News & Events

Ireland must shift from monitoring coastal erosion as a physical process to establishing the urgent legal and financial mechanisms required to relocate homes and infrastructure, according to new research from University of Galway. The working paper published today by the Climate Change Advisory Council moves beyond the science of coastal change to provide the first comprehensive roadmap for a national Coastal Change Adaptation Framework. Entitled ‘Managing Coastal Risks in Ireland: Towards strategies that integrate planned coastal relocations,’ the report identifies potential policy levers, zoning tools, and funding structures needed to carry out the planned relocation of people and critical assets (residential and commercial properties, roads, bridges, rail lines, ports and harbours, telecommunication networks, or utility plants) away from at-risk zones. The working paper highlights that the scale of the threat from coastal erosion is immense. It notes a survey of eight local authorities which identified 2,279 properties and 570km of roads at risk. These numbers are projected to jump to 4,446 properties by 2050, a figure that will rise substantially once all local authorities covering 19 coastal counties report their data. The paper argues that while erosion is an inevitable natural process, the current lack of a binding framework for retreat has left the State in a cycle of ad hoc reactive engineering and unmanaged loss. To protect current and future generations, the Government must now prioritise the creation of a masterplan that operationalises how - and not just why - coastal communities will move to safety. Dr Eugene Farrell, Associate Professor at University of Galway and lead author of the report, said: "The core issue is accountability and action. Governments and communities cannot continue to frame today’s coastal erosion crisis as an unforeseeable outcome. The science has been clear for decades, and the warnings were widely available. What is required now is decisive remedial and adaptive action. Implementing 'planned relocation' from eroding coastlines is not optional - it is an essential responsibility of present governance." The findings address targets in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy 2023; policy objectives in the 2025 National Planning Framework; and the recommendations The Just Transition Commission of Ireland 2025 report which highlights the need to move beyond reactive policymaking and embrace long-term, structural change, to ensure fast and fair climate action with lasting benefits for future generations. The working paper outlines a series of actions for Government to consider to respond to the increasing risks associated with coastal erosion that will require houses, roads and other infrastructure to be relocated: New legislation addressing coastal change and planned relocation Consistent coastal planning and zoning guidance at a national level Comprehensive, high-resolution coastal risk data A national framework for funding and compensation for relocation Clear governance structures and well-defined roles for all agencies Substantial investment in technical capacity within local authorities to manage relocation Robust community engagement to support meaningful dialogue around relocation Dr Farrell added: "Planned relocation is often framed as a 'last resort,' but it should be viewed as a valid strategic shift when defending homes or roads becomes unsustainable. "By planning for the strategic movement of people and infrastructure early, we can reduce exposure to extreme events, lower long-term costs, and build community resilience." Further observations in the working paper: - Coastal management should prioritise a proactive, managed retreat strategy, with erosion recognised as a natural process essential for sustaining coastal environments like beaches and dunes. Selective protection should be maintained for high-value urban areas, however, rural homeowners cannot simply be left to "be washed away". - Relocation should be viewed through a human rights lens and fundamentally as a public health and social justice priority. Relocation with community participation and fair compensation, can improve long-term wellbeing; without it, the risk of deepens of social inequalities and causing mental health trauma. - Humanitarian aid, equivalent to previous approaches used for river flooding, is required for coastal erosion. However, relying on reactive emergency funding is unpredictable whereas a long-term strategy for coastal relocations enables the Government of Ireland to plan proactively and allocate public funds money more efficiently as climate impacts worsen.  - Mandatory natural hazard disclosure in property transactions, similar to a scheme in California and being progressed in England, where a prospective buyer would be formally notified if a home falls within a projected erosion or flood risk zone. - Coastal infrastructure required to service offshore renewable energy including ports and transmission networks must be designed with climate adaptation and long-term coastal change in mind. The working paper, compiled by Dr Eugene Farrell with technical support from MKO planning and environmental consultants, was commissioned by the Climate Change Advisory Council. It integrates a desktop review of international case studies and interviews with practitioners and policymakers. The full paper 'Managing Coastal Risks in Ireland: Towards strategies that integrate planned coastal relocations' can be viewed here. Ends

