Next week, over 600 union leaders from 50 countries will meet in Belfast to build a stronger labour movement and celebrate 25 years of UNI Europa. United, we will move forward through collective bargaining. United, we will win real say and more pay for Europe’s service workers.

Next week, over 600 union leaders from 50 countries will meet in Belfast to build a stronger labour movement and celebrate 25 years of UNI Europa. United, we will move forward through collective bargaining. United, we will win real say and more pay for Europe’s service workers.

Next week, over 600 union leaders from 50 countries will meet in Belfast to build a stronger labour movement and celebrate 25 years of UNI Europa. United, we will move forward through collective bargaining. United, we will win real say and more pay for Europe’s service workers.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie (https://www.bruegel.org/people/rebecca-christie) discusses Ireland's economy with Eamon Gilmore (https://www.bruegel.org/people/eamon-gilmore) , former Foreign Minister, and Patrick Honohan, (https://www.bruegel.org/people/patrick-honohan) former Governor of the Irish Central Bank. They explore Ireland’s recovery from the global financial crisis and current political outlook, alongside issues such as public debt, low interest rates, and rebuilding national confidence. The conversation also covers support for Ukraine, the Irish housing crisis, Ireland’s role in Europe, and evolving relations with the UK in the aftermath of Brexit and the peace process. The episode concludes with the speakers sharing their hopes and concerns for the country’s future.    The episode mentions the book “Europe and the Transformation of the Irish Economy (Elements in Economics of European Integration) (https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Elements-Economics-European-Integration/dp/1009306081) ” by Patric Honohan and John FitzGerald. Music: McFarley’s Reel, after the playing of John Doherty. 

BYD Cork is one of the four regional winners of the EV Dealership of the Year Awards. The overall national winner will be announced at the SEAI Energy Show in the RDS, Dublin taking place on the 26th and 27th March.   SEAI recognise that EV Dealerships are a vital part of the transition to clean and efficient transport. The Awards recognise and reward EV Dealerships that are supporting this transition and helping customers understand the benefits of EVs. Learn more: https://www.seai.ie/events/ev-dealership-awards

Happy International Women's Day! Taking a moment to recognise the incredible women we work with across the EPA. We're lucky to have their expertise and drive in every department across the agency. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInSTEM

The Minister speaks about the environmental policies and programmes being implemented to protect and improve our environment ensuring we work together to tackle the interconnected challenges facing agriculture and the environment About the Speaker: Andrew Muir MLA is Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and Alliance Party MLA for North Down. He previously served as Alliance Party Chief Whip, Finance and Infrastructure Spokesperson and leading party efforts for Restoration and Reform of Assembly and Executive. Aged 47, prior to joining the Northern Ireland Assembly in late 2019 Andrew served for nearly a decade as Councillor including a term as Mayor of North Down 2013/14. Before becoming a MLA Andrew worked for Northern Ireland’s Public Transport provider Translink as a Senior Project Manager overseeing roll out of multi-million pound Future Ticketing System Project. Andrew graduated with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Ulster University in 1999. A keen runner, Andrew has completed eleven Marathons with a Personal Best of 3:07. He founded both Bangor and Crawfordsburn free weekly 5k parkruns and is a member of North Down Athletic Club.

The Minister speaks about the environmental policies and programmes being implemented to protect and improve our environment ensuring we work together to tackle the interconnected challenges facing agriculture and the environment About the Speaker: Andrew Muir MLA is Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and Alliance Party MLA for North Down. He previously served as Alliance Party Chief Whip, Finance and Infrastructure Spokesperson and leading party efforts for Restoration and Reform of Assembly and Executive. Aged 47, prior to joining the Northern Ireland Assembly in late 2019 Andrew served for nearly a decade as Councillor including a term as Mayor of North Down 2013/14. Before becoming a MLA Andrew worked for Northern Ireland’s Public Transport provider Translink as a Senior Project Manager overseeing roll out of multi-million pound Future Ticketing System Project. Andrew graduated with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Ulster University in 1999. A keen runner, Andrew has completed eleven Marathons with a Personal Best of 3:07. He founded both Bangor and Crawfordsburn free weekly 5k parkruns and is a member of North Down Athletic Club. Recorded on the 5th of March 2025

The Minister speaks about the environmental policies and programmes being implemented to protect and improve our environment ensuring we work together to tackle the interconnected challenges facing agriculture and the environment About the Speaker: Andrew Muir MLA is Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and Alliance Party MLA for North Down. He previously served as Alliance Party Chief Whip, Finance and Infrastructure Spokesperson and leading party efforts for Restoration and Reform of Assembly and Executive. Aged 47, prior to joining the Northern Ireland Assembly in late 2019 Andrew served for nearly a decade as Councillor including a term as Mayor of North Down 2013/14. Before becoming a MLA Andrew worked for Northern Ireland’s Public Transport provider Translink as a Senior Project Manager overseeing roll out of multi-million pound Future Ticketing System Project. Andrew graduated with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Ulster University in 1999. A keen runner, Andrew has completed eleven Marathons with a Personal Best of 3:07. He founded both Bangor and Crawfordsburn free weekly 5k parkruns and is a member of North Down Athletic Club.

The Minister speaks about the environmental policies and programmes being implemented to protect and improve our environment ensuring we work together to tackle the interconnected challenges facing agriculture and the environment About the Speaker: Andrew Muir MLA is Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and Alliance Party MLA for North Down. He previously served as Alliance Party Chief Whip, Finance and Infrastructure Spokesperson and leading party efforts for Restoration and Reform of Assembly and Executive. Aged 47, prior to joining the Northern Ireland Assembly in late 2019 Andrew served for nearly a decade as Councillor including a term as Mayor of North Down 2013/14. Before becoming a MLA Andrew worked for Northern Ireland’s Public Transport provider Translink as a Senior Project Manager overseeing roll out of multi-million pound Future Ticketing System Project. Andrew graduated with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Ulster University in 1999. A keen runner, Andrew has completed eleven Marathons with a Personal Best of 3:07. He founded both Bangor and Crawfordsburn free weekly 5k parkruns and is a member of North Down Athletic Club. Recorded on the 5th of March 2025

The Minister speaks about the environmental policies and programmes being implemented to protect and improve our environment ensuring we work together to tackle the interconnected challenges facing agriculture and the environment About the Speaker: Andrew Muir MLA is Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and Alliance Party MLA for North Down. He previously served as Alliance Party Chief Whip, Finance and Infrastructure Spokesperson and leading party efforts for Restoration and Reform of Assembly and Executive. Aged 47, prior to joining the Northern Ireland Assembly in late 2019 Andrew served for nearly a decade as Councillor including a term as Mayor of North Down 2013/14. Before becoming a MLA Andrew worked for Northern Ireland’s Public Transport provider Translink as a Senior Project Manager overseeing roll out of multi-million pound Future Ticketing System Project. Andrew graduated with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Ulster University in 1999. A keen runner, Andrew has completed eleven Marathons with a Personal Best of 3:07. He founded both Bangor and Crawfordsburn free weekly 5k parkruns and is a member of North Down Athletic Club.

The Minister speaks about the environmental policies and programmes being implemented to protect and improve our environment ensuring we work together to tackle the interconnected challenges facing agriculture and the environment About the Speaker: Andrew Muir MLA is Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and Alliance Party MLA for North Down. He previously served as Alliance Party Chief Whip, Finance and Infrastructure Spokesperson and leading party efforts for Restoration and Reform of Assembly and Executive. Aged 47, prior to joining the Northern Ireland Assembly in late 2019 Andrew served for nearly a decade as Councillor including a term as Mayor of North Down 2013/14. Before becoming a MLA Andrew worked for Northern Ireland’s Public Transport provider Translink as a Senior Project Manager overseeing roll out of multi-million pound Future Ticketing System Project. Andrew graduated with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Ulster University in 1999. A keen runner, Andrew has completed eleven Marathons with a Personal Best of 3:07. He founded both Bangor and Crawfordsburn free weekly 5k parkruns and is a member of North Down Athletic Club. Recorded on the 5th of March 2025

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University.

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University.

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University.

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University. Recorded on the 27th of February 2025

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University. Recorded on the 27th of February 2025

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University. Recorded on the 27th of February 2025

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellists, the MEPs offer insights into how policies at the EU level play a role in addressing these key challenges. Speakers: Maria Walsh, Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, Fine Gael Barry Cowen, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Fianna Fáil Ciaran Mullooly, Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, Independent Brendan Flynn (Discussant), Lecturer & Head of Politics, School of Political Science and Sociology at University of Galway Dr Orla Flynn (Moderator), President of the Atlantic Technological University

How Cork designed a public park to help the city withstand flooding events. Here’s an example of innovative climate adaptation, from David Joyce, Cork City Council, who spoke at last year’s EPA Climate Conference. As stressed in the EPA’s State of the Environment Report, ‘Ireland needs to be resilient to ongoing and future climate change impacts. The implementation of climate adaptation measures is currently too slow and fragmented. More cross-sectoral and integrated adaptation actions can deliver multiple benefits. Doing better requires more financing, working with people and nature, monitoring and evaluating outcomes and increasing public and private sector involvement.’ While much more progress is needed, there are also many great examples like this across Ireland where communities are taking adaptation measures. Watch the full talk here: https://youtube.pulse.ly/sbopchbula And if you want to attend this year’s EPA Climate Conference, mark your calendars for May 28. Tickets will be available soon. #ClimateAdaptation #ClimateAction #Flooding #ExtremeWeather #SOER2024

Global raw material supply is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain, exacerbated by resource scarcity and supply chain vulnerabilities. Ireland lacked a criticality assessment methodology tailored to its unique economic and resource landscape. The (CIRCLE) project addressed the challenge of ensuring the availability and security of critical raw materials (CRMs) in Ireland, which is vital for industrial growth, competitiveness and economic resilience. This research project developed the first customised methodology for assessing the criticality of raw materials specific to Ireland. This robust framework for evaluating raw materials' criticality supported evidence-based decision-making, crucial for developing strategic policies to ensure resource security and reduce dependency on imports.

Global raw material supply is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain, exacerbated by resource scarcity and supply chain vulnerabilities. Ireland lacked a criticality assessment methodology tailored to its unique economic and resource landscape. The (CIRCLE) project addressed the challenge of ensuring the availability and security of critical raw materials (CRMs) in Ireland, which is vital for industrial growth, competitiveness and economic resilience. This research project developed the first customised methodology for assessing the criticality of raw materials specific to Ireland. This robust framework for evaluating raw materials' criticality supported evidence-based decision-making, crucial for developing strategic policies to ensure resource security and reduce dependency on imports.

Mairéad O’Donnell is an EPA-Fulbright Scholarship awardee and she’s now in New York working on how we can make our city spaces more wild – and the massive benefits this has for communities. Watch the video for more insights into her work and research. This project was a collaboration between people who took part in her workshops, Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park, the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, the Urban Systems Lab, and NovelEco. Mairéad’s exchange to New York is supported by Fulbright Ireland and EPA Ireland. Visit our website to find out more about the EPA’s other research projects, funding opportunities and partnerships: https://epa.pulse.ly/t1todqo5rr #UrbanWilding #Biodiversity #CityPlanning #GreenCities #WorldWildlifeDay

Mairéad O’Donnell is an EPA-Fulbright Scholarship awardee and she’s now in New York working on how we can make our city spaces more wild – and the massive benefits this has for communities. Watch the video for more insights into her work and research. This project was a collaboration between people who took part in her workshops, Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park, the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, the Urban Systems Lab, and NovelEco. Mairéad’s exchange to New York is supported by Fulbright Ireland and EPA Ireland. Visit our website to find out more about the EPA’s other research projects, funding opportunities and partnerships: https://epa.pulse.ly/t1todqo5rr #UrbanWilding #Biodiversity #CityPlanning #GreenCities #WorldWildlifeDay

Did you know that food waste could cost you up to €700 a year? If you make small changes to your food day-to-day, you could make a big difference to your pocket, and the planet! @stopfoodwaste.ie have a handy Pocket Guide to help you learn more about your food habits and how to make positive changes. You can download the free guide on StopFoodWaste.ie #SFWDay2025

How can people outside of STEM tackle climate change? Professor Bronwyn Hayward urges that everyone is needed to tackle the climate crisis, no matter their discipline. “We need psychologists, we need creative artists, we need storytellers, we need people understanding and thinking about politics... We need that technical science but we need the skills that we draw from humanities, creative arts and social sciences as well to solve these problems.” In the latest video from the EPA’s Climate Lecture series, Professor Bronwyn Hayward asks the pressing question – How will climate change impact the lives of children, if we don’t take immediate action? Watch the full video: https://youtu.pulse.ly/ba8jmkphg4 Bronwyn Hayward is a Professor in Political Science and International Relations, at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, where she is Associate Dean of Research (Arts) and Director of Hei Puāwaitanga: the Sustainability, Citizenship and Civic Imagination Research Group.    The lecture took place online on 15th January, and forms part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action.

