Wetland Restoration

Nearly half of respondents have a vested interest in wetland restoration, with 10% of those acknowledging that restoration may have potential impacts on traditional livelihoods and impact turf cutters and bog contractors.

  • 61% of Irish adults have visited a wetland area.
  • 72% of the public rank nature restoration as the most important benefit of restoring wetlands.
  • 33% of people nationwide are aware of wetland restoration projects, but awareness is significantly higher in the Just Transition counties.

Thursday, 22 May 2025, Ireland: New research unveiled today at the Tóchar: A Path from the Past, A Future for Wetlands conference reveals a strong public interest in wetlands and insights into the way we interact with them.

The RED C research, commissioned by the Tóchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Project, offers timely insights into Irish attitudes toward wetlands, restoration benefits, and the perceived impact on rural livelihoods.

The findings were presented during a lively day of discussions and community engagement at the conference, where the opening address from John Feehan explored the role of ecological processes for the future of wetlands. The event brought together policymakers, ecologists, landowners, contractors, and local voices to explore the path ahead for wetlands in the Midlands. Held in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, the event opened with a ‘Wake Up to the Bog’ walk and featured keynote addresses from representatives of the European Commission and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Tóchar Project representatives and a range of community voices such as Abbeyleix Bog Project, Women in Nature Restoration and the Tóchar Fens Restoration project.

Welcoming the research, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said:

“Through the Tóchar Project, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is restoring vital wetlands not only to protect biodiversity, but also to ensure that communities who have long been dependent on peatlands are part of a fair and inclusive transition. I am delighted that the NPWS is supporting initiatives like Tóchar that combine social equity with environmental stewardship. The research being launched today highlights the deep connection Irish people feel to our wetlands and underscores the public’s growing support for nature-based solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges. We need to ensure that meeting these challenges delivers climate action benefits while preserving livelihoods and our heritage.”

Speaking about the research, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:

“The restoration of Ireland’s wetlands is a vital step in protecting our natural heritage and tackling climate change. These ecosystems are at the heart of our biodiversity and play a crucial role in flood management, carbon storage, and sustaining rural communities. Through the Tóchar Project, we are not just restoring landscapes, we are strengthening the connection between people and nature. This initiative ensures that wetland restoration is carried out in a way that benefits both the environment and the communities who have relied on these lands for generations. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable future where conservation and rural livelihoods can thrive side by side.”

This research was commissioned to better understand how people across Ireland perceive wetlands and their restoration and this was a key topic of discussion throughout the event. The findings reinforced many of the themes raised during panel discussions and storytelling sessions, such as “Stories from the Community” and “The Irish Perspective: Reflections on the Past and a Look to the Future”, where local peat contractors, landowners, and ecologists shared their lived experiences and aspirations for the transition.

It’s clear that while there is strong support for nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, we also need to acknowledge and address the concerns of rural communities whose lives and traditions are closely tied to these landscapes. This insight will help shape how we engage with the public and deliver the project in a way that’s inclusive and informed.

Key research findings include:

  • 61% of Irish adults have visited a wetland area, with this number rising to nearly 70% in the EU Just Transition Territory counties.
  • Nature restoration (72%), flood mitigation (57%), and carbon storage (50%) rank as the top perceived benefits of wetland restoration.
  • While many support wetland restoration, 49% of respondents express concern about its impact, particularly on traditional rural livelihoods.
  • 1 in 3 Irish adults have heard of wetland restoration projects, but there is a need for better communication and community engagement. Awareness is significantly higher in the EU Just Transition Territory counties.

The Tóchar Project, a three-year initiative managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, is dedicated to restoring these vital landscapes across the Midlands.

Ireland’s wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and climate resilience. However, many of these fragile ecosystems have been degraded over time.
The Tóchar project is focusing on restoring degraded wetlands in Kildare, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, and Westmeath, working closely with local communities to ensure a just transition.

Commenting on the project launch, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD said:

“Tóchar represents a key opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the restoration and protection of Irish wetlands. In addition to their cultural and historic importance, wetlands play a critical role in carbon sequestration, functioning as a long-term carbon sink. Supporting sustainable land-use initiatives such as Tóchar will be essential to achieving our climate goals and ensuring a just transition away from a fossil fuel-dependent landscape. I look forward to seeing the full potential of this innovative scheme.”

