Atlantic Technological University
Partner Profile
Situated on the Atlantic coast ATU is a new university with deep roots in our community, culture, and economy, we are committed to serving the west and northwest of Ireland. Our diverse campuses reflect the unique character of the region, and our reach extends far beyond, connecting us globally through learning, research, and innovation. We are learners, educators, and creators, collaborating to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving world.
The Sustainable Tourism and Visitor Experience Lab at ATU (STORYATU) aims to help tackle the social, cultural, economic, and environmental challenges facing the tourism industry across Ireland. STORYATU is a collaboration between the ATU campuses. It aims to build on new and existing partnerships with key stakeholders in local authorities, state agencies, tourism industry enterprises, and communities across the island and internationally to address local challenges and collaborate with national and international researchers on global solutions.
Role within the Atlantic Bridges projects
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) plays a key role in the ATLANTIC BRIDGES project, particularly in the implementation of pilot actions and the demonstration phase on the ground related to the economic transition. As a project partner, ATU contributes through applied research, territorial development expertise, and support for the design and testing of local action plans within the project framework. The university is also involved in transnational cooperation activities, knowledge exchange, and local stakeholder engagement, helping to ensure that project results are tested, evaluated, and transferable to other Atlantic territories. With its research and innovation capacity, ATU supports the development of sustainable urban development strategies and contributes to strengthening the link between land and sea within the Atlantic Area cooperation framework.
Main areas of expertise
The Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Observatory Ireland, hosted by ATU became a member of the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) in November 2023.
As Ireland’s first INSTO observatory, they collaborate closely with tourism destinations along the Atlantic coast, Ireland’s islands, and heartlands.
Key projects and inspirations
Interreg AA Polycentric Sustainable Tourism
Tourism is a sector that must transform the resources of the territory into sustainable economic activity, preventing the negative effects of inadequate management: pressure on the territory or deterioration of heritage. POST aims to explore innovative ways to make tourism in the Atlantic Area sustainable with the “Polycentric Tourism”.
This initiative aims to prevent negative impacts on the environment and heritage caused by inadequate tourism management. Working in collaboration with partners and the tourism sector, POST will develop and test the “Polycentric Tourism” concept, focusing on redistributing tourist flows in inland territories. The goal is to create a strategy for sustainable tourism, promoting tourism in the Atlantic Area’s hinterland while alleviating pressure on highly affected areas. The project will implement four pilot Action Plans to showcase the effectiveness of the concept and serve as a guide for other regions interested in adopting sustainable tourism practices.
James Hanrahan and Deirdre Byrne from ATU are working closely with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown on this project.
Interreg EU Tourism as a Service
TAAS has a ‘tourism as a whole’ approach; mobilizing digital tools for ensuring that needs and concerns of all tourism-related stakeholders and users are addressed respecting sustainability principles, training involved actors to be responsible and making effective tourism related decisions (innovative tourism planning & governance) are vital TAAS features.
TAAS focuses on tourism related policy instruments improvement & relevant capacity building is crucial for ensuring project’s long-term impact. By enhancing tourism-related (9) policy instruments, TAAS can contribute and has the potential to be a model for other areas seeking the creation of smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient tourism destinations.
James Hanrahan and Deirdre Byrne are working in partnership with Donegal Tourism.
Interreg NWE Slow Tourism
SLOWTOUR is an ambitious transnational project focused on revitalising urban areas by unlocking the potential of industrial and cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable, slