The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has awarded Accredited Planning School status to University of Galway’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies. The award also includes accreditation of the University's MA in Planning and Development, which means students on the programme will earn an RTPI-accredited qualification, supporting graduates seeking to build professional careers in planning in Ireland, the UK and internationally. The one-year, full-time, MA in Planning and Development combines practical planning skills with critical planning theory and regulatory knowledge. Rachel Fisher, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “Planning has a critical role to play in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing communities, from housing and infrastructure to climate change and economic growth. Ensuring that the profession has a strong pipeline of highly skilled planners is therefore essential, and this accreditation is an important addition to planning education in Ireland.” John Sturzaker, Director of Careers and Education at the RTPI, said: “RTPI accreditation recognises planning programmes that meet the high academic and professional standards needed to prepare students for a career in planning. “The University of Galway’s MA in Planning and Development combines the theoretical, practical and regulatory understanding that future planners need. We look forward to working with the University and supporting its students as they develop their careers in the profession.” President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: “University of Galway is very cognisant of its vital role in promoting and facilitating planning development for the region and more broadly. This professional accreditation award from the RTPI reflects an endorsement of the quality and success of the University’s contributions in this regard, and of its ongoing commitment to planning education.” Professor Rebecca Braun, Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at University of Galway, said: “University of Galway welcomes this partnership with the Royal Town Planning Institute. We look forward to the opportunities it presents to deliver professionally-accredited graduates to the growing range of industry sectors seeking planning professionals here and abroad, and to address this identified critical skills gap in the region and nationally.” Read more about the MA in Planning and Development course here. Ends

International gathering will explore how marine research, innovation and skills can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and security Galway will become a meeting place for Europe’s ocean research, innovation and policy community next week, as Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 takes place on 8–9 October. Jointly organised by the Marine Institute, University of Galway, and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), the Atlantic Summit is an Associated Event of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, supported by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Taking place under the theme “Advancing Europe’s Ocean Research, Innovation and Skills Agenda during Ireland’s EU Presidency”, the Atlantic Summit comes at a critical moment for Europe’s ocean ambitions. As the EU seeks to strengthen sustainability, security, innovation and competitiveness, the ocean is increasingly recognised as a strategic frontier, with marine research and knowledge providing the foundations for future opportunity. The EU Ocean Pact, adopted in 2025, sets out an ambitious vision to restore ocean health, strengthen maritime security, support coastal communities and unlock sustainable economic opportunities at sea. Delivering on that vision will require a strong, well-resourced and connected marine knowledge system. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 takes place at University of Galway, bringing together leading ocean strategists, researchers, policymakers, innovators and representatives of Atlantic communities to explore how research, data, technology, education and collaboration can help turn that ambition into action. Ireland’s opportunity to shape the ocean knowledge economy Ireland brings a strong foundation to these discussions. Through long-term investment in marine research, ocean observation, seabed mapping, research infrastructure, and international partnerships, Ireland has developed capabilities that support environmental protection, maritime safety, climate action, sustainable economic activity and innovation. The Ocean Knowledge 2030 strategy, Ireland’s national strategy for marine research, knowledge and innovation for 2025–2030, provides a framework for advancing these capabilities and strengthening Ireland’s contribution to European and international ocean priorities. As the future ocean economy becomes increasingly knowledge-based and data-driven, these capabilities will be central to supporting sectors such as offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, shipping, fisheries and marine biotechnology. They also provide the evidence needed to make informed decisions about the sustainable use and protection of marine resources. For Galway, the event provides an opportunity to highlight the region’s distinctive position at the intersection of marine science, higher education, technology, enterprise and Atlantic communities, while connecting local expertise with European and international partners. Dr Niall McDonough, Director Marine Institute, said:   “For Ireland, the development of an integrated and sustained ocean knowledge system presents a significant opportunity. From ocean observation and seabed mapping to research vessels, marine data and scientific expertise, these are strategic national capabilities that support sustainability, security and economic opportunity. Ireland has built a strong foundation through long-term investment and international collaboration. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 is an opportunity to connect those strengths with Europe’s ambitions and explore how knowledge can be translated into practical action.” Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, said: “The Atlantic is one of University of Galway’s most valuable research partners. It shapes where we are, many of the questions we ask and the research we undertake – from ocean and climate science to renewable energy, biodiversity and the future of our coastal communities. Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 gives us an important opportunity to look outward from Galway and bring together researchers, policymakers, industry and communities to consider how our shared Atlantic knowledge can help shape Europe’s future.” Dr Deirdre Brophy, Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Strategic Lead at Atlantic Technological University, said: “A successful ocean future will depend on the ability to connect research and innovation with the skills, enterprise and communities that can turn ideas into impact. ATU is delighted to be part of the Atlantic Summit that brings these dimensions together. For Atlantic regions, collaboration is a powerful asset, and Galway provides an exceptional setting to explore how we can develop the talent and practical solutions needed for a resilient and knowledge-based blue economy.” The programme will feature keynote addresses, high-level policy dialogues, plenary discussions and networking opportunities, examining issues including: · The role of ocean knowledge in Europe’s competitiveness and strategic resilience. · Ocean observation, marine data and research infrastructure. · Ocean research and innovation in support of sustainability and security. · Healthy and productive oceans and resilient coastal communities. · Future skills and capacity for the blue economy. · The role of Atlantic and European research partnerships in advancing shared priorities. The Atlantic Summit will provide a platform for discussion on how governments, researchers, industry, educators and coastal communities can work together to align environmental, economic and security objectives, share knowledge across sea basins and strengthen Europe’s ocean research and innovation agenda. Ends

Researchers from University of Galway have designed a visitor levy scheme for Ireland that could generate millions of euro in tax revenue for central government and local authorities. The policy brief ‘Designing a Visitor Accommodation Levy (VAL) for Ireland’ shows that with a well-designed scheme, revenues in excess of €200 million a year could accrue to the local government sector. In EU countries and in parts of the UK, “visitor levies” or “tourist taxes” charged by local councils on overnight paid accommodation are common. Ireland does not impose these levies. Both the 2024 Dublin City Taskforce and the 2026 Local Democracy Taskforce have recommended a levy on overnight stays. The research shows that a visitor levy would meet two objectives set out in the Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland’s Future, namely, to broaden the tax base and to strengthen local democracy. The key design features of a Visitor Accommodation Levy (VAL) are the tax base, liability, coverage, exemptions, tax rate, administration, collection and use of funds. Actual revenues will depend on the base/coverage, the tax rate, exemptions and caps, and could raise an estimated €220 million per annum for the local authorities, according to the findings of the research. The research was undertaken by Dr Gerard Turley and Stephen McNena from the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at University of Galway, who also manage the www.localauthorityfinances.com website. The study used data from Fáilte Ireland's National Quality Assurance Framework registers, which contains 225,098 bedspaces as of January 2026. This figure excludes unregistered B&Bs, short term lets and on-campus student accommodation. Dr Gerard Turley, Lecturer in Economics at University of Galway, said: “Based on a fixed tax rate per person per night, we estimate that each €1 of a Visitor Accommodation Levy would generate €44 million per annum for the local authorities. A €5 tax rate per person per night would generate almost €220 million for the local government sector. Taking three examples from the 31 local authorities, this translates into €5.7 million for Waterford City and County Councils, €8.2 million for Galway County Council, and €46 million for Dublin City Council. “For hotels only, our estimates show that a €1 tax rate per person per night would generate the same revenue, circa €33 million, as a 1% room tax rate per night based on 2025/26 data for the number of hotel rooms, occupancy rates and the Average Daily Rate (ADR).” Stephen McNena, Lecturer in Economics at University of Galway, said: “Our research shows that revenues will depend on the categories of accommodation providers covered in the legislation, as well as the tax rates levied and any exemptions or caps. The choice of tax rate is a percentage rate or a fixed rate, to be applied per person or per room. As both approaches have advantages, we recommend that local authorities have the discretion to choose percentage rate or fixed rate at a level that is appropriate to the local circumstances, the strength of the local tourist sector and the uniqueness of the destination.” The authors advise that pre- and post-legislative consultation with key stakeholders is essential, including accommodation providers, tourism industry, residents, visitors, business organisations and public representatives. Additional policy recommendations include: Further research is required, including a price sensitivity analysis and an impact assessment study. Learning from other visitor levy/tourist tax experiences internationally and recent UK developments. The naming of the levy/tax and the ringfencing of revenues are crucial, to ensure transparency and secure acceptance. The importance of tax administration, including collection, compliance and enforcement. Local discretion is strongly recommended, in terms of an opt-in to a national visitor levy scheme, local rate-setting powers, and determining exemptions and caps. The full policy brief can be read here. Ends