‘It’s not just about the science – these projects are about creating a healthier, more sustainable future.’ EPA Research just announced the winners of a 14.5 million euro funding round. Watch the video for insights from Darragh O’Neill, Senior Manager at the EPA, into where that money is going, and how it’s going to be used to tackle challenges related to climate, the environment and human health. Visit our website to learn more about all the projects we’re supporting: https://epa.pulse.ly/cnmpftunja

How do you avoid feeling overwhelmed by climate change? Professor Bronwyn Hayward explains how the community helps her to manage her worries about the evolving state of the planet. In this chapter of the EPA’s Climate Lecture series, she asks the pressing question – How will climate change impact the lives of children, if we don’t take immediate action? Watch her full Q&A: https://youtu.be/I2kfvmWLxQQ?si=9CiTvlomBWX6mOtB Bronwyn Hayward is a Professor in Political Science and International Relations, at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, where she is Associate Dean of Research (Arts) and Director of Hei Puāwaitanga: the Sustainability, Citizenship and Civic Imagination Research Group.   The lecture took place online on 15th January and forms part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action.

The OECD launched the Economic Survey of Ireland 2025 on Wednesday,12 February 2025. The biennial Survey provides detailed analysis of economic developments and key structural challenges, as well as making specific policy recommendations in these areas. This year’s Economic Survey contains an in-depth thematic chapter entitled 'Making housing more affordable and resilient for all’, in addition to exploring recent economic developments, competitiveness, and the green transition. About the Speakers: Paschal Donohoe is the Minister for Finance. He was appointed to this role on 23 January 2025. Before this, he served as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Minister Donohoe was elected President of the Eurogroup of finance ministers in July 2020 for a two-and-a-half-year term. He was re-elected in December 2022, beginning his second mandate in January 2023. Álvaro S. Pereira is the OECD Chief Economist and G20 Finance Deputy. He oversees the Economics Department and ensures they are at the forefront of the international political economy agenda. He identifies ways in which the OECD can promote policies to improve member and partner countries long-term economic performance. Previously, he was the Director in the OECD Policy Studies Branch and OECD Country Studies Branch. Prior to the OECD, Mr Pereira was Minister for Economy and Employment in Portugal (2011- 2013) and was also a Professor at Simon Fraser University, Canada, a Lecturer at the University of British Columbia, Canada and at the University of York, UK. Müge Adalet McGowan is a Senior Economist and Head of the Japan/Ireland desk in the Economics Department at the OECD. Since joining the OECD in 2011, she has worked at several desks (Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden) and the Productivity team, where she conducted policy research on productivity, insolvency regimes, and skill mismatches. Before joining the OECD, she worked as a Lecturer in Turkey and New Zealand, and as an economist at the New Zealand Treasury. She holds a PhD in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. Dr Martina Lawless is a Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). Before joining the ESRI, she received her doctorate from Trinity College Dublin and worked as a research economist at the Central Bank of Ireland. Her research has focused primarily on firm-level dynamics and decision making, covering a range of topics, such as access to finance for small and medium firms, effects of taxation, and participation in exporting. More recently, she has investigated the potential effects of Brexit and COVID-19 on firms in Ireland. Her work has been published in a number of leading international academic and policy journals. From 2017 to 2020, she was a member of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and she spent 2023-2024 on secondment to the Strategic Economic Development section of the Department of Finance. John McCarthy is the Chief Economist in the Department of Finance, with responsibility for the provision of economic and budgetary analysis and forecasts. He is currently the vice-chair of the OECD’s Economic Policy Committee and an advisor to the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council; he was previously the chair of the European Union’s output gap working group and a member of the National Statistics Board. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Trinity College Dublin and an M.Econ.Sc from UCD. He previously worked as a senior economist in the Central Bank of Ireland. This event was co-organised with the Department of Finance and the OECD.

The OECD launched the Economic Survey of Ireland 2025 on Wednesday,12 February 2025. The biennial Survey provides detailed analysis of economic developments and key structural challenges, as well as making specific policy recommendations in these areas. This year’s Economic Survey contains an in-depth thematic chapter entitled 'Making housing more affordable and resilient for all’, in addition to exploring recent economic developments, competitiveness, and the green transition. About the Speakers: Paschal Donohoe is the Minister for Finance. He was appointed to this role on 23 January 2025. Before this, he served as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Minister Donohoe was elected President of the Eurogroup of finance ministers in July 2020 for a two-and-a-half-year term. He was re-elected in December 2022, beginning his second mandate in January 2023. Álvaro S. Pereira is the OECD Chief Economist and G20 Finance Deputy. He oversees the Economics Department and ensures they are at the forefront of the international political economy agenda. He identifies ways in which the OECD can promote policies to improve member and partner countries long-term economic performance. Previously, he was the Director in the OECD Policy Studies Branch and OECD Country Studies Branch. Prior to the OECD, Mr Pereira was Minister for Economy and Employment in Portugal (2011- 2013) and was also a Professor at Simon Fraser University, Canada, a Lecturer at the University of British Columbia, Canada and at the University of York, UK. Müge Adalet McGowan is a Senior Economist and Head of the Japan/Ireland desk in the Economics Department at the OECD. Since joining the OECD in 2011, she has worked at several desks (Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden) and the Productivity team, where she conducted policy research on productivity, insolvency regimes, and skill mismatches. Before joining the OECD, she worked as a Lecturer in Turkey and New Zealand, and as an economist at the New Zealand Treasury. She holds a PhD in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. Dr Martina Lawless is a Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). Before joining the ESRI, she received her doctorate from Trinity College Dublin and worked as a research economist at the Central Bank of Ireland. Her research has focused primarily on firm-level dynamics and decision making, covering a range of topics, such as access to finance for small and medium firms, effects of taxation, and participation in exporting. More recently, she has investigated the potential effects of Brexit and COVID-19 on firms in Ireland. Her work has been published in a number of leading international academic and policy journals. From 2017 to 2020, she was a member of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and she spent 2023-2024 on secondment to the Strategic Economic Development section of the Department of Finance. John McCarthy is the Chief Economist in the Department of Finance, with responsibility for the provision of economic and budgetary analysis and forecasts. He is currently the vice-chair of the OECD’s Economic Policy Committee and an advisor to the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council; he was previously the chair of the European Union’s output gap working group and a member of the National Statistics Board. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Trinity College Dublin and an M.Econ.Sc from UCD. He previously worked as a senior economist in the Central Bank of Ireland. This event was co-organised with the Department of Finance and the OECD.

The OECD launched the Economic Survey of Ireland 2025 on Wednesday,12 February 2025. The biennial Survey provides detailed analysis of economic developments and key structural challenges, as well as making specific policy recommendations in these areas. This year’s Economic Survey contains an in-depth thematic chapter entitled 'Making housing more affordable and resilient for all’, in addition to exploring recent economic developments, competitiveness, and the green transition. About the Speakers: Paschal Donohoe is the Minister for Finance. He was appointed to this role on 23 January 2025. Before this, he served as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Minister Donohoe was elected President of the Eurogroup of finance ministers in July 2020 for a two-and-a-half-year term. He was re-elected in December 2022, beginning his second mandate in January 2023. From June 2017 - December 2022, he served as the Minister for Finance. From May 2016 - June 2020, he served as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and from July 2014 - May 2016, as the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. He also held the position of Minister for European Affairs at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Minister Donohoe was first elected as a TD in February 2011 for the Dublin Central constituency. Prior to this he was a member of Seanad Éireann, from 2007 - 2011. He also served as member of Dublin City Council from 2004 - 2007. He was formerly the Chair of Ireland’s Future in Europe Oireachtas Sub-Committee, as well as a member of the Public Accounts Committee. He has also served as the Vice-Chair of the European Affairs Committee and, as a Senator, he served as a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport. Álvaro S. Pereira is the OECD Chief Economist and G20 Finance Deputy. He oversees the Economics Department and ensures they are at the forefront of the international political economy agenda. He identifies ways in which the OECD can promote policies to improve member and partner countries long-term economic performance. Previously, he was  the Director in the OECD Policy Studies Branch and OECD Country Studies Branch. Prior to the OECD, Mr Pereira was Minister for Economy and Employment in Portugal (2011- 2013) and was also a Professor at Simon Fraser University, Canada, a Lecturer at the University of British Columbia, Canada and at the University of York, UK. Müge Adalet McGowan is a Senior Economist and Head of the Japan/Ireland desk in the Economics Department at the OECD. Since joining the OECD in 2011, she has worked at several desks (Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden) and the Productivity team, where she conducted policy research on productivity, insolvency regimes, and skill mismatches. Before joining the OECD, she worked as a Lecturer in Turkey and New Zealand, and as an economist at the New Zealand Treasury. She holds a PhD in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. Dr Martina Lawless is a Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). Before joining the ESRI, she received her doctorate from Trinity College Dublin and worked as a research economist at the Central Bank of Ireland.  Her research has focused primarily on firm-level dynamics and decision making, covering a range of topics, such as access to finance for small and medium firms, effects of taxation, and participation in exporting. More recently, she has investigated the potential effects of Brexit and COVID-19 on firms in Ireland.  Her work has been published in a number of leading international academic and policy journals.  From 2017 to 2020, she was a member of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and she spent 2023-2024 on secondment to the Strategic Economic Development section of the Department of Finance. John McCarthy is the Chief Economist in the Department of Finance, with responsibility for the provision of economic and budgetary analysis and forecasts. He is currently the vice-chair of the OECD’s Economic Policy Committee and an advisor to the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council; he was previously the chair of the European Union’s output gap working group and a member of the National Statistics Board. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Trinity College Dublin and an M.Econ.Sc from UCD. He previously worked as a senior economist in the Central Bank of Ireland. This event was co-organised with the Department of Finance and the OECD. Recorded on the 12th of February 2025

The OECD launched the Economic Survey of Ireland 2025 on Wednesday,12 February 2025. The biennial Survey provides detailed analysis of economic developments and key structural challenges, as well as making specific policy recommendations in these areas. This year’s Economic Survey contains an in-depth thematic chapter entitled 'Making housing more affordable and resilient for all’, in addition to exploring recent economic developments, competitiveness, and the green transition. About the Speakers: Paschal Donohoe is the Minister for Finance. He was appointed to this role on 23 January 2025. Before this, he served as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Minister Donohoe was elected President of the Eurogroup of finance ministers in July 2020 for a two-and-a-half-year term. He was re-elected in December 2022, beginning his second mandate in January 2023. From June 2017 - December 2022, he served as the Minister for Finance. From May 2016 - June 2020, he served as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and from July 2014 - May 2016, as the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. He also held the position of Minister for European Affairs at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Minister Donohoe was first elected as a TD in February 2011 for the Dublin Central constituency. Prior to this he was a member of Seanad Éireann, from 2007 - 2011. He also served as member of Dublin City Council from 2004 - 2007. He was formerly the Chair of Ireland’s Future in Europe Oireachtas Sub-Committee, as well as a member of the Public Accounts Committee. He has also served as the Vice-Chair of the European Affairs Committee and, as a Senator, he served as a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport. Álvaro S. Pereira is the OECD Chief Economist and G20 Finance Deputy. He oversees the Economics Department and ensures they are at the forefront of the international political economy agenda. He identifies ways in which the OECD can promote policies to improve member and partner countries long-term economic performance. Previously, he was  the Director in the OECD Policy Studies Branch and OECD Country Studies Branch. Prior to the OECD, Mr Pereira was Minister for Economy and Employment in Portugal (2011- 2013) and was also a Professor at Simon Fraser University, Canada, a Lecturer at the University of British Columbia, Canada and at the University of York, UK. Müge Adalet McGowan is a Senior Economist and Head of the Japan/Ireland desk in the Economics Department at the OECD. Since joining the OECD in 2011, she has worked at several desks (Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden) and the Productivity team, where she conducted policy research on productivity, insolvency regimes, and skill mismatches. Before joining the OECD, she worked as a Lecturer in Turkey and New Zealand, and as an economist at the New Zealand Treasury. She holds a PhD in Economics from University of California, Berkeley. Dr Martina Lawless is a Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). Before joining the ESRI, she received her doctorate from Trinity College Dublin and worked as a research economist at the Central Bank of Ireland.  Her research has focused primarily on firm-level dynamics and decision making, covering a range of topics, such as access to finance for small and medium firms, effects of taxation, and participation in exporting. More recently, she has investigated the potential effects of Brexit and COVID-19 on firms in Ireland.  Her work has been published in a number of leading international academic and policy journals.  From 2017 to 2020, she was a member of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and she spent 2023-2024 on secondment to the Strategic Economic Development section of the Department of Finance. John McCarthy is the Chief Economist in the Department of Finance, with responsibility for the provision of economic and budgetary analysis and forecasts. He is currently the vice-chair of the OECD’s Economic Policy Committee and an advisor to the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council; he was previously the chair of the European Union’s output gap working group and a member of the National Statistics Board. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Trinity College Dublin and an M.Econ.Sc from UCD. He previously worked as a senior economist in the Central Bank of Ireland. This event was co-organised with the Department of Finance and the OECD. Recorded on the 12th of February 2025

