Intro

Regions of rural Ireland are characterised by vast stretches of countryside dotted with small villages and farms. These natural landscapes show the hills, rivers, and rugged coastlines that are known all too well on an international scale. Agriculture plays a central role for the Irish economy, with traditional practices still prevalent alongside modern farming techniques.

Despite their serene appearance, these regions face challenges such as depopulation, limited access to amenities, and environmental concerns brought about by heavy agricultural land use. Nevertheless, they remain integral to Ireland's cultural heritage and offer valuable spaces for AgriTech innovation, digitisation efforts, and initiatives to combat rural depopulation.

MARGISTAR’s Science Communication is Levelling Up: Meet our SciComm Sub-Group!

We're thrilled to announce MARGISTAR’s latest addition to the project: our brand new Science Communication Team. With diverse backgrounds ranging from seasoned scientists to digital marketing and emerging tech aficionados, we're dedicated to making complex research accessible to all. Through blogs, social media, and an array of upcoming events, we aim to inform and inspire action for marginalised mountain regions. Read on for a short intro to our Science Communication Sub-Group members!

Celebrating Digital Innovation: The .ie Digital Town Awards

From revitalising town centres to propelling sustainability initiatives, digital technology serves as a catalyst for positive change. In support of these developments, the .ie Digital Town Awards in Ireland honour the strides made by communities across the country in embracing digital innovation. With significant investment and political support, these awards highlight the transformative power of digital in diverse spheres of life, starting from their potential to enhance connectivity to their role in revolutionising agricultural practices. As we celebrate the achievements of digital pioneers in Ireland with “.ie” - the country’s official registry of .ie domain names – we are reminded that innovation knows no bounds and inspires communities to embrace the possibilities of the digital age. 

Céad Míle Fáilte: MARGISTAR Meets in Ireland for the COST Action’s Second General Assembly 

On April 17 and 18, the Irish Institute of Digital Business (IIDB) at Dublin City University (DCU) welcomed international researchers from the MARGISTAR COST Action to the project's second annual General Assembly in Dublin. Prof Theo Lynn, Prof Colm O'Gorman, and Antonia Egli represent Ireland within the MARGISTAR consortium and lead the Action's Science Communications team. Over two days, consortium members focused on strategies to further progress MARGISTAR during the second grant period and met with stakeholders in Ireland to understand how different communities were seeking to address issues through rural town regeneration, digitisation, re-afforestation, or diversifying agriculture.  

Helping rural Ireland reimagine a more prosperous future for their towns and villages

By Dr Michelle Cowley-Cunningham and Antonia Egli (Dublin City University) Rural development creates vibrant environments with improved economic opportunities for people to live and work....

Meet MARGISTAR's Irish Members

Prof Theo Lynn

Dublin City University

Prof Colm O'Gorman

Dublin City University

Antonia Egli

Dublin City University