EA Group visits Irish Marine Institute in Galway
As part of the external European Alliance (EA) Group meeting in Galway, the Group visited the Irish Marine Institute (Foras na Mara). The Institute is Ireland’s state agency for marine research, technology development and innovation, providing members with first-hand insight into how scientific knowledge and innovation can support the sustainable development of the blue economy.
Innovation at the heart of coastal development
Located in Galway, on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, the Marine Institute plays a central role in supporting Ireland’s marine policy and maritime sector, helping to advance research, monitor marine ecosystems and support evidence-based policymaking. For EA members, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to see how coastal regions can build economic opportunities around their maritime assets while ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources.
The delegation was welcomed by the Institute’s CEO, Dr Rick Officer, who presented the Institute’s mission. Through presentations by Glenn Nolan, Maurice Clarke, Niall McDonough and Alan Berry, members gained valuable insight into the work of the Marine Institute, covering ocean observation, water quality management, marine research, policy advice and international cooperation.
From maritime expertise to entrepreneurial opportunity
During the visit, EA members heard first-hand the important role that innovation, skills and knowledge play in supporting coastal economies. Whether through the sustainable management of fisheries, the development of new marine technologies or the collection of scientific data to support evidence-based decision-making, the examples presented demonstrated how coastal regions can create new economic opportunities while protecting the marine environment on which they depend.
The visit resonated strongly with the discussions held during the EA seminar on developing entrepreneurship in coastal cities and regions. Throughout the visit, members saw concrete examples of how coastal communities can build on their own strengths and expertise to generate sustainable growth, create jobs and attract investment. The Institute’s work also highlighted the importance of investing in skills, innovation and local knowledge, themes that featured prominently throughout the seminar discussions.
Bringing the Galway Declaration to life
The practical examples presented at the Marine Institute reflected many of the priorities identified by EA members in the Galway Declaration, unanimously adopted during the Group’s meeting. The Institute’s work illustrated how investment in research, innovation and human capital can support resilient local economies, strengthen coastal communities and unlock the potential of the blue economy while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
EA Group President Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis welcomed the opportunity to see these principles in practice: “Throughout our meeting in Galway, we have reflected on how coastal regions can build prosperity by drawing on their own strengths. The Marine Institute demonstrates how innovation, research and cooperation can support sustainable growth while preserving the natural environment that is so important to our coastal communities.”
Host Cllr Declan McDonnell underlined the importance of the maritime sector for Galway and for many regions represented within the EA Group: “One of the key messages of our discussions has been that coastal regions should be empowered to build on their own assets and expertise. Today’s visit showed how investment in knowledge, research and innovation can help communities create jobs, strengthen resilience and prepare for future challenges.”