ESRI February 2024 Newsletter

Message from the Director

Dear Reader,

In February, my colleagues from the Behavioural Research Unit published a study on the impact of active travel schemes. It found that such schemes are often more positive than people expect. Interestingly, the impact on local businesses is either positive or neutral. While opposition to traffic policy changes is not unique to Ireland, policy can certainly benefit from more targeted research on how communities anticipate and respond to change.  

Another study Perceptions of migrant parental engagement in primary schools in Ireland revealed persistent disparities in teacher interaction with parents from Eastern European, African and Asian backgrounds. This research has important implications for education policy, particularly as Ireland’s population becomes increasingly intercultural.  

February also saw ESRI researchers address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. They discussed several key issues emerging from their research with the Shared Island Unit on the potential barriers to undergraduate student mobility between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain. We’re grateful for the opportunity to continuously engage with policymakers.  

In terms of upcoming events, on the 6th of March, to mark International Women’s Day, the Institute will host an event organised by the Irish Society for Women in Economics (ISWE) titled Women’s Changing Role in Irish Society. Additionally, on the 15th of March, we will launch the report Use of pornography among young adults in Ireland at a webinar. You can register for both events below. 

Lastly, in March we plan to publish research on the relationship between new residential developments and healthcare demand, attitudes towards immigration and refugees, as well as our Quarterly Economic Commentary, Spring 2024. 

Regards, 

Professor Alan Barrett 
Director