How will climate change impact the lives of children, if we don’t take immediate action?  According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change @IPCCGeneva in 2022, children aged ten or younger in the year 2020 are projected to experience a nearly four-fold increase in extreme events under 1.5°C of global warming by 2100, and a five-fold increase under 3°C warming. These increases in exposure will not be experienced by any person aged 55 in the year 2020 in their remaining lifetime – under any warming scenario.  In this online lecture Professor Bronwyn Hayward explored ways that local, national and international organisations are acting to address the rights of children and future generations. Broadcaster & Journalist Ella McSweeney chaired the event. Following Bronwyn’s talk there was a Q&A session with the audience – watch that here: https://youtu.be/I2kfvmWLxQQ Bronwyn Hayward is a Professor in Political Science and International Relations, at the @universityofcanterbury New Zealand, where she is Associate Dean of Research (Arts) and Director of Hei Puāwaitanga: the Sustainability, Citizenship and Civic Imagination Research Group.   The lecture took place online on 15th January at 7:00pm, and forms part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action.

Should all countries have 'ministers for future generations'? How do you raise awareness for climate change without being seen as a killjoy? Are constitutional changes possible to legally protect future generations? How can we bridge the disconnect between the awareness of the impact of climate change on future generations, and the reluctance to take action? These are just a few of the questions raised in this engaging Q&A the EPA held with Professor Bronwyn Hayward following a talk she gave on how we can support children, youth and future generations in a changing climate. Bronwyn Hayward is a Professor in Political Science and International Relations, at the @universityofcanterbury New Zealand, where she is Associate Dean of Research (Arts) and Director of Hei Puāwaitanga: the Sustainability, Citizenship and Civic Imagination Research Group.   Broadcaster & Journalist Ella McSweeney chaired the event. The lecture took place on 15th January at 7:00pm. This lecture forms part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action. Watch Bronwyn’s full talk here: https://youtu.be/lu-n3uN5b4o

Ireland is home to a high-performing life sciences industry, offering outstanding opportunities for both economic development and public health. Unlike other European countries, however, Ireland does not have a holistic vision for the future of the sector. This is set to change, as the Government has promised to develop a new national life sciences strategy. Our European peers have already adopted ambitious strategies to secure the industry and harness its social benefits, coordinating policy across a range of areas from enterprise and investment to research and healthcare. This two-part event series, organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, will explore these questions and more, bringing together Irish and European leaders from industry, public policy, and academia to discuss the right approach for a national life sciences strategy for Ireland. Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Lessons from Europe on Economic Strategy is the first event in this two-part hybrid series on Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland. The panel discusses how Ireland should develop its promised national strategy for the life sciences, positioning itself as a global hub for the industry. The sector is a critical pillar of our economy, covering industries from biopharmaceuticals to medical devices. The panellists will look at what other European countries are doing to embed investment, sharpen their competitive edge, and prepare for future waves of innovation. Chaired by Bryan Dobson, the panel brings together international and Irish experts to discuss how a holistic vision for the life sciences can become part of Ireland’s economic strategy. Panellists: Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland Diana Arsovic Nielson, CEO at the Danish Life Sciences Cluster Professor Mark Ferguson, Former Director General of SFI and current Rapporteur and Lead Author for the European Commission High Level Group for the evaluation of Horizon Europe Jenni Nordborg, Director of International Affairs at Lif and Former National Coordinator for Life Sciences, Sweden Bryan Dobson, Former RTÉ Newsreader (Moderator)

Ireland is home to a high-performing life sciences industry, offering outstanding opportunities for both economic development and public health. Unlike other European countries, however, Ireland does not have a holistic vision for the future of the sector. This is set to change, as the Government has promised to develop a new national life sciences strategy. Our European peers have already adopted ambitious strategies to secure the industry and harness its social benefits, coordinating policy across a range of areas from enterprise and investment to research and healthcare. This two-part event series, organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, will explore these questions and more, bringing together Irish and European leaders from industry, public policy, and academia to discuss the right approach for a national life sciences strategy for Ireland. Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Lessons from Europe on Economic Strategy is the first event in this two-part hybrid series on Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland. The panel discusses how Ireland should develop its promised national strategy for the life sciences, positioning itself as a global hub for the industry. The sector is a critical pillar of our economy, covering industries from biopharmaceuticals to medical devices. The panellists will look at what other European countries are doing to embed investment, sharpen their competitive edge, and prepare for future waves of innovation. Chaired by Bryan Dobson, the panel brings together international and Irish experts to discuss how a holistic vision for the life sciences can become part of Ireland’s economic strategy. Panellists: Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland Diana Arsovic Nielson, CEO at the Danish Life Sciences Cluster Professor Mark Ferguson, Former Director General of SFI and current Rapporteur and Lead Author for the European Commission High Level Group for the evaluation of Horizon Europe Jenni Nordborg, Director of International Affairs at Lif and Former National Coordinator for Life Sciences, Sweden Bryan Dobson, Former RTÉ Newsreader (Moderator)

Ireland is home to a high-performing life sciences industry, offering outstanding opportunities for both economic development and public health. Unlike other European countries, however, Ireland does not have a holistic vision for the future of the sector. This is set to change, as the Government has promised to develop a new national life sciences strategy. Our European peers have already adopted ambitious strategies to secure the industry and harness its social benefits, coordinating policy across a range of areas from enterprise and investment to research and healthcare. This two-part event series, organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, will explore these questions and more, bringing together Irish and European leaders from industry, public policy, and academia to discuss the right approach for a national life sciences strategy for Ireland. Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Lessons from Europe on Economic Strategy is the first event in this two-part hybrid series on Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland. The panel discusses how Ireland should develop its promised national strategy for the life sciences, positioning itself as a global hub for the industry. The sector is a critical pillar of our economy, covering industries from biopharmaceuticals to medical devices. The panellists will look at what other European countries are doing to embed investment, sharpen their competitive edge, and prepare for future waves of innovation. Chaired by Bryan Dobson, the panel brings together international and Irish experts to discuss how a holistic vision for the life sciences can become part of Ireland’s economic strategy. Panellists: Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland Diana Arsovic Nielson, CEO at the Danish Life Sciences Cluster Professor Mark Ferguson, Former Director General of SFI and current Rapporteur and Lead Author for the European Commission High Level Group for the evaluation of Horizon Europe Jenni Nordborg, Director of International Affairs at Lif and Former National Coordinator for Life Sciences, Sweden Bryan Dobson, Former RTÉ Newsreader (Moderator)  Recorded on the 7th of February 2025

Ireland is home to a high-performing life sciences industry, offering outstanding opportunities for both economic development and public health. Unlike other European countries, however, Ireland does not have a holistic vision for the future of the sector. This is set to change, as the Government has promised to develop a new national life sciences strategy. Our European peers have already adopted ambitious strategies to secure the industry and harness its social benefits, coordinating policy across a range of areas from enterprise and investment to research and healthcare. This two-part event series, organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, will explore these questions and more, bringing together Irish and European leaders from industry, public policy, and academia to discuss the right approach for a national life sciences strategy for Ireland. Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Lessons from Europe on Economic Strategy is the first event in this two-part hybrid series on Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland. The panel discusses how Ireland should develop its promised national strategy for the life sciences, positioning itself as a global hub for the industry. The sector is a critical pillar of our economy, covering industries from biopharmaceuticals to medical devices. The panellists will look at what other European countries are doing to embed investment, sharpen their competitive edge, and prepare for future waves of innovation. Chaired by Bryan Dobson, the panel brings together international and Irish experts to discuss how a holistic vision for the life sciences can become part of Ireland’s economic strategy. Panellists: Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland Diana Arsovic Nielson, CEO at the Danish Life Sciences Cluster Professor Mark Ferguson, Former Director General of SFI and current Rapporteur and Lead Author for the European Commission High Level Group for the evaluation of Horizon Europe Jenni Nordborg, Director of International Affairs at Lif and Former National Coordinator for Life Sciences, Sweden Bryan Dobson, Former RTÉ Newsreader (Moderator)  Recorded on the 7th of February 2025

Dr Sinéad Furey provided context on the food insecurity crisis within Northern Ireland and what steps are being taken to monitor food insecurity across the country. Aimee Russell exhibited the processes and progress of her PhD project which spatially analyses food insecurity across Northern Ireland whilst creating a novel tool to aid the analyses. == Aimee Russell is a second-year multi-disciplinary PhD researcher at Ulster University working across food and biomedical sciences at the NI Centre for Food and Health (NICHE) and Geography Environmental Sciences. Her work is focused on creating a food insecurity risk index using geographical information systems. Aimee studied Geography with Psychology at Ulster University also before undertaking her doctorate. Her research interests align with investigating deprivation in Northern Ireland and the impacts it may have on mental and physical wellbeing and health. == Dr Sinéad Furey is a Senior lecturer on the Food Business and Innovation undergraduate degree programme in Ulster University Business School, lecturing on food and consumer policy and legislation including active citizenship and sustainability. Her research interests are food insecurity and food policy. She worked previously on food and water policy at the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (NI). At the Education and Training Inspectorate she was a Nutritional Associate, encouraging healthy eating policies and practices via a whole-school approach. At the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland, she worked on food poverty, nutrition surveillance and developing the dietary health evidence base in NI. == #foodsecurity #northernireland

Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Lessons from Europe on Economic Strategy is the first event in this two-part hybrid series on Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland. The panel will discuss how Ireland should develop its promised national strategy for the life sciences, positioning itself as a global hub for the industry. The sector is a critical pillar of our economy, covering industries from biopharmaceuticals to medical devices. The panellists will look at what other European countries are doing to embed investment, sharpen their competitive edge, and prepare for future waves of innovation. Chaired by Bryan Dobson, the panel will bring together international and Irish experts to discuss how a holistic vision for the life sciences can become part of Ireland’s economic strategy. Panellists: Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland Diana Arsovic Nielson, CEO at the Danish Life Sciences Cluster Professor Mark Ferguson, Former Director General of SFI and current Rapporteur and Lead Author for the European Commission High Level Group for the evaluation of Horizon Europe Jenni Nordborg, Director of International Affairs at Lif and Former National Coordinator for Life Sciences, Sweden Bryan Dobson, Former RTÉ Newsreader (Moderator)

Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Lessons from Europe on Economic Strategy is the first event in this two-part hybrid series on Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland. The panel will discuss how Ireland should develop its promised national strategy for the life sciences, positioning itself as a global hub for the industry. The sector is a critical pillar of our economy, covering industries from biopharmaceuticals to medical devices. The panellists will look at what other European countries are doing to embed investment, sharpen their competitive edge, and prepare for future waves of innovation. Chaired by Bryan Dobson, the panel will bring together international and Irish experts to discuss how a holistic vision for the life sciences can become part of Ireland’s economic strategy. Panellists: Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland Diana Arsovic Nielson, CEO at the Danish Life Sciences Cluster Professor Mark Ferguson, Former Director General of SFI and current Rapporteur and Lead Author for the European Commission High Level Group for the evaluation of Horizon Europe Jenni Nordborg, Director of International Affairs at Lif and Former National Coordinator for Life Sciences, Sweden Bryan Dobson, Former RTÉ Newsreader (Moderator)

Wildfires in an Irish context are uncontrolled fires in vegetation in the countryside or a wilderness area. The estimated atmospheric emissions and loss of biodiversity arising from wildfires are poorly understood. Efforts have been made at the European scale to map burned areas greater than 30 ha by manual digitisation of satellite imagery. However, this still overlooks smaller fires and is subjective in its approach. Due to this lack of knowledge about wildfire events, it is not known to what extent changing climate and land management conditions are having an impact on the number of fires and their magnitude. This research developed an automated methodology that allows the aftermath of a wildfire to be mapped and emissions estimated more accurately using factors determined specifically for Irish vegetation species.