Shirley Clerkin, Tóchar Project Manager, stresses the importance of collaboration:

“The research shows that wetland restoration is about more than just conservation; it’s about people and their ongoing relationship with their environment. The survey results demonstrate an understanding of wetland ecosystem benefits but also show where we need to work together to enhance and build capacity for wetland restoration in the midlands. By working with communities, landowners, and peat contractors we can create a legacy of sustainable living, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection that benefits everyone.“

Clare Bannon, A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA):

“As the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund, EMRA recognises the profound impact that the EU Just Transition Fund programme has on the communities and environment in the wider Midlands. This research commissioned by the Tóchar project, is valuable to understanding how people across Ireland perceive wetlands and their restoration. This insight will be integral in shaping how Tóchar can ensure that wetland restoration is carried out in a way that is inclusive and well-informed. Our goal is to create a sustainable future where conservation and rural livelihoods thrive side by side, adopting a deep connection between people and their natural heritage.”

The day closed with a ‘Rejuvenation Bog Walk’, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the landscapes that are the focus of Ireland’s wetland restoration movement.

To learn more about the Tóchar Project, share your views, or participate in upcoming initiatives, visit www.tocharwetlands.ie or follow us on Instagram @wetlandsrestoration or Facebook and LinkedIn Tóchar Wetlands Restoration.

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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Gearòid Maher age 3, and Fiadh Maher aged 10 months from Laois in Abbeyleix Bog, as part of Tòchar Project research launch on National Biodiversity Week.
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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Stèphanie Ganter-Houzel, Programme Manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, Project Manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme and Clare Bannon, Acting Director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

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22-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Gearòid Maher age 3, and Fiadh Maher aged 10 months from Laois in Abbeyleix Bog, as part of Tòchar Project research launch on National Biodiversity Week.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

‘Silver Bullet’ Solution Offers New Economic Opportunities for Peatland Farmers

· The Peatlands for Prosperity: Farming for the Future project to be launched on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at the Paludiculture ‘Showroom’ in Shinrone, Offaly.

· It is one of the projects funded in the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

· As part of the project, Green Restoration Ireland is offering free, hands-on support to farmers, farm advisors, and the wider community as to how to access new income streams from peatlands, in particular abandoned cutover.

· Anyone with an interest is encouraged to book training with the project or get in touch to find out more about surveys and other services.

Peatlands have been very much in the headlines of late with a lot of concern in the farming community about the possible imposition of conditions for agricultural peat grasslands. But what if you could actually ‘restore’ damaged and degrading peatlands by reclamation for agriculture, generating income from lands with no financial potential? How is this even possible? Well, this is what the new Peatlands for Prosperity project is proposing – the key difference lies in the approach.

The launch of the Peatlands for Prosperity: Farming for the Future project, funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Programme and run by Green Restoration Ireland (GRI) took place on Wednesday, 21st May. This was held at the Paludiculture ‘Showroom’ on the Regan farm in Gortavally, Shinrone, Offaly. This is the site of Ireland’s first on-farm Paludiculture trials and will be one of the two main venues for the project. The second demonstration farm is located in Ferbane, County Offaly.

Of the launch of the project, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien T.D. remarked:

“We welcome this opportunity to support this innovative project. Management of farmed peatlands through paludiculture is a valuable opportunity to support the transition towards climate-neutrality and encourage biodiversity, while also facilitating the diversification and modernisation of the economy of the Territory for the benefit of impacted communities.

“Peatlands for Prosperity demonstrates an environmentally sustainable solution to the challenges of the cessation of peat extraction in the Midlands, placing the welfare and wellbeing of the farming community at its core. This project represents the necessary shift towards environmentally conscious land use while enabling farmers to access new potential sources of revenue. We look forward to witnessing the impact and influence of this project on future initiatives.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D. also stated:

“As Minister for Agriculture, I recognise the importance of working with farmers with peat soils in generating an income for their families. A key element of the Peatlands for Prosperity initiative is the provision of hands-on support for farmers. Providing farmers with the right tools, in the right place, at the right time are critical to ensuring an economic and environmentally sustainable Irish agriculture sector. I look forward to seeing the outputs of this project and wish all involved great success.”

Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland said:

“The EU Just Transition Fund supports innovative approaches to developing the territories most affected by the transition towards climate neutrality.

“The Peatlands for Prosperity project is about developing alternative income streams for farmers while contributing to the restoration of peatlands.”

