News and Events

Staff shortages preventing environmental policy implementation in Ireland, study finds

A lack of sufficient staff is the biggest barrier for Irish organisations when it comes to implementing environmental policies, a new UCD study has shown.
Local authorities are expected to do more with less as an increased focus on environmental policy targets, and commitments have not been met with a corresponding increase in staff.

RIAI lifetime achievement award for UCD Professors Emeriti O’Donnell and Tuomey

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has awarded its lifetime achievement award, the RIAI Gandon Medal, to Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey for their outstanding contribution to architecture in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Both Professors Emeriti at the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy, O’Donnell and Tuomey founded their architectural practice (opens in a new window)O’Donnell + Tuomey in 1988. The practice now has studios in London, Dublin and Cork.

Architecture through use, adaptation and shared maintenance

A group of this summer’s 2025 Master of Architecture graduates, 'Fite Fuaite' from the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy, have been awarded a Lina Fellowship. Fite Fuaite is a collective exploring how architecture is shaped by everyday use, material culture, and the quiet systems that sustain public life.

Ireland risks breaching carbon budgets as Oireachtas committee hears calls to reuse vacant properties to meet climate and housing goals

Representatives of the Oireachtas have heard that Ireland risks overshooting its carbon budgets unless immediate measures are taken to reduce emissions in the construction sector. Head of the UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, Dr Oliver Kinnane, told the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy that “much work is required” to balance continued construction with the need to meet national carbon targets.

Pilot study allowing children to identify road risks during school commute

A pilot study encouraging children to record their daily journeys to school to improve road safety is soon to be expanded to further primary schools across Dublin.

Pupils at Harold’s Cross Educate Together NS are using GoPro cameras as part of a new citizen science project aimed at highlighting dangerous conditions for young pedestrians and cyclists.

RIAI Gold Medal: Donaghy + Dimond awarded Ireland’s most prestigious architectural honour

The refurbishment of a 19th-century primary school by an architectural firm headed by UCD Assistant Professors Will Dimond and Marcus Donaghy has received Ireland's most prestigious architectural honour.

Professor Mark Scott elected to Fellowship of Academy of Social Sciences

The Academy of Social Sciences has elected Professor Mark Scott as its newest Fellow.
The Professor of Planning and Dean of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, was among 45 leading social scientists elevated by the UK body.

Professor Finola O'Kane appointed as a Senior Fellow at Dumbarton Oaks for Garden and Landscape Studies