Wildfires in an Irish context are uncontrolled fires in vegetation in the countryside or a wilderness area. The estimated atmospheric emissions and loss of biodiversity arising from wildfires are poorly understood. Efforts have been made at the European scale to map burned areas greater than 30 ha by manual digitisation of satellite imagery. However, this still overlooks smaller fires and is subjective in its approach. Due to this lack of knowledge about wildfire events, it is not known to what extent changing climate and land management conditions are having an impact on the number of fires and their magnitude. This research developed an automated methodology that allows the aftermath of a wildfire to be mapped and emissions estimated more accurately using factors determined specifically for Irish vegetation species.

Barry Colfer, Director of Research at the Institute of International and European Affairs, traces the major social transformations in Ireland since the 1970s. Listen to the full episode: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/resources/podcast

Barry Colfer, Director of Research at the Institute of International and European Affairs, traces the major social transformations in Ireland since the 1970s. Listen to the full episode: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/resources/podcast

As Ireland’s population and economy grow, the demands on its transport infrastructure are increasing. Enhancing Ireland’s ground transport connectivity will play an important role in supporting economic growth, improving quality of life, and meeting climate commitments. Ireland’s National Development Plan 2030 outlines ambitious goals to upgrade Ireland’s road, rail, and public transport networks while addressing the dual challenges of increasing mobility needs and reducing carbon emissions. In this panel discussion, leading experts examine how Ireland can develop transport systems that meet current needs and anticipate future demands, while aligning infrastructure investment with economic and environmental priorities. This panel has been organised in conjunction with Deloitte Ireland. Speakers on this panel include: Rachel Cahill, Director, Executive Office and Sustainability Lead at TII Stephen Prendiville, Partner, Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Government Lead at Deloitte Ireland Dr Debbie Hopkins, Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University of Oxford

As Ireland’s population and economy grow, the demands on its transport infrastructure are increasing. Enhancing Ireland’s ground transport connectivity will play an important role in supporting economic growth, improving quality of life, and meeting climate commitments. Ireland’s National Development Plan 2030 outlines ambitious goals to upgrade Ireland’s road, rail, and public transport networks while addressing the dual challenges of increasing mobility needs and reducing carbon emissions. In this panel discussion, leading experts examine how Ireland can develop transport systems that meet current needs and anticipate future demands, while aligning infrastructure investment with economic and environmental priorities. This panel has been organised in conjunction with Deloitte Ireland. Speakers on this panel include: Rachel Cahill, Director, Executive Office and Sustainability Lead at TII Stephen Prendiville, Partner, Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Government Lead at Deloitte Ireland Dr Debbie Hopkins, Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University of Oxford Recorded on the 29th of January 2025

As Ireland’s population and economy grow, the demands on its transport infrastructure are increasing. Enhancing Ireland’s ground transport connectivity will play an important role in supporting economic growth, improving quality of life, and meeting climate commitments. Ireland’s National Development Plan 2030 outlines ambitious goals to upgrade Ireland’s road, rail, and public transport networks while addressing the dual challenges of increasing mobility needs and reducing carbon emissions. In this panel discussion, leading experts examine how Ireland can develop transport systems that meet current needs and anticipate future demands, while aligning infrastructure investment with economic and environmental priorities. This panel has been organised in conjunction with Deloitte Ireland. Speakers on this panel include: Rachel Cahill, Director, Executive Office and Sustainability Lead at TII Stephen Prendiville, Partner, Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Government Lead at Deloitte Ireland Dr Debbie Hopkins, Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University of Oxford

As Ireland’s population and economy grow, the demands on its transport infrastructure are increasing. Enhancing Ireland’s ground transport connectivity will play an important role in supporting economic growth, improving quality of life, and meeting climate commitments. Ireland’s National Development Plan 2030 outlines ambitious goals to upgrade Ireland’s road, rail, and public transport networks while addressing the dual challenges of increasing mobility needs and reducing carbon emissions. In this panel discussion, leading experts examine how Ireland can develop transport systems that meet current needs and anticipate future demands, while aligning infrastructure investment with economic and environmental priorities. This panel has been organised in conjunction with Deloitte Ireland. Speakers on this panel include: Rachel Cahill, Director, Executive Office and Sustainability Lead at TII Stephen Prendiville, Partner, Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Government Lead at Deloitte Ireland Dr Debbie Hopkins, Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University of Oxford Recorded on the 29th of January 2025

As Ireland’s population and economy grow, the demands on its transport infrastructure are increasing. Enhancing Ireland’s ground transport connectivity will play an important role in supporting economic growth, improving quality of life, and meeting climate commitments. Ireland’s National Development Plan 2030 outlines ambitious goals to upgrade Ireland’s road, rail, and public transport networks while addressing the dual challenges of increasing mobility needs and reducing carbon emissions. In this panel discussion, leading experts will examine how Ireland can develop transport systems that meet current needs and anticipate future demands, while aligning infrastructure investment with economic and environmental priorities. This panel has been organised in conjunction with Deloitte Ireland. Speakers on this panel will include: Rachel Cahill, Director, Executive Office and Sustainability Lead at TII Stephen Prendiville, Partner, Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Government Lead at Deloitte Ireland Dr Debbie Hopkins, Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University of Oxford

As Ireland’s population and economy grow, the demands on its transport infrastructure are increasing. Enhancing Ireland’s ground transport connectivity will play an important role in supporting economic growth, improving quality of life, and meeting climate commitments. Ireland’s National Development Plan 2030 outlines ambitious goals to upgrade Ireland’s road, rail, and public transport networks while addressing the dual challenges of increasing mobility needs and reducing carbon emissions. In this panel discussion, leading experts will examine how Ireland can develop transport systems that meet current needs and anticipate future demands, while aligning infrastructure investment with economic and environmental priorities. This panel has been organised in conjunction with Deloitte Ireland. Speakers on this panel will include: Rachel Cahill, Director, Executive Office and Sustainability Lead at TII Stephen Prendiville, Partner, Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Government Lead at Deloitte Ireland Dr Debbie Hopkins, Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University of Oxford

Pharmaceutical contamination in Irish surface water can cause significant societal and environmental risks posed by active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in water sources, which can affect wildlife and potentially humans even at low concentrations. It is a growing problem which is intensified by rising pharmaceutical consumption and production and is influenced by: • geographical location, proximity to wastewater treatment plants, seasonal changes, local administration practices, and, environmental events The EMPIRE project is the first comprehensive investigation using effect-based biomonitoring for pharmaceutical pollutants in Irish surface waters. Through a combination of in vivo and in vitro bioassays, the project assessed water quality and highlighted key findings to improve monitoring practices.

Join Siobhan Horan, EU IP Ambassador for Ireland, as she shares her mission to support Irish SMEs in understanding and leveraging their intellectual property. Discover the hidden values in business practices, skills, and expertise with guidance on navigating IP complexities, accessing national and international funding, and fostering European collaborations.

Join Siobhan Horan, EU IP Ambassador for Ireland, as she shares her mission to support Irish SMEs in understanding and leveraging their intellectual property. Discover the hidden values in business practices, skills, and expertise with guidance on navigating IP complexities, accessing national and international funding, and fostering European collaborations.

Dr Jenny Deakin is the Water Programme Manager at the EPA. Jenny is a catchment scientist with 35 years of experience working in Ireland and Tasmania. She holds an honours degree in Geology from UCG, a Research Masters in Environmental Hydrogeology from Trinity, and a PhD in Catchment Science, also from Trinity. Jenny has worked throughout her career in a variety of roles in the public, private and academic sectors. Her expertise centres around the development of the scientific evidence base to inform water management policy implementation, within an integrated catchment management framework. Jenny’s current role is leading the Catchments Unit in the EPA’s Water Programme. The team’s role is to assess and report on the pressures impacting on waters. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Dr Aisling O’Connor is Senior Scientific Officer in the EPA’s Environment and Health Programme managing the areas of Radon, Citizen Science and Antimicrobial Resistance. She previously held roles in the EPA Research Programme and EPA National Ecosystem Monitoring Network team. Aisling has a degree in Industrial Microbiology and a PhD in Biomolecular and Biomedical Science from University College Dublin and spent a number of years in research operations and management in public and private bodies before joining the Agency. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Warren Phelan is Programme Manager of the EPA’s Circular Economy Programme. Warren is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Chartered Waste Manager and spent over 20 years working in the waste and resources industry before joining the EPA in 2022. The Agency’s Circular Economy programme activities include circular economy and waste statistical reporting, characterisation, green public procurement, food waste prevention, reuse and repair, circular construction, national hazardous waste management plan, end of waste, by-products and waste sector licensing. Warren chairs the National Hazardous Waste Plan Working Group, National Data Network Group and the National Reuse and Repair Network. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Fiona O'Rourke is a senior scientific officer in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and leads the EPA Analytics team. An Earth Scientist by training, she has an MSc in Software and Information Systems and a diploma in GIS. Fiona has worked in GIS and data in a variety of roles that have taken her to India, Brazil, Belfast, Cork and eventually to the EPA HQ in Wexford where she has worked since 2005. Fiona has worked on the development of GIS tools such as the EPA Geoportal and My Local Environment. She helped develop the new EPA Analytics team in 2018. Specialising in data analysis, earth observation and spatial data science the team's work has been shortlisted for Analytics Institute and data science award every year since 2019. EPA Analytics worked with Tailte Éireann to deliver the award-winning national landcover map in March 2023. Fiona led Phase 1 of the national land-use review and chairs the national land evidence forum. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Patrick Kenny, Senior Manager – Ambient Air Quality, EPA. At the time of this conference, Patrick led the National ambient air quality unit within the EPA’s Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring. Patrick joined the agency in 2002 and has held various positions in the Office of Evidence and Assessment and Office of Environmental Enforcement. Previously, Patrick worked in the pharmaceutical industry. His current position is Senior Scientific Officer on the Drinking Water and Wastewater Enforcement team in the EPA. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Professor Brian Ó Gallachóir is Associate Vice-President of Sustainability at University College Cork, Director of the SFI MaREI Centre and UCC’s Environmental Research Institute. Brian established energy systems modelling capacity in Ireland and is a recognised international leader in this field, currently elected Chair of the International Energy Agency Energy Technology Systems Analysis Programme. His research has underpinned Irish and EU energy and climate policies and increased the transdisciplinary nature of climate research. Brian received the SFI Best International Engagement Award 2020, the inaugural SFI Engaged Research Award 2022 and the inaugural Irish Times Positive Impacts Award for Sustainability in 2024. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Leena Ylä-Mononen is the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA). She has a master’s degree in environmental sciences, specialising in ecotoxicology and chemicals risk assessment and management. Before joining the EEA, Leena was Director General at the Ministry of Environment of Finland, managing the Climate and Environmental Protection Department. Previously, she worked for over 11 years in management positions in the European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki. Prior to ECHA, she worked in the European Commission, Directorate-General for Environment, on chemicals and pesticides policy files. Ms Ylä-Mononen has been involved in international cooperation at the Nordic, European, OECD and global levels, and in negotiations and implementation of multilateral environmental agreements on chemicals, waste and climate change. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Dr Wayne Trodd, Senior Scientific Officer at the EPA (to December 2024). Wayne has a BSc and PhD in zoology from University College Dublin. Wayne is a freshwater ecologist with over 20 years’ experience of surveying rivers and lakes around Ireland. Wayne managed the Ecology Monitoring and Assessment Unit in the Environmental Protection Agency up to December 2024. The Unit is responsible for monitoring, assessing and reporting on the ecological health of Ireland’s waters. Wayne Trodd now works as a Water Scientific Policy Adviser in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Dr Robert Wilkes is a Marine Scientist at the EPA. Robert studied Marine Science in NUI, Galway where he started working with marine algae. After working in the USA for a few years on seaweed aquaculture he returned to Galway to pursue a PhD. He joined the EPA in 2005 where he established a new monitoring programme for marine algae and angiosperms which now forms the basis of Ireland’s WFD marine plant assessments. He now manages the national marine monitoring programme and is responsible for the WFD assessment of our transitional and coastal waters. He works closely with colleagues in other government departments and agencies on the MSFD monitoring and assessment. Robert also collaborates with international marine working groups such as OSPAR and the EEA. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Dr Hugh Feeley is a Scientific Officer at the EPA. Hugh graduated with B.Sc. (Hons) in Environmental Biology in 2007 and a PhD in Environmental Science in 2012, both awarded by University College Dublin. In 2012, he joined Cardiff University investigating the role of biodiversity in ecosystem service delivery in British rivers. Hugh moved back to Ireland and University College Dublin in 2015 focusing on the role of biodiversity and ecosystem service management in Irish freshwaters. Hugh joined the Environmental Protection Agency in 2017 as a Scientific Officer working primarily on the assessment of ecological status of rivers and lakes in Ireland for the Water Framework Directive. He is currently the EPA Water Programme team lead for national reporting on water quality in Ireland and is leading the development of assessment tools to support the assessment of hydromorphological pressures on Irish freshwaters. Hugh has over 60 scientific publications, focusing mainly on freshwater ecology and biodiversity. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Mary Frances Rochford is the Programme Manager for the Climate Programme in the Office of Evidence and Assessment within the EPA. Since joining the EPA in 2002 Mary Frances has worked across the areas of climate, circular economy, resource efficiency, waste prevention and behavioural change, environmental enforcement, contaminated land and groundwater. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Tony Dolan is an Inspector on the Environmental Monitoring & Surveillance team at the EPA. Tony Dolan has over 30 years’ experience of working in the environmental field including laboratory analysis, industrial air and noise monitoring, IPPC licensing and enforcement, bathing water, as well as managing EPA air and noise monitoring contracts. Tony was the lead author on the Noise chapter for the State of the Environment in 2020 and the lead author for the 2024 noise chapter. Tony has been co-ordinating the noise mapping and action planning programme on behalf of the EPA since 2014 and is currently working on closing out the Round 4 noise action planning process. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Andy Fanning is a Programme Manager at the EPA. Andy has a BSc in Environmental Science and Technology from Sligo RTC, an MSc in Environmental Decision Making from the Open University and an MBA. He worked with Bord na Mona as an environmental scientist and was a part-time lecturer in Sligo RTC before coming to work in the EPA in 1996. During his career in the EPA he has worked as a Licencing and Enforcement inspector and worked for 3 years on National waste reporting and management and on water quality. He subsequently worked in the Office of Licensing Climate and Resource Use dealing with enforcement of producer responsibilities and product compliance.  He was the Programme Manager of the Water Management Programme in the Office of Evidence and Assessment of the EPA dealing with Water Framework Directive implementation until June 2019. Between 2019 and 2021 he was a Programme Manager in the Office of Environmental Enforcement leading the enforcement on drinking water and waste water and local authority performance assessment.  His current role is as Programme Manager in the Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring in the Environment and Health Programme and he was one of the Editors of the State of the Environment Report 2024. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