A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Clare Bannon said:

“The prosperity of the wider Midland region is closely tied to sustainable agriculture. The Peatlands for Prosperity project is an excellent example of innovative approaches that preserve the region’s unique environment and while supporting economic opportunities for local farmers.

“The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as the Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund, is delighted to work with Pobal in administering grant aid directly from the European Union to projects that stem from the ingenuity of our local communities – in the first scheme of its kind. Projects like Peatlands for Prosperity highlights how financial supports that directly target regional and local innovative entities can transform regional development and improve the livelihoods of our communities.”

Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare said:

“The Peatlands for Prosperity project delivered by Green restoration Ireland which is trialling new farming practices such as paludiculture to help counter biodiversity loss and introduce farmers to a “new” sustainable agriculture, is an excellent example of the innovative initiatives that organisations, communities and enterprises across the Midlands are undertaking under the Just Transition Programme. It is one of 44 projects being supported under the Fund and we have been impressed with the uniqueness of a range of such initiatives being piloted that attempt to build new skills, generate jobs, and diversify the economy while contributing towards the transition to a low carbon economy.”

Dr Doug McMillan, General Manager of GRI said:

“With the Peatlands for Prosperity project, Green Restoration Ireland (GRI) is offering free, hands-on support to farmers, farm advisors, and the wider community. Participating farmers can avail of comprehensive, no-cost surveys to assess their peatland’s potential for carbon payments, Paludiculture crops and establishment of paludiculture crops. The project also offers free on-farm training delivered at the pioneer farms in County Offaly to demonstrate how to successfully manage your peatlands and unlock new income streams.”

 

Paludiculture Pays Four Times Over!

‘Paludiculture (wetland agriculture) is the productive land use of wet and rewetted peatlands that preserves the peat soil and thereby minimizes CO2 emissions and subsidence.’ (A definition of paludiculture in the CAP – Wetlands International Europe)

A veritable silver bullet, if done right Paludiculture has the potential to pay four times over:

1. Firstly in the form of carbon payments from raising the water table to lock in carbon and avoid carbon emissions as outlined in the new Peatland Standard for Ireland (Peatland Standard for Ireland — Peatland Finance Ireland);

2. In the form of payments for the crops and raw materials produced;

3. Where this is done on existing agricultural land it conserves the peat soils for future generations of farmers (drained peat soils are lost at an average rate of 1 cm a year); and

4. Lastly, it pays in co-benefits of enhanced biodiversity, habitats and ecosystem services that arise from healthy peatlands providing climate resilience for agriculture and contributing to national and EU objectives for climate, green growth, biodiversity and water quality, so reducing costly fines for the country as a whole. Payment for these additional ecosystem services are an integral part of carbon payments outlined in the Irish Peatland Standard.

A Paludiculture First for Ireland

With paludiculture, peatlands are kept productive under raised water tables making it a blueprint for carbon farming of peaty soils by simultaneously allowing agricultural cultivation (or forestry) to produce food, feed, biomass and other raw materials.

At the Regan ‘Showroom’, a full cross-section of crops suited to wetter conditions have been trialled including grasses, fruits, herbs, vegetables, commercial timber species and crops for construction, fibres and other raw materials that can develop the circular bio-economy. A key project aim is to show farmers a range of the most lucrative crops to choose from and help them transition to these new agricultural systems.

The event on the day will include a tour of these new crops and other carbon farming measures, short presentations and the finest in Irish farm hospitality!

Access Farm Services & Training Courses

If you are a peatland farmer, farm advisor or just have an interest and want to book your training or would like to find out more about the programme then please contact GRI at doug@greenrestorationireland.coop or call Doug at 087 9678 372.

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21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
From left to right: Clare Bannon, Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; Collette and Donie Regan, farmer owners; Douglas McMillan, General Manager of Green Restoration Ireland Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

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21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
From left to right: Clare Bannon, Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; Collette and Donie Regan, farmer owners; Douglas McMillan, General Manager of Green Restoration Ireland Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

No Repro fee
21-05-2025 – For Immediate Release
Group shot of farmers and peatland experts, European Commission and Government representatives at the Regan farm Paludiculture ‘showroom’ for the launching of the Peatlands for Prosperity project.
Pic: Karl Hussey Photography – no repro fee

Failte-ireland-project-announcement-May-2025-

Further 15 tourism projects awarded over €4.2 million under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme

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Regional Development Monitor

Regional Development Monitor: a Good Practice for EU Regions

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Explore EU Urban Opportunities – Join Us May 1st at the Custom House

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), as Ireland’s National Contact Point for URBACT and the European Urban Initiative (EUI), invites you to a joint information session on the afternoon of May 1st at the Custom House, Dublin.
With registration and refreshments from 12.30pm, the session will highlight:
• The new URBACT Transfer Networks call
• The EUI Capacity Building offer
• The upcoming Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU) call on Compact Cities

Hear real testimonials, discover funding and learning opportunities, and connect with local authority peers and stakeholders from across Ireland.
See the full agenda and register now to secure your place.

