Regional Assemblies and Maynooth University launch innovative National Census Atlas and Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) dashboard

Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies, in collaboration with the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University, are proud to announce the launch of the National Census Atlas, a groundbreaking tool that provides an unprecedented view of over 200 social, economic, and environmental indicators at the neighbourhood level across Ireland. Alongside this, a new section on the Regional Development Monitor (RDM) dedicated to key Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) indicators is also being unveiled.

This pioneering atlas is hosted on the Tailte Éireann GeoHive platform via the Regional Development Monitor (RDM), enabling users to explore a wealth of data in an accessible and interactive format. From housing trends and employment statistics to environmental factors, the atlas delivers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, businesses, and citizens alike.

The National Census Atlas offers:

• Neighbourhood-level insights: Detailed mapping of data for informed decision-making at the local level.
• Comprehensive indicators: Over 200 datasets covering critical aspects of Irish life, including demographics, social and cultural factors, education, health and wellbeing, housing, employment and economy, communications and ICT, and transport and commuting.
• User-friendly access: An intuitive interface powered by the GeoHive platform, making data exploration straightforward for all users.

All data in the atlas comes from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2022 results, ensuring the most up-to-date and accurate representation of Ireland’s social and economic characteristics.

A Resource for Evidence-Based Planning and Beyond

The National Census Atlas is primarily aimed at supporting the planning sector in Ireland, providing a robust resource for evidence-based planning and policymaking. It will be a useful support tool for Government Department and State bodies, local authorities, community groups and planning consultants.

However, its applications extend far beyond, offering valuable insights for secondary and third-level students in understanding the social and economic characteristics of the country.

Examples of the Tool in Use

The National Census Atlas illustrates its potential to support current and future policy development for key social issues. For instance:

• Population change: The tool shows levels of population change over the last twenty years, highlighting areas of major population growth alongside regions experiencing continual population decline.
• Household heating sources: The atlas details variations in household heating methods within and across counties, providing essential data for policies aimed at achieving a just transition from fossil fuels.
• Employment clustering: Insights into the clustering of employment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing industries, and professional services can guide regional economic development strategies.
• Religious affiliation trends: The tool reveals differing trends in religious affiliation between urban and rural areas, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural shifts.
• Commuting patterns: Detailed data on commuting patterns to cities and large towns helps inform transport and infrastructure planning.

Setting Ireland Apart as an International Leader

The National Census Atlas is unique in its scope and detail. No other country has developed a national resource as comprehensive as this, positioning Ireland as an example of international best practice. This innovative approach highlights Ireland’s commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and inclusive planning.

Technological Advancements for Local Authorities

One of the key advancements in this tool is its ability to allow local authorities to develop their own maps tailored to their specific areas – counties, cities and towns, local electoral areas and municipal districts. This feature empowers local authorities and elected members to better understand and respond to the unique needs of their communities.

A Collaboration for Ireland’s Future

Developed by the AIRO team at Maynooth University, the project was made possible through direction and funding from the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland: the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, and the Southern Regional Assembly. This collaboration underscores the commitment to equipping communities with tools to drive evidence-based planning and regional development.

A Vision for Sustainable Development

In formally launching the National Census Atlas and S3 Dashboard, Minister Peter Burke TD stated: “I am proud to launch the National Census Atlas, a groundbreaking tool providing access to key data which will be instrumental in supporting evidence-based policymaking. We are the first country to develop such a resource, positioning Ireland at the forefront of international best practice.

“I am also delighted to launch the new Smart Specialisation Strategy Visualisation Dashboard which was developed in collaboration with my own Department. This tool will help monitor the progress of our National Smart Specialisation Strategy, monitor our regional innovation performance and enable regions to focus on their strengths. These new tools are fantastic additions to the Regional Development Monitor that I had the pleasure of launching in November 2022 and will be crucial to future policy development.”

Justin Gleeson, Director of AIRO, emphasised the significance of the initiative: “The National Census Atlas represents a major step forward in democratising access to data. By providing granular insights at the neighbourhood level, this tool empowers stakeholders across Ireland to identify needs, allocate resources effectively, and plan for a sustainable future. It is a fantastic example of public sector collaboration in Ireland and the use of publicly funded data collection initiatives.”

Clare Bannon, Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly added: “This project highlights the power of collaboration in advancing regional development goals. We’re proud to support this initiative, which offers a new perspective on Ireland’s evolving social, economic, and environmental landscape. This tool is a great addition to the Regional Development Monitor which has become a key resource for local and regional authorities in Ireland.”

Access the Atlas Today

The National Census Atlas is available now on the Regional Development Monitor website: https://rdm.geohive.ie/pages/national-census-atlas

Launch of the new Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Visualisation Dashboard

In addition to the launch of the National Census Atlas, Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies and AIRO are pleased to announce a newSmart Specialisation Strategy (S3) visualisation dashboard on the RDM website. The dashboards on this platform have been developed to support the monitoring of the national Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), an innovation policy concept that aims to boost regional enterprise innovation by enabling regions to focus on their strengths.

Developed by the RDM project team in collaboration with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), the dashboard provides visualisations for several key indicators, including:

• Real Labour Productivity per Person
• International Comparison of R&D Personnel per Thousand Total Employment
• Regional Innovation Scoreboard Indicators

By offering these data-driven insights, the new S3 visualisation platform will support policymakers, researchers, and businesses in identifying areas of strategic growth, fostering innovation, and contributing to regional prosperity across Ireland.

The S3 Dashboard is available now on the Regional Development Monitor website: https://rdm.geohive.ie/pages/s3-indicators

See more stories here.