Laura Burke is the Director General of the EPA. As Director General she has the responsibility to lead and strategically manage the EPA. Laura was the Chair of the European Environment Agency (EEA) Management Board from 2017 to 2023. She is a member of the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) and a member of the High-Level Implementation Committee of ‘Food Vision 2030’, the Irish Agri-Food Sector Strategy. Prior to joining the EPA, she worked in the private sector. Laura is a graduate chemical engineer of University College Dublin (UCD), holds an MSc from Trinity College, Dublin, is a Fellow and is President of Engineers Ireland and is a Chartered Director. In 2016, Laura was awarded the UCD Engineering Graduates Association (EGA) Distinguished Graduate Award. This talk was given at the EPA’s State of the Environment Conference 2024. The conference explored the key findings and recommendations in the EPA’s flagship report on all aspects of Ireland’s environment. You can read the full report at bit.ly/SOER2024

This webinar was hosted by the EPA in November 2024 and provided an introduction to the EPA’s updated GPP (Green Public Procurement) Guidance for the Public Sector and Irish GPP criteria. Topics covered included: • Changes to the guidance and criteria reflecting new legislation and practice • How the guidance and criteria can help public bodies to meet the requirements and targets set out in the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications 2024 Buying Greener Strategy • Overview of the main changes to the EPA's updated criteria sets • Introduction to the EPA's new GPP criteria for Furniture and Related Services

In August 2024, the first-ever Donegal Mela took place in Letterkenny, celebrating and showcasing Indian culture. This vibrant event was part of the EU-Belong project, organised to highlight the rich and diverse Indian heritage within the Donegal community. The Donegal Mela marked a key milestone in the implementation of the Black and Minority Ethnic Inclusion Strategy by AER member Donegal County Council. This strategy aims to promote cultural diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen unity within the community. 🇪🇺 The EU-Belong project is coordinated by AER and co-funded by AMIF Programme of the European Commission.

In August 2024, the first-ever Donegal Mela took place in Letterkenny, celebrating and showcasing Indian culture. This vibrant event was part of the EU-Belong project, organised to highlight the rich and diverse Indian heritage within the Donegal community. The Donegal Mela marked a key milestone in the implementation of the Black and Minority Ethnic Inclusion Strategy by AER member Donegal County Council. This strategy aims to promote cultural diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen unity within the community. 🇪🇺 The EU-Belong project is coordinated by AER and co-funded by AMIF Programme of the European Commission.

One of the largest lagoons in Ireland, Lady’s Island Lake in County Wexford, with a surface area of over 300 hectares, has also been shown to be one of the most eutrophic lagoons in the country. This state contrasts with the situation of Lady’s Island Lake in the 1980s, when clear water was matched by a well-developed benthic sward of widgeon grass (Ruppia sp.) and charophytes (Healy, 1997). This research conducted a suite of investigations, some of which include : • Nutrient inputs from streams were studied over a 2-year period • Data on the flow of water to the lake from a secondary wastewater treatment plant at Lady’s Island Lake were obtained from Irish Water • Nutrient cycling and phytoplankton growth were examined over a 2-year period • Sediment chemistry was studied at a number of locations within the lagoon • Shallow water and benthic samples were collected to describe those aspects of the lagoon. Lady’s Island Lake characteristics were compared with another saline lagoon known to be unimpacted by nutrient enrichment – Ballyteige channels, Wicklow.

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Ambassador - Member of European Parliament Sean Kelly representing Ireland, elected for 2024-2029 term.

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Ambassador - Member of European Parliament Billy Kelleher representing Ireland, elected for 2024-2029 term.

Ireland faces a unique challenge in reconciling its position as a major agricultural producer with increasingly ambitious climate targets at national and EU level. The agri-food sector contributes significantly to Ireland's economy, generating €17.3 billion in gross value added (6% of GNI*) and employing 173,400 people. However, it also accounts for 37.8% of national greenhouse gas emissions, creating a distinctive challenge. In this first event of a new IIEA project entitled Pathways: Ireland's Agricultural Future, Prof. Alan Matthews and Dr. Matthew O’Neill present for discussion the findings of their working paper, ahead of its publication in early 2025. The event was chaired by Dr Karen Keaveney, Head of Subject for Rural Development in the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin. The IIEA is grateful to the European Climate Foundation for its support in establishing this project. About the Speaker: Prof Alan Matthews is Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at the University of Dublin Trinity College, Ireland, and a former President of the European Association of Agricultural Economists. His research interests include the behaviour of the Irish farm and food system, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, the relationships between trade and food security, and WTO trade norms and disciplines. Dr Matthew O'Neill is Climate Project Lead at the IIEA, in which role he leads the Pathways: Ireland’s Agricultural Future project. His research focuses on the intersection of climate policy and agricultural systems.

Ireland faces a unique challenge in reconciling its position as a major agricultural producer with increasingly ambitious climate targets at national and EU level. The agri-food sector contributes significantly to Ireland's economy, generating €17.3 billion in gross value added (6% of GNI*) and employing 173,400 people. However, it also accounts for 37.8% of national greenhouse gas emissions, creating a distinctive challenge. In this first event of a new IIEA project entitled Pathways: Ireland's Agricultural Future, Prof. Alan Matthews and Dr. Matthew O’Neill present for discussion the findings of their working paper, ahead of its publication in early 2025. The event was chaired by Dr Karen Keaveney, Head of Subject for Rural Development in the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin. The IIEA is grateful to the European Climate Foundation for its support in establishing this project. About the Speakers: Prof Alan Matthews is Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at the University of Dublin Trinity College, Ireland, and a former President of the European Association of Agricultural Economists. His research interests include the behaviour of the Irish farm and food system, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, the relationships between trade and food security, and WTO trade norms and disciplines. Dr Matthew O'Neill is Climate Project Lead at the IIEA, in which role he leads the Pathways: Ireland’s Agricultural Future project. His research focuses on the intersection of climate policy and agricultural systems. Recorded on the 17th of December 2024

Ireland faces a unique challenge in reconciling its position as a major agricultural producer with increasingly ambitious climate targets at national and EU level. The agri-food sector contributes significantly to Ireland's economy, generating €17.3 billion in gross value added (6% of GNI*) and employing 173,400 people. However, it also accounts for 37.8% of national greenhouse gas emissions, creating a distinctive challenge. In this first event of a new IIEA project entitled Pathways: Ireland's Agricultural Future, Prof. Alan Matthews and Dr. Matthew O’Neill present for discussion the findings of their working paper, ahead of its publication in early 2025. The event was chaired by Dr Karen Keaveney, Head of Subject for Rural Development in the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin. The IIEA is grateful to the European Climate Foundation for its support in establishing this project. About the Speaker: Prof Alan Matthews is Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at the University of Dublin Trinity College, Ireland, and a former President of the European Association of Agricultural Economists. His research interests include the behaviour of the Irish farm and food system, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, the relationships between trade and food security, and WTO trade norms and disciplines. Dr Matthew O'Neill is Climate Project Lead at the IIEA, in which role he leads the Pathways: Ireland’s Agricultural Future project. His research focuses on the intersection of climate policy and agricultural systems.

Ireland faces a unique challenge in reconciling its position as a major agricultural producer with increasingly ambitious climate targets at national and EU level. The agri-food sector contributes significantly to Ireland's economy, generating €17.3 billion in gross value added (6% of GNI*) and employing 173,400 people. However, it also accounts for 37.8% of national greenhouse gas emissions, creating a distinctive challenge. In this first event of a new IIEA project entitled Pathways: Ireland's Agricultural Future, Prof. Alan Matthews and Dr. Matthew O’Neill present for discussion the findings of their working paper, ahead of its publication in early 2025. The event was chaired by Dr Karen Keaveney, Head of Subject for Rural Development in the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin. The IIEA is grateful to the European Climate Foundation for its support in establishing this project. About the Speakers: Prof Alan Matthews is Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at the University of Dublin Trinity College, Ireland, and a former President of the European Association of Agricultural Economists. His research interests include the behaviour of the Irish farm and food system, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, the relationships between trade and food security, and WTO trade norms and disciplines. Dr Matthew O'Neill is Climate Project Lead at the IIEA, in which role he leads the Pathways: Ireland’s Agricultural Future project. His research focuses on the intersection of climate policy and agricultural systems. Recorded on the 17th of December 2024

Public participation is mandatory under the European Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 2001/42/EC and should be viewed as an opportunity for knowledge co-creation. It provides a platform to facilitate stakeholders learning, the co-design sustainability solutions and to inform decision-making. SEA can also help reduce stakeholder opposition to development. Despite its widely acknowledged benefits, SEA public participation is generally limited worldwide. The SEAWAY project aimed to address two practical challenges in the implementation of SEA: • the need for effective public participation in SEA, and, • the need for strong key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure overall effectiveness of SEA.