Questions? Contact Karl Murphy at kmurphy@emra.ie

AIR Training Seminar 2025 highlights video

We are proud to share the highlights from the 2025 Association of Irish Regions (AIR) Annual Seminar, held in Athlone on 5 and 6 February 2025 marking a decade of Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies. Organised by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), this special event brought together over 270 delegates, including locally elected representatives, planners, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Ireland and Europe.

The two-day seminar was a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, celebrating regional achievements, and looking ahead to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Ireland. Key moments included the project exhibition space and the launch of two innovative tools developed in partnership with Maynooth University’s All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO): the National Census Atlas and the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Dashboard—groundbreaking resources for evidence-based planning and regional innovation.

Watch the video to relive the energy, insight, and collaboration that made the 2025 this year’s AIR Seminar such a memorable success.

The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) is the representative body of the three Regional Assemblies in Ireland – the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly. For more information about the AIR event, visit www.irishregions.ie

Regional Assemblies and Maynooth University launch innovative National Census Atlas and Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) dashboard

Ireland’s first neighbourhood-level atlas brings over 200 indicators to your fingertips

Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies – the Eastern and Midland, the Northern and Western, and the Southern Regional Assemblies – in collaboration with the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University, are proud to announce the launch of the National Census Atlas, a groundbreaking tool that provides an unprecedented view of over 200 social, economic, and environmental indicators at the neighbourhood level across Ireland. Alongside this, a new section on the Regional Development Monitor (RDM) dedicated to key Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) indicators is also being unveiled.

Minister Peter Burke TD with EMRA A/Director Clare Bannon, Anne-Marie Wood Wolfe and Owen Douglas at the launching of the Census Atlas in Athlone on 6 February 2025.

This pioneering atlas is hosted on the Tailte Éireann GeoHive platform via the Regional Development Monitor (RDM), enabling users to explore a wealth of data in an accessible and interactive format. From housing trends and employment statistics to environmental factors, the atlas delivers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, businesses, and citizens alike.

The National Census Atlas offers:

  • Neighbourhood-level insights: Detailed mapping of data for informed decision-making at the local level.
  • Comprehensive indicators: Over 200 datasets covering critical aspects of Irish life, including demographics, social and cultural factors, education, health and wellbeing, housing, employment and economy, communications and ICT, and transport and commuting.
  • User-friendly access: An intuitive interface powered by the GeoHive platform, making data exploration straightforward for all users.

All data in the atlas comes from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2022 results, ensuring the most up-to-date and accurate representation of Ireland’s social and economic characteristics.

A Resource for Evidence-Based Planning and Beyond

Justin Gleeson explains the features of the newly launched Census Atlas in Athlone on 6 February 2025.

The National Census Atlas is primarily aimed at supporting the planning sector in Ireland, providing a robust resource for evidence-based planning and policymaking. It will be a useful support tool for Government Department and State bodies, local authorities, community groups and planning consultants. However, its applications extend far beyond, offering valuable insights for secondary and third-level students in understanding the social and economic characteristics of the country.

Examples of the Tool in Use

The National Census Atlas illustrates its potential to support current and future policy development for key social issues. For instance:

  • Population change: The tool shows levels of population change over the last twenty years, highlighting areas of major population growth alongside regions experiencing continual population decline.
  • Household heating sources: The atlas details variations in household heating methods within and across counties, providing essential data for policies aimed at achieving a just transition from fossil fuels.
  • Employment clustering: Insights into the clustering of employment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing industries, and professional services can guide regional economic development strategies.
  • Religious affiliation trends: The tool reveals differing trends in religious affiliation between urban and rural areas, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural shifts.
  • Commuting patterns: Detailed data on commuting patterns to cities and large towns helps inform transport and infrastructure planning.