University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics has been recognised among the top 1% of business schools worldwide after achieving a prestigious triple crown of international accreditation. The J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics is among an elite group of business schools in the world after securing the three most rigorous and internationally recognised quality standards in business education - EQUIS accreditation by the European Foundation for Management Development; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and Association of MBAs (AMBA). Professor David Burn, President of the University of Galway, said: “Achieving triple crown accreditation marks an important milestone for J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics and for the University as a whole. This recognition reflects the School’s consistent engagement with industry and society, and its commitment to delivering education that is relevant, impactful and rooted in the needs of our region, while also contributing on a global stage.” Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law, added: “This achievement belongs to the entire School community, whose shared focus on high-quality teaching, impactful research and meaningful engagement has made it possible. For our students, it is a signal that their education stands alongside the best in the world, and that we will continue to challenge ourselves to deliver an academic experience that is dynamic and relevant in an evolving global business landscape.” Professor Karena Yan, Dean of J.E Cairnes School of Business and Economics, added: “This achievement recognises the staff, students, alumni, and industry partners who have built the School. To stand among the global top 1% of business schools is pride and responsibility in equal measure. It speaks to the rigour of our scholarship, our leadership in sustainability, and our public good commitment.” The EQUIS accreditation recognises the commitment of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics to word class teaching, research and real-world impact. It involves a rigorous peer-review process across a broad range of criteria including academic quality, governance, research, ethics, sustainability, internationalisation and engagement with industry and society. The milestone of securing the triple crown of accreditation builds on a series of successes for the School, including receiving the Silver Swan Award in recognition of its commitment to gender equality. The School also received the Excellence in Education award at the Irish Accountancy Awards 2026 for its future-focused approach to learning in its Accountancy and Finance discipline, which are delivered through a suite of summer schools across four postgraduate master’s programmes and shaped by research, industry and global trends. The University of Galway Tax Clinic received the prestigious US-based AACSB Global Impact Award 2026, which celebrates initiatives addressing pressing regional and local challenges. Led by Director Professor Emer Mulligan and Coordinator Maggie O’Neill, the Tax Clinic delivers real impact through community engagement and support, while providing valuable, hands-on learning experiences for students. Ends

University of Galway has announced new international opportunities for research students as part of the ENLIGHT University Alliance.   The initiative has been unveiled at the mid-year meeting of ENLIGHT, when the alliance of 10 universities in 10 European countries comes together to review the partnership and plan how to build on achievements.  The 2026 gathering has been hosted this week at University of Galway with discussions on education, research collaboration, future development and priorities and securing further support.   Over the course of the three-day meeting, delegations discussed innovative education, research collaboration and how to build a sustainable and lasting alliance that will continue to help shape the future of European higher education.  University of Galway also announces a key milestone with the signing of a Joint PhD agreement by the presidents of the ENLIGHT universities, creating new opportunities for students to gain international experience throughout their research journeys.  University of Galway President Professor David Burn said: “ENLIGHT has been a hugely positive initiative for University of Galway and has grown strongly over the past few years. Our engagement with ENLIGHT partners supports our strategic ambitions in both education and research, while creating valuable international opportunities for our staff and students.  “The discussions in Galway have reinforced the strength of the alliance and the shared commitment across our partner universities to deepen collaboration even further. We are excited about the opportunities ENLIGHT will continue to create for our university community.”  The ENLIGHT alliance is part of the European University Initiative, a flagship programme of the European Commission’s strategy for universities.  In 2023, the European Commission announced a four-year €14.4 million investment in ENLIGHT, supporting continued academic collaboration across the alliance. University of Galway’s involvement in the European University Alliance is also supported nationally by the Higher Education Authority.  Since 2020, ENLIGHT has created more than 100 funded projects, initiatives and networks, while engaging more than 2,500 academics through its Thematic Networks and Incubator Grants. These activities have helped to seed interdisciplinary collaboration across the partner institutions and lay the foundations for long-term cooperation and innovation.  University of Galway is involved in more than 50 of these collaborative projects with ENLIGHT partners, helping to develop new education offerings and strengthen research connections across the alliance.  ENLIGHT also received a strongly positive mid-term review from the European Commission in March, with the alliance recognised for the strong foundations it has built, including its governance structures and its growing integration of education, research and societal engagement.   ENLIGHT places a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for early career researchers and expanding mobility opportunities for staff and students. The alliance is also an important enabler of University of Galway’s strategic ambitions, with the ENLIGHT flagships aligning closely with the University’s strategic priorities.  Ends