Shielding the Past: 70 years of the Hague Convention National Committee Presentation - Blue Shield Ireland, 12 September 2024. Hosted by Blue Shield and the National Institute for Heritage and Ministry of Culture, Romania

Shielding the Past: 70 years of the Hague Convention National Committee Presentation - Blue Shield Ireland, 12 September 2024. Hosted by Blue Shield and the National Institute for Heritage and Ministry of Culture, Romania

Jurgita Ovadnevaite, University of Galway. Jurgita Ovadnevaite is an Associate Professor at School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, and a deputy director of the Ryan Institute’s Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), where she leads the Aerosol Mass Spectrometry field and the National Aerosol Mass Spectrometry Network. Her work is focused on elucidating aerosol particle sources and impacts on climate, air quality and health. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Caroline Kelly, Air Thematic Team, EPA. Caroline is the team lead for the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) Air Team. The Air Enforcement Team manages the EPA’s Air Emissions Monitoring Programme, issues Air Guidance notes (AG documents) and sets air emissions monitoring policy for licensed sites. In addition the Air Enforcement Team manages the enforcement of the Medium Combustion Plant Regulations. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Laura Burke is the Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), appointed in 2011 and served as a Director within the EPA since 2004. As Director General she has the responsibility to lead and strategically manage the EPA. Laura was the Chair of the European Environment Agency (EEA) Management Board from 2017 to 2023. Laura is a member of the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) and a member of the High Level Implementation Committee of ‘Food Vision 2030’, the Irish Agri-Food Sector Strategy. Prior to joining the EPA, she worked in the private sector. Laura is a graduate chemical engineer of University College Dublin (UCD), holds an MSc from Trinity College, Dublin, is a Fellow and is President of Engineers Ireland and is a Chartered Director. In 2016 Laura was awarded the UCD Engineering Graduates Association (EGA) Distinguished Graduate Award.

Yvonne English, Ecosystems Monitoring Unit, EPA. Yvonne is a scientific officer within the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring. Yvonne has a BSc and an MSc in Environmental Science from University College Dublin. Since joining the EPA in 2005, Yvonne has worked in the areas of environmental licensing of wastewater, waste and industrial industries. Yvonne currently co-ordinates the National Ecosystems Monitoring Network (NEMN). The purpose of the NEMN is to provide robust data on the impacts of air quality on sensitive ecosystems. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Thomas Henrichs is Deputy Head of Unit for the Clean Air & Urban Policy Unit within the Directorate General for Environment at the European Commission. This unit deals with, amongst other, the different aspects of EU Clean Air Policy, especially the Directives on Ambient Air Quality and on National Emission reduction Commitments. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Irene Cadogan, Assistant Principal, Air Quality Unit, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). Dr Cadogan has led the Air Quality Team since 2020. She has responsibility for all ambient air quality matters including the solid fuel regulations, the Clean Air Strategy, enforcement support, communications and national, European and international air quality briefs. Irene joined the Department in 2017 and was previously involved in a number of projects in the Waste and Resource Efficiency Division. Prior to joining the Department Irene worked in education and the private sector and was involved in policy evaluation and environmental research having completed her PhD in the area of energy efficiency policy for the residential sector. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Mark Murphy is the Senior Policy Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, the national stroke and heart charity. In this position, Mark identifies and develops policy areas that will increase the Heart Foundation’s voice and influence to better support those in the community living with heart conditions, and achieve policy change that will encourage people to live healthier lives. Having first joined the organisation in 2018, Mark has worked across a range of campaigns and policy areas, including air quality, active travel, tobacco & e-cigarettes, and junk food marketing. Before joining the Heart Foundation, Mark worked in public affairs in Brussels and Dublin. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Dáithí Kelleghan, Team Lead – Air Modelling & Telemetry, EPA. David “Dáithí” Kelleghan is an air quality scientist, and the air quality modelling and telemetry team lead in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The LIFE Emerald project completed in September 2024, has substantially improved Ireland’s national air quality modelling capabilities. The EPA will maintain the infrastructure developed within the LIFE Emerald project to ensure both compliance with European Directives and to engage the general public. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Noel Murtagh, Senior Engineer, Cork City Council and Clara Felberbauer, Air Quality Scientist, Cork City Council. Noel graduated from UCC with an honours degree in Civil Engineering in 1991 and has over 30 years experience in delivering large infrastructure projects working with Cork County Council, NRA (TII) and Irish Water (Uisce Eireann), Noel also holds masters degrees in Environmental Engineering and Business Administration. Noel joined Cork City Council in 2018 as a Senior Engineer and has been running the Environmental Management section since that time. This section deals with Energy, Climate Change, Waste Management, Waste Enforcement, Noise and Air quality. Austrian by birth, Corkonian by choice, Clara has been working as a Graduate Scientist at Cork City Council since February 2023. She has a MRes in Atmospheric Chemistry from University College Cork on the EPA funded FLARES (Fire, Land and Remote Sensing of Emissions) project which quantified primary and secondary emissions from wildland fires in Ireland, as well as a BSc in Environmental Science from UCC. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Brian McIntyre, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Brian McIntyre is Programme Manager for High Performance Building Technologies on the Deep Retrofit Pilot Programme with 19 years’ experience in the Energy sector. He joined SEAI in 2017 to develop a deep retrofit pilot programme and later joined the Warmer Homes Scheme to develop pilots within the scheme. He had previously worked in the private sector with a focus on the energy sector throughout his career including providing consultancy services to SEAI across the public sector, SME, RD&D and Delivery programmes since 2005. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Denise Keoghan, Department of Transport. With a background in social science and education, Denise has worked in the transport area for over 20 years. In her current role, she oversees the delivery of actions under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy and Pathfinder Programme through the related Climate Action Taskforce. She is also leading on policy related to shared mobility as well as the development of a new demand management strategy for transport in line with commitments under the Climate Action Plan. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Micheál Lehane was appointed Director with the Environmental Protection Agency in 2016 and is currently the Director for the EPA’s Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring. Prior to being appointed Director, Micheál served in a range of senior leadership roles in the EPA and in environmental protection & regulation in the UK. Micheál is also the Chair of the Irish National Accreditation Board and is a Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre CLG. Micheál is a graduate of University College Cork with a PhD in Geology, holds an MBA from the University of Limerick and is a Chartered Director. He is also an Adjunct Professor with University College Cork. This talk was given at the EPA's National Air Event 2024.

Climate change poses a significant risk to Ireland’s economy, society and environment, and therefore it is imperative that planners and policymakers are adequately informed about future climate change so that appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures can be implemented. To address an identified research gap in regional climate projections this research simulated the future climate in Ireland (up to the year 2100) at high resolution (4 km grid spacing) using the most up-to-date regional climate models, to include: • Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) • Earth system models, and, • New shared socioeconomic pathway and representative concentration pathway (SSP-RCP) (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) emission scenarios. The scenario-based projections were supplemented with global warming threshold scenario projections for temperature and precipitation.

Food waste is a global issue with significant economic, social and environmental impacts. An estimated one-third of food produced globally is lost or wasted, with an estimated contribution of 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Ireland is taking steps under Climate Action Plans, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy and, more recently, the establishment of the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. Food waste generation is influenced by several socio-economic factors, behaviours and attitudes and the EPA estimates that 29% of food waste in Ireland is generated by households. The FoodPath research team built upon the extensive work carried out under the EPA’s Stop Food Waste programme over the past decade and identified and implemented Household food waste prevention interventions based on best practices to encourage changes in consumer behaviour.

The SEAI Energy in Ireland Report Launch features a series of presentations from across SEAI's data and statistics teams, focusing on Ireland's energy and energy-related emissions data from 2023 and 2024. Read the full report: https://www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/energy-in-ireland-2024.pdf

According to Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, wind energy is Ireland’s greatest asset in the fight against climate change and is also an enormous opportunity for Ireland to grow its economy and deliver affordable energy for homes and businesses. In his address to the IIEA, Mr Cunniffe will provide an overview of the evolution of the wind sector from the very first onshore wind farm which was installed in Co. Mayo in 1992, right the way through to the opportunities and challenges for onshore and offshore wind in the next 25 years. He will reflect on making Ireland energy independent, which is not without its challenges, but is certainly possible. About the Speaker: Noel Cunniffe is the CEO of Wind Energy Ireland which is Ireland’s largest renewable energy association and works with a wide range of stakeholders to build understanding and awareness of the benefits of wind and renewable energy. Prior to becoming CEO, Noel led Wind Energy Ireland’s Policy department in driving policy development across all aspects of the onshore and offshore renewable industry in Ireland. Previously, Noel was the Renewable Integration Lead in EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator of Ireland, and worked across several departments including electricity grid planning and operation, and the design of the electricity market of Ireland. He is a Chartered Engineer with Engineer’s Ireland.

According to Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, wind energy is Ireland’s greatest asset in the fight against climate change and is also an enormous opportunity for Ireland to grow its economy and deliver affordable energy for homes and businesses. In his address to the IIEA, Mr Cunniffe will provide an overview of the evolution of the wind sector from the very first onshore wind farm which was installed in Co. Mayo in 1992, right the way through to the opportunities and challenges for onshore and offshore wind in the next 25 years. He will reflect on making Ireland energy independent, which is not without its challenges, but is certainly possible. About the Speaker: Noel Cunniffe is the CEO of Wind Energy Ireland which is Ireland’s largest renewable energy association and works with a wide range of stakeholders to build understanding and awareness of the benefits of wind and renewable energy. Prior to becoming CEO, Noel led Wind Energy Ireland’s Policy department in driving policy development across all aspects of the onshore and offshore renewable industry in Ireland. Previously, Noel was the Renewable Integration Lead in EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator of Ireland, and worked across several departments including electricity grid planning and operation, and the design of the electricity market of Ireland. He is a Chartered Engineer with Engineer’s Ireland.

According to Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, wind energy is Ireland’s greatest asset in the fight against climate change and is also an enormous opportunity for Ireland to grow its economy and deliver affordable energy for homes and businesses. In his address to the IIEA, Mr Cunniffe will provide an overview of the evolution of the wind sector from the very first onshore wind farm which was installed in Co. Mayo in 1992, right the way through to the opportunities and challenges for onshore and offshore wind in the next 25 years. He will reflect on making Ireland energy independent, which is not without its challenges, but is certainly possible. About the Speaker: Noel Cunniffe is the CEO of Wind Energy Ireland which is Ireland’s largest renewable energy association and works with a wide range of stakeholders to build understanding and awareness of the benefits of wind and renewable energy. Prior to becoming CEO, Noel led Wind Energy Ireland’s Policy department in driving policy development across all aspects of the onshore and offshore renewable industry in Ireland. Previously, Noel was the Renewable Integration Lead in EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator of Ireland, and worked across several departments including electricity grid planning and operation, and the design of the electricity market of Ireland. He is a Chartered Engineer with Engineer’s Ireland. Recorded on the 10th of December 2024

According to Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, wind energy is Ireland’s greatest asset in the fight against climate change and is also an enormous opportunity for Ireland to grow its economy and deliver affordable energy for homes and businesses. In his address to the IIEA, Mr Cunniffe will provide an overview of the evolution of the wind sector from the very first onshore wind farm which was installed in Co. Mayo in 1992, right the way through to the opportunities and challenges for onshore and offshore wind in the next 25 years. He will reflect on making Ireland energy independent, which is not without its challenges, but is certainly possible. About the Speaker: Noel Cunniffe is the CEO of Wind Energy Ireland which is Ireland’s largest renewable energy association and works with a wide range of stakeholders to build understanding and awareness of the benefits of wind and renewable energy. Prior to becoming CEO, Noel led Wind Energy Ireland’s Policy department in driving policy development across all aspects of the onshore and offshore renewable industry in Ireland. Previously, Noel was the Renewable Integration Lead in EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator of Ireland, and worked across several departments including electricity grid planning and operation, and the design of the electricity market of Ireland. He is a Chartered Engineer with Engineer’s Ireland. Recorded on the 10th of December 2024

A case study on how Greyhound Racing Ireland reduced their use over winter 2023/24.