Setting Ireland Apart as an International Leader

The National Census Atlas is unique in its scope and detail. No other country has developed a national resource as comprehensive as this, positioning Ireland as an example of international best practice. This innovative approach highlights Ireland’s commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and inclusive planning.

Technological Advancements for Local Authorities

One of the key advancements in this tool is its ability to allow local authorities to develop their own maps tailored to their specific areas – counties, cities and towns, local electoral areas and municipal districts. This feature empowers local authorities and elected members to better understand and respond to the unique needs of their communities.

A Collaboration for Ireland’s Future

Developed by the AIRO team at Maynooth University, the project was made possible through direction and funding from the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland: the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, and the Southern Regional Assembly. This collaboration underscores the commitment to equipping communities with tools to drive evidence-based planning and regional development.

A Vision for Sustainable Development

In formally launching the National Census Atlas and S3 Dashboard, Minister Peter Burke TD stated: “I am proud to launch the National Census Atlas, a groundbreaking tool providing access to key data which will be instrumental in supporting evidence-based policymaking. We are the first country to develop such a resource, positioning Ireland at the forefront of international best practice. I am also delighted to launch the new Smart Specialisation Strategy Visualisation Dashboard which was developed in collaboration with my own Department. This tool will help monitor the progress of our National Smart Specialisation Strategy, monitor our regional innovation performance and enable regions to focus on their strengths. These new tools are fantastic additions to the Regional Development Monitor that I had the pleasure of launching in November 2022 and will be crucial to future policy development.”

Justin Gleeson, Director of AIRO, emphasised the significance of the initiative:

“The National Census Atlas represents a major step forward in democratising access to data. By providing granular insights at the neighbourhood level, this tool empowers stakeholders across Ireland to identify needs, allocate resources effectively, and plan for a sustainable future. It is a fantastic example of public sector collaboration in Ireland and the use of publicly funded data collection initiatives.”

Clare Bannon, Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly added:

“This project highlights the power of collaboration in advancing regional development goals. We’re proud to support this initiative, which offers a new perspective on Ireland’s evolving social, economic, and environmental landscape. This tool is a great addition to the Regional Development Monitor which has become a key resource for local and regional authorities in Ireland.”

Access the Atlas Today

The National Census Atlas is available now on the Regional Development Monitor website:

https://rdm.geohive.ie/pages/national-census-atlas

Launch of the new Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Visualisation Dashboard

In addition to the launch of the National Census Atlas, Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies and AIRO are pleased to announce a new Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) visualisation dashboard on the RDM website. The dashboards on this platform have been developed to support the monitoring of the national Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), an innovation policy concept that aims to boost regional enterprise innovation by enabling regions to focus on their strengths.

Developed by the RDM project team in collaboration with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), the dashboard provides visualisations for several key indicators, including:

  • Real Labour Productivity per Person
  • International Comparison of R&D Personnel per Thousand Total Employment
  • Regional Innovation Scoreboard Indicators

By offering these data-driven insights, the new S3 visualisation platform will support policymakers, researchers, and businesses in identifying areas of strategic growth, fostering innovation, and contributing to regional prosperity across Ireland.

The S3 Dashboard is available now on the Regional Development Monitor website:

https://rdm.geohive.ie/pages/s3-indicators

AIR Seminar Celebrates a Decade of three Regional Assemblies in Ireland

The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) holds its third Annual Training Seminar and launches the National Census Atlas and the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Dashboard.

The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) held an engaging and enlightening training seminar on 5-6 February 2025 in Athlone. Following from the successful events in Monaghan in 2023 and Adare in 2024, over 270 registered delegates of locally elected representatives, policy makers, regional planners, experts and stakeholders from across Ireland and Europe gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel overlooking the River Shannon for the third AIR training seminar.

The event also marked a significant milestone as it celebrated 10 years of the three Regional Assemblies in Ireland, which were established in their current form in 2015. Since then, the Assemblies have become vehicles for both securing and brokering critical investment, strategic policymaking and are key advocates for their constituent communities (both urban and rural).

Of the event, Clare Bannon, A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly said:

“EMRA is honoured to host the 2025 AIR training seminar. It has been a privilege to bring together a significant lineup of speakers with the goal of debating and enhancing the critical role the Regions play in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable Ireland. This seminar has provided a wonderful opportunity for all participants to come together at a pivotal time in both domestic and international politics to discuss key issues of importance as we look forward towards the next ten years of Regions in Ireland.”

