News for: Socio-economic Marine Research Unit

Economic historians have examined economic development in terms of output growth for decades. However, only limited research has examined economic history through the lens of sustainable development. After a century of Irish independence, our study, published in the European Review of Economic History, compares a sustainability perspective of Ireland’s economic development with the conventional growth-oriented… | Read on »

The urgent need to take action on climate change has motivated an increasing number of countries to set ambitious renewable energy targets. Yet meeting these goals is challenging even for countries with high potential renewable energy endowments in part due to the intermittent nature of power generation from renewable sources. Although statutory agencies and industry… | Read on »

Researchers at the Whitaker Institute’s Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU), led by Professor Stephen Hynes, and the Marine Institute are conducting a survey of marine and marine-related businesses as part of the regular reporting on Ireland’s Ocean Economy. The survey will look at advanced marine technology products and services, offshore renewable energy, marine commerce and… | Read on »

Whitaker Institute member Professor Stephen Hynes, SEMRU cluster leader, has written a recent article for NUI Galway’s Cois Coiribe. The piece looks at the government’s historic failure of recognising the value of marine ecosystem services in national income accounts and project appraisals, and how this is now changing. Read the article here.

Whitaker Institute member Professor Stephen Hynes, SEMRU Cluster leader, has been featured in a recent article from Afloat.ie. The article looks at Professor Hynes recent policy brief on the costs and benefits of protecting a coastal amenity from climate change-related hazards. To read the article, click here. To read the related policy brief, click here.

Whitaker Institute member Dr Tom Gillespie, of SEMRU, spoke to Morning Ireland about the price of used cars. Listen back here.

DoneDeal’s Motor Price Index, a new report authored by Whitaker Institute member Dr Tom Gillespie has found that the price of used cars in Ireland has risen by 30% in the last year. Read more from Irish Examiner, RTÉ News, and Today FM’s The Last Word.

Whitaker Institute member Dr Tom Gillespie, of SEMRU, told the Irish Farmer’s Journal that remote working due to the pandemic has played a key role in the rise of house prices outside of Dublin. Read more here.

Whitaker Institute member Dr Liam Carr, of SEMRU, recently spoke to The Irish Times about how seaweed farming can have benefits for both coastal ecosystems and the communities who rely on them. Read more here.

This research examines the recreational use values associated with a coastal walking trail under threat from increased episodes of storm surges and coastal erosion, and the cost of alternative grey and nature based infrastructure options that could protect it. These options involve restoring an oyster reef bar that would act as a natural breakwater versus… | Read on »