Jonny Hanson Hunt NSch 2023 presents his findings at the 2024 Nuffield Farming Conference in Belfast. Jonny's study Large carnivore reintroductions to Britain and Ireland: farmers' perspectives and management options is sponsored by The Thomas Henry Foundation. Find out more about Jonny: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/scholars/2023/jonny-hanson ***** Nuffield Farming Scholarships are awarded to approximately 20 members of the UK food, farming, horticulture and rural industries each year. These funds give Scholars the opportunity to travel the world studying their chosen topic and bring global best practices back to the UK by sharing their knowledge. For more information about Nuffield Farming Scholarships, visit www.NuffieldScholar.org or email charlotte@nuffieldscholar.org. Follow us on social media at @NuffieldFarming on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook! #NuffieldFarming #IamNuffield

Although 2024 will be remembered as a year of political and electoral tumult worldwide, the situation in Northern Ireland has been relatively stable. The Executive and Assembly have been functioning since the Safeguarding the Union Deal (31 January) and its draft Programme for Government is intended to do ‘what matters most’. This rather unfamiliar situation must come as a considerable relief to those who consider themselves co-guarantors of the 1998 Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, none of whom can expect much domestic or international stability in the near future. Northern Ireland is ripe for good things to grow, but this won't happen without some cultivation. Drawing on evidence and analysis from political sociology, in her address to the IIEA, Professor Hayward identifies the conditions that will make for belated but healthy progress in Northern Ireland society and the ways in which Ireland, the UK, and the USA – not to mention the ever-important EU – can help nurture them.  About the Speaker: Katy Hayward MRIA FAcSS is Professor of Political Sociology at Queen’s University Belfast. She is an Eisenhower Fellow and was a Europe’s Futures Fellow (ERSTE/IWM) in 2023/24. Professor Hayward was also recipient of a special Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize and ‘Political Communicator of the Year’ award for her work on the impact of Brexit on Ireland/Northern Ireland, and is a trusted expert for media, policy, civic, and academic audiences worldwide. Her latest publications include the co-authored book Northern Ireland a Generation after Good Friday (2021). Recorded on the 27th of November 2024

Although 2024 will be remembered as a year of political and electoral tumult worldwide, the situation in Northern Ireland has been relatively stable. The Executive and Assembly have been functioning since the Safeguarding the Union Deal (31 January) and its draft Programme for Government is intended to do ‘what matters most’. This rather unfamiliar situation must come as a considerable relief to those who consider themselves co-guarantors of the 1998 Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, none of whom can expect much domestic or international stability in the near future. Northern Ireland is ripe for good things to grow, but this won't happen without some cultivation. Drawing on evidence and analysis from political sociology, in her address to the IIEA, Professor Hayward identifies the conditions that will make for belated but healthy progress in Northern Ireland society and the ways in which Ireland, the UK, and the USA – not to mention the ever-important EU – can help nurture them.  About the Speaker: Katy Hayward MRIA FAcSS is Professor of Political Sociology at Queen’s University Belfast. She is an Eisenhower Fellow and was a Europe’s Futures Fellow (ERSTE/IWM) in 2023/24. Professor Hayward was also recipient of a special Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize and ‘Political Communicator of the Year’ award for her work on the impact of Brexit on Ireland/Northern Ireland, and is a trusted expert for media, policy, civic, and academic audiences worldwide. Her latest publications include the co-authored book Northern Ireland a Generation after Good Friday (2021).

With Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) recognised as one of the greatest challenges to human and animal health, it has major implications for our agriculture and food production systems, environment and economy. Using the One Health approach, which recognises the link between human, animal and environmental health, the PEIR project focuses on furthering our understanding of the public health implications of environmental exposure to AMR and how this impacts the use of blue spaces, wellbeing and the quality of life. Using a multidisciplinary project team PEIR gathered data on the relative risk of AMR colonisation following exposure in recreations waters, the persistence of AMR carriage in healthy individuals and created a stakeholder recreational water environment map to help identify feasible and impactful options to maximising use of our blue spaces. It highlights the need for guidelines on monitoring and reporting antimicrobial presence in bath waters and their year round monitoring.

In February 2025, France will host the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, bringing together global leaders, thinkers, academics, businesspeople, and civil society to reflect upon what the AI revolution will mean for the world. AI is poised to usher in significant changes to the global economy, trade, education, government, employment, health, arts and culture. At this critical juncture, Dr Patricia Scanlon and Ambassador Henri Verdier discuss the Irish and French perspectives on what Artificial Intelligence might mean for not only their own countries, but for citizens all over the world.  This event has been organised in conjunction with the Embassy of France in Ireland About the Speakers: Henri Verdier is Ambassador for Digital Affairs at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. He has led the France’s digital diplomacy since 2018. Henri Verdier is co-founder and CEO of MFG Labs, an internet-based startup involved in social data mining, and chairman of the board of Cap Digital, the French-European Cluseter for Digital Content and Services. Ambassador Verdier has co-authored three books written in French, L'Age de la Multitude, Entreprendre et Gouverner Après la Révolution Numérique (The Age of Multitude, Entrepreneurship and Governance after the Digital Revolution), in 2017, Des Startup d’État à l’État plateforme ( From State Startups to the Platform State), and Le Business de la haine : Internet, la démocratie et les réseaux sociaux (The Business of Hate: Internet, Democracy and Social Networks). Dr Patricia Scanlon is Ireland’s AI Ambassador, a role which she has held since 2022, and chair of Ireland’s AI Advisory Council. In 2013, she founded SoapBox Labs, a pioneering company specialising in ethical voice AI technology for children with application across education and gaming. SoapBox Labs became a global leader and was acquired by US-based Curriculum Associates in 2023. Her innovative contributions to the tech industry earned her recognition by Forbes as one of The World’s Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018. Recorded on the 18th of November 2024

In February 2025, France will host the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, bringing together global leaders, thinkers, academics, businesspeople, and civil society to reflect upon what the AI revolution will mean for the world. AI is poised to usher in significant changes to the global economy, trade, education, government, employment, health, arts and culture. At this critical juncture, Dr Patricia Scanlon and Ambassador Henri Verdier discuss the Irish and French perspectives on what Artificial Intelligence might mean for not only their own countries, but for citizens all over the world.  This event has been organised in conjunction with the Embassy of France in Ireland About the Speakers: Henri Verdier is Ambassador for Digital Affairs at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. He has led the France’s digital diplomacy since 2018. Henri Verdier is co-founder and CEO of MFG Labs, an internet-based startup involved in social data mining, and chairman of the board of Cap Digital, the French-European Cluseter for Digital Content and Services. Ambassador Verdier has co-authored three books written in French, L'Age de la Multitude, Entreprendre et Gouverner Après la Révolution Numérique (The Age of Multitude, Entrepreneurship and Governance after the Digital Revolution), in 2017, Des Startup d’État à l’État plateforme ( From State Startups to the Platform State), and Le Business de la haine : Internet, la démocratie et les réseaux sociaux (The Business of Hate: Internet, Democracy and Social Networks). Dr Patricia Scanlon is Ireland’s AI Ambassador, a role which she has held since 2022, and chair of Ireland’s AI Advisory Council. In 2013, she founded SoapBox Labs, a pioneering company specialising in ethical voice AI technology for children with application across education and gaming. SoapBox Labs became a global leader and was acquired by US-based Curriculum Associates in 2023. Her innovative contributions to the tech industry earned her recognition by Forbes as one of The World’s Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018.

The world can increasingly be characterised by uncertainty and transformations. Climate change, geopolitical competition, demographic changes, and new innovations in technology, including artificial intelligence, have prompted the need to reflect upon the implications which these changes may mean for society and businesses across Europe. In this panel discussion, expert speakers drawn from EU institutions and Ireland reflect upon how Europe can thrive in a changing world and ensure that the EU and its Member States are best positioned to meet the challenges and to identify the opportunities which may arise therefrom. Speakers will include: Pascal Leardini, Chair of the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS), and Deputy Secretary-General and Chief Operating Officer of the European Commission Peter Clifford, Head of Strategy at Research Ireland Elena Lazarou, Senior Analyst at the European Parliamentary Research Service Kevin Flynn, Head of the Irish Liaison Office for Research and Innovation in Brussels, Enterprise Ireland Una Fitzpatrick, Director of Technology Ireland This panel has been organised in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The world can increasingly be characterised by uncertainty and transformations. Climate change, geopolitical competition, demographic changes, and new innovations in technology, including artificial intelligence, have prompted the need to reflect upon the implications which these changes may mean for society and businesses across Europe. In this panel discussion, expert speakers drawn from EU institutions and Ireland reflect upon how Europe can thrive in a changing world and ensure that the EU and its Member States are best positioned to meet the challenges and to identify the opportunities which may arise therefrom. Speakers will include: Pascal Leardini, Chair of the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS), and Deputy Secretary-General and Chief Operating Officer of the European Commission Peter Clifford, Head of Strategy at Research Ireland Elena Lazarou, Senior Analyst at the European Parliamentary Research Service Kevin Flynn, Head of the Irish Liaison Office for Research and Innovation in Brussels, Enterprise Ireland Una Fitzpatrick, Director of Technology Ireland This panel has been organised in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Recorded on the 14th of November 2024

Ireland has many commitments to both water quality and biodiversity under policies like the Water Framework Directive, national biodiversity plans, the Habitats Directive and the Nature Restoration Law. Considering these this research refocused attention on the Small Stream Network (SSNet) in terms of water quality management and policy. SSNet is the first large-scale research project in Ireland on first- and second-order streams to undertake investigations spanning hydrochemistry, multiple ecological elements and likely impact of climate change stressors. It advances knowledge on the role of small streams in water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem services and the pressures they face from diffuse and point source pollution. It recommends more water quality monitoring of small streams to help protect biodiversity and water quality further downstream, with priority protection given to areas with high regional biodiversity. Citizen science can potentially facilitate better monitoring.

The world can increasingly be characterised by uncertainty and transformations. Climate change, geopolitical competition, demographic changes, and new innovations in technology, including artificial intelligence, have prompted the need to reflect upon the implications which these changes may mean for society and businesses across Europe. In this panel discussion, expert speakers drawn from EU institutions and Ireland will reflect upon how Europe can thrive in a changing world and ensure that the EU and its Member States are best positioned to meet the challenges and to identify the opportunities which may arise therefrom. Speakers will include: Pascal Leardini, Chair of the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS), and Deputy Secretary-General and Chief Operating Officer of the European Commission Peter Clifford, Head of Strategy at Research Ireland Elena Lazarou, Senior Analyst at the European Parliamentary Research Service Kevin Flynn, Head of the Irish Liaison Office for Research and Innovation in Brussels, Enterprise Ireland Una Fitzpatrick, Director of Technology Ireland This panel has been organised in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Widespread use of disposable single-use sanitary items, nappies and disposable wipes are causing harm to the land and marine environments. Many sanitary items can contain significant levels of plastic (e.g. up to 90% plastic in some menstrual items) and can form a large proportion of household waste (e.g. in 2022 nappies accounted for 10%). With the Single Use Plastics Directive and Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy aiming to reduce single use plastics, and extend producer responsibility requirements, this research focuses on the use of more sustainable options for nappies, wipes and menstrual items. The research combined educational workshops and the provision of reusable alternatives through both the ‘Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme’ and the ‘No Plastic. Period. Programme'. With a high level of public participation the research identifies four further research and four policy recommendations to enable increased national uptake of reusable nappies, baby wipes and menstrual items.