The Cathaoirleach of AIR, Cllr Jimmy McClearn, Galway County Council and member of the Committee of the Regions, added:

“This event underscores the remarkable progress the Regions have made over the past decade and looks at where we can go in the future. The discussions, insights, and collaborations made possible by this timely event will undoubtedly propel us toward even greater achievements in regional development and cooperation.”

This year’s event ended with the launching of the National Census Atlas and the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Dashboard by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD. With the Minister’s warm support, the three Regional Assemblies in collaboration with the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University launched these two brand new extensions to the Regional Development Monitor (RDM) which provides mapping and visualisation platforms to assist Government Departments, Regional Assemblies, Local Authorities, planners, policy makers, researchers, and citizens in gaining greater insight to aid better decision-making. First of its kind in Europe, this is a fully open, user-friendly and interactive resource that shows over 200 key indicators down to a neighbourhood-level and can demonstrate key social, economic and environmental trends across Ireland.

Of the launch, Minister Peter Burke TD said:

EMRA Director Clare Bannon, Minister Peter Burke TD and Justin Gleeson Director of AIRO in Athlone at the launch of the Census Atlas and the S3 Dashboard

“I am proud to launch the National Census Atlas, a groundbreaking tool providing access to key data which will be instrumental in supporting evidence-based policymaking. We are the first country to develop such a resource, positioning Ireland at the forefront of international best practice. I am also delighted to launch the new Smart Specialisation Strategy Visualisation Dashboard which was developed in collaboration with my own Department. This tool will help monitor the progress of our National Smart Specialisation Strategy, monitor our regional innovation performance and enable regions to focus on their strengths. These new tools are fantastic additions to the Regional Development Monitor that I had the pleasure of launching in November 2022 and will be crucial to future policy development.”

You can read more about the launch and what this platform can do in this press release.

Overview of the event

Over the course of the two days, an impressive list of speakers joined delegates in discussing the key themes of multi-level governance, EU Cohesion policy, and regional spatial planning and economic development. These themes are pivotal in shaping the future of regional development and ensuring that policies are effectively implemented to benefit all regions in Ireland.

Attendees learned about the evolving space of governance in Ireland from such speakers as Dorothée Allain-Dupré, Head of the Regional Development and Multi-level Governance Division at the OECD, Mayor John Moran of Limerick and Elaine Lynch of the Association if Irish Local Government (AILG). Following a recorded message from Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reform in the European Commission, Raffaele Fitto (see video message below), speakers of the second session including Sari Rautio, member of the High-Level Group on the Future of Cohesion policy and EPP Group Leader in the Committee of the Regions (CoR), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, Cllr Kieran McCarthy of Cork City Council and CoR Member, and Ellen Mulder-Metselaar, Director International Relations & Public Affairs, Province of Gelderland in the Netherlands, helped attendees explore the future of Cohesion Policy post-2027 and how Regions can benefit from engaging at EU level. The third session brought together speakers such as Marie Donnelly, Chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council, Brendan O’Sullivan, University College Cork Centre for Planning and Education & Research, Jonathan Patchell and David Barret from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Caoimhín Ó Ciaruáin, Department of Transport, to discuss the future of planning in Ireland with specific attention to the economic, climate and transport dimensions.

The full agenda with all speakers listed can be downloaded here.

At the dinner on the 5th of February, Brian Cody, Kilkenny Hurling Manager and eleven-time All Ireland Winning Manager, treated guests to an inspirational keynote speech. He shared stories about his extraordinary hurling career, emphasising the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks, nurturing team spirit at the grassroots, and working together to make decisions for the long-term greater good.

Complementing the informative sessions and debates, the seminar featured an exhibition space showcasing some of the outstanding work and initiatives that have been undertaken by the three Regional Assemblies over the past decade. This exhibition highlighted the tangible impacts and successes achieved, demonstrating the importance of collaborative efforts in regional planning and development.

Notes: 

The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) is the representative body of the three Regional Assemblies in Ireland – the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly. Established in 2015, the three Regional Assemblies promote coordinated planning and sustainable development, work to support economic development, manage EU funding programmes, and enhance regional collaboration. They provide strategic input into policy-making, ensuring alignment with national and EU objectives while addressing the unique needs of their respective regions. By fostering partnerships between local authorities, state agencies, and stakeholders, the Assemblies help shape a balanced and thriving Ireland.

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