In July 2023, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) began a 118-day strike following a breakdown in negotiations with its counterpart, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). At the heart of the breakdown in negotiations was the use of AI in production. This conversation with Duncan Crabtree Ireland, Chief Negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, will discuss the concerns of its membership over the use of AI and the reasons the union felt an imperative to have an agreement on informed consent and fair compensation. The conversation will also cover the potential and limitations of AI for the industry, the need to establish guardrails at an early stage, as well as the technology-proof uniqueness of human talent. Speakers: Duncan Crabtree-Ireland National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator SAG-AFTRA Moderators: Janine Berg Senior Economist International Labour Organization (ILO) Pawel Gmyrek Senior Researcher International Labour Organization (ILO) The AI for Good Global Summit is the leading action-oriented United Nations platform promoting AI to advance health, climate, gender, inclusive prosperity, sustainable infrastructure, and other global development priorities. AI for Good is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the UN specialized agency for information and communication technology – in partnership with 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with the government of Switzerland. Join the Neural Network! 👉https://aiforgood.itu.int/neural-network/ The AI for Good networking community platform powered by AI. Designed to help users build connections with innovators and experts, link innovative ideas with social impact opportunities, and bring the community together to advance the SDGs using AI. 🔴 Watch the latest #AIforGood videos! https://www.youtube.com/c/AIforGood/videos 📩 Stay updated and join our weekly AI for Good newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gI2kJ5 🗞Check out the latest AI for Good news: https://aiforgood.itu.int/newsroom/ 📱Explore the AI for Good blog: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ai-for-good-blog/ 🌎 Connect on our social media: Website: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIforGood LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/26511907 LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8567748 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiforgood Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIforGood Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the panelists and do not reflect the official policy of the ITU.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice delivered an Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories while, at the same time, examining alleged breaches of the Genocide Convention by Israel in the context of its war on Gaza in a separate case brought by South Africa. This panel of experts explores these recent and ongoing legal processes, their historical context, the significance of the Court's findings thus far, and the legal effects of its decisions on other states. Furthermore, the panel discusses Ireland's role in these processes and what impact these legal processes may have on Ireland, for international law, and for delivering justice in the Middle East. About the Speakers: Dr Giulia Pinzauti, Assistant Professor of Public International Law at Leiden University Dr John Reynolds, Associate Professor of International Law at Maynooth University Prof Hélène Tigroudja, Professor of Public International Law at Aix-Marseille University Giulia Pinzauti is Assistant Professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden Law School. She previously served as an associate legal officer at the International Court of Justice from 2015 to 2016, in the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia from 2012 to 2014, and at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon from 2011 to 2012. John Reynolds is Associate Professor of International Law at the School of Law & Criminology, Maynooth University. His research focuses on questions of international law in relation to colonialism, apartheid, and states of emergency. Dr Reynolds’ book on Empire, Emergency and International Law, published with Cambridge University Press, was awarded the Kevin Boyle Book Prize for Outstanding Legal Scholarship. He is an editor of the Third World Approaches to International Law Review (TWAIL Review) journal. Hélène Tigroudja is Professor at the Faculty of Law at Aix-Marseille University, where she teaches international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. She is currently serving as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and is appointed as Special Rapporteur on New Communications and Interim Measures. She also regularly works with other universal and regional organisations such as UNESCO, the European Union and the Council of Europe. She has authored several articles, chapters of collective books, and monographs in French, English, and Spanish. Her collected specialised course delivered at The Hague Academy of International Law in 2023 on Armed Conflicts and International Human Rights Law will be published in 2025.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice delivered an Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories while, at the same time, examining alleged breaches of the Genocide Convention by Israel in the context of its war on Gaza in a separate case brought by South Africa. This panel of experts explores these recent and ongoing legal processes, their historical context, the significance of the Court's findings thus far, and the legal effects of its decisions on other states. Furthermore, the panel discusses Ireland's role in these processes and what impact these legal processes may have on Ireland, for international law, and for delivering justice in the Middle East. About the Speakers: Dr Giulia Pinzauti, Assistant Professor of Public International Law at Leiden University Dr John Reynolds, Associate Professor of International Law at Maynooth University Prof Hélène Tigroudja, Professor of Public International Law at Aix-Marseille University Giulia Pinzauti is Assistant Professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden Law School. She previously served as an associate legal officer at the International Court of Justice from 2015 to 2016, in the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia from 2012 to 2014, and at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon from 2011 to 2012. John Reynolds is Associate Professor of International Law at the School of Law & Criminology, Maynooth University. His research focuses on questions of international law in relation to colonialism, apartheid, and states of emergency. Dr Reynolds’ book on Empire, Emergency and International Law, published with Cambridge University Press, was awarded the Kevin Boyle Book Prize for Outstanding Legal Scholarship. He is an editor of the Third World Approaches to International Law Review (TWAIL Review) journal. Hélène Tigroudja is Professor at the Faculty of Law at Aix-Marseille University, where she teaches international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. She is currently serving as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and is appointed as Special Rapporteur on New Communications and Interim Measures. She also regularly works with other universal and regional organisations such as UNESCO, the European Union and the Council of Europe. She has authored several articles, chapters of collective books, and monographs in French, English, and Spanish. Her collected specialised course delivered at The Hague Academy of International Law in 2023 on Armed Conflicts and International Human Rights Law will be published in 2025. Recorded on the 30th of October 2024

Globally, energy systems are undergoing two simultaneous and radical transformations that present a new set of challenges in sustainable waste management: the electrification of the transportation network and the decarbonisation of the electricity grid. In this week’s research report the authors identified challenges and modelled scenarios for the sustainable management of LongWEEE (i.e. longer lifetime electrical devices) with a specific focus on solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and electric vehicle batteries. The research projects the quantity of WEEE generated from both sectors out to 2050 and estimates the related cost of recycling with the purpose of helping plan for financially sound and sustainable WEEE management into the future.

New agricultural practices are needed to meet EU carbon reduction targets and avoid penalties for not reaching these targets. Reporting under the Habitats Directive also suggests that, overall, farming has a negative impact on nature and biodiversity, particularly on intensive farms. Climate change and biodiversity loss are expected to have far-reaching market, economic, business and policy impacts on the agricultural sector. This research desk study sought to develop recommendations for the pro-environmental diversification of dairy and beef farms by conducting a best practice literature review, interviews with innovative farmers, a national farmers survey and modelling the environmental impact of diversification scenarios. The research provides suggestions and solutions for key policy actors and stakeholders that address the challenge of designing environmental schemes that are efficient for nature, help address climate commitments and are economically attractive for farmers.

Ireland has registered a relatively poor score in terms of the Circular Material Use Rate (CMUR) – a key circular economy metric of the European Union. Ireland’s policy ambitions are to surpass the EU average in this metric by 2030. The aims of the CAIR (a Critical Analysis of Ireland’s circular material use Rate) project were to firstly identify factors driving Ireland’s relatively low CMUR performance and secondly to identify actions through which Ireland’s CMUR score could be improved. The research activities included an interrogation of how the CMUR metrics function, analysis of the data used, a comparison of the data and statistical profile of Ireland with three other Member States, and the development of proposals for improving Irelands CMUR score.

Ireland’s temperate climate favours almost year-round grass growth, which has supported the development of a successful pasture-based farming system. However, this has been threatened by repeated severe shortfalls in fodder stocks, with resulting impacts on yields, revenues, and animal welfare. Grass growth may be influenced by a number of factors, including droughts, heat stress and other drivers, which can lead to the emergence of a fodder crisis. This research identified the key drivers of historic fodder crises, and investigated whether such events will become more or less frequent or severe under the climatic changes projected for Ireland by the mid-21st century. This research developed an impact-based five-level fodder crisis severity index has been to classify fodder crisis events. This severity index was applied to fodder crises between 1946 and 2022, the period for which accessible, high-quality data and records are available.

The presence of contaminants in food waste bins requires further processing of the material, it incurs higher costs to remove the contaminants and results in lower value compost and digestate. This research indicates that the amount of plastic contamination in biowaste collections is increasing and that there is a need to significantly reduce the input of contaminants, particularly plastics, into the soil from the application of compost and digestate derived from food waste. Using 50 waste characterisation studies the research provides new information and insights on the trends in types of plastic contamination. With extensive stakeholder engagement and a comprehensive review of policy legislation, the research also provides policy actors and relevant stakeholders with information and recommendations on how to address issues associated with plastic contamination in compost.

'Does Ireland have a Europe strategy?' Europe is in flux. Countries are re-arming in response to growing security threats. Economic security risks are leading to a rethinking of EU state aid rules, competition and trade policies. With public opinion shifting against immigration across the continent, how the EU and its members handle asylum applications from outside the bloc is rising up the agenda. Dr Eoin Drea, Senator Michael McDowell and Dr Kathryn Simpson share their views on how Ireland is positioning itself on these issues, how they think it should position itself, and how have Ireland’s alliances with other member states have evolved in these rapidly changing circumstances? Dr Eoin Drea is Senior Researcher in the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies focusing on the political economy of the European Union, the future of the Eurozone, EU-UK and EU-US relations. He is a regular media contributor and his opinion pieces have appeared in Foreign Policy, Politico, The Guardian, The Times of London and The Irish Times among others. Senator Michael McDowell was elected to Seanad Éireann in 2016. He served as Attorney General from 1999 to 2002, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform from 2002 until 2007, and as Tánaiste from 2006 until 2007. He is also currently a Senior Counsel, an Adjunct Professor in the UCD Sutherland School of Law and a weekly columnist with the Irish Times. Dr Kathryn Simpson is Associate Professor of Politics & Economics of the EU and Director of Research at Keele University. Her research interests include Ireland’s relationship with the EU, political behaviour and public opinion in the EU, UK & Ireland, the politics, and economics of Brexit on the island of Ireland and Ireland-UK relations post-Brexit. Her books include ‘Nationalism in Internationalism: Ireland’s Relationship with the EU’.

Coordinated Local Aquaculture Management was introduced by Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency (Bord Iascaigh Mhara) with the aim of establishing greater cooperation among local aquaculture producers, with the agency providing support to coordinating officers and expertise.

Watch the recording of the Clean Air Together event in Galway on Thursday 22nd February, where the citizen scientists received the results of their air quality.

Landscape character assessment (LCA) describes variation in the character of the landscape and elements and identifies the features that make landscapes unique. The Reframe LCA project identified the absence of a coherent policy approach when it comes to LCA in Ireland and a lack of baseline information at national and regional scales. This makes it difficult to describe and assess landscape character and creates an inconsistent approach to landscape planning and management across scales and between authorities. The project developed a comprehensive, step-by-step toolkit and a training module to support stakeholders, including state bodies, local authorities and community groups, in undertaking comprehensive LCAs at different scales across Ireland. It aims to support national policy objectives, including those related to mitigation of and adaption to climate change, the agricultural and energy sectors, forestry and transport, National Landscape Strategy & National Planning Framework.

- Chair Welcome Ann Marie Colbert, SEAI Presentations: - Wind Turbine Monitoring of an Operational Wind Farm in Ireland - Virkam Pakrashi University College Dublin - Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Ireland's Built Environment - Divyanshu Sood University College Dublin - Operational, stability, and network-related strategies for large-scale deployment of solar PV generation on the Irish power system - Phurailatpam Chitaranjan Sharma, University College Dublin Testing marine renewable energies at scale - Emer Dennehy, Programme Manager, Offshore Energy, SEAI Floating Offshore Wind Technologies for the Atlantic Frontier - Jimmy Murphy University College Cork Atlantic Float Project - Floating Offshore Wind Technologies for the Atlantic Frontier Q&A Presentations: - District heating feasibility studies - researching the key parameters and approach Niamh O'Sullivan, Senior Specialist in Decarbonised Heat, SEAI - Future - Integration of anaerobic co-digestion of grass silage and cattle slurry within a livestock farming system in Ireland - Sofia Tisocco, University of Galway - Tackling Energy Poverty Through Retrofit Analytics - James Clarke, Prime 19 - SMART-LEM: Supporting Ireland's Energy Transition - Tudor Pitulac, OpenSky Data Systems - Does tailored information on potential cost savings and emission reductions impact the likelihood of switching to an EV? - Ubaid Illahi, Trinity College Dublin Q&A

This video is an overview of Ireland's National Broadband Plan (NBP) and its execution by National Broadband Ireland (NBI). It aims to showcase Ireland's strategy to achieve the EU's connectivity objectives, addressing the digital divide and illustrating both current achievements and future aspirations in broadband deployment. With this project Ireland is providing high-speed broadband services to the entire country, reaching 564,000 premises, 1.1 million people, over 65,000 farms, 26,000 non-farm businesses, and 679 schools. This video is part of the European Broadband Competence Offices Network’s programme promoting awareness of good practices in broadband projects as well as EU broadband funding and policy. Find out more: http://www.bconetwork.eu See more videos in the series: http://videos.bconetwork.eu More information on Ireland’s National Broadband Plan: https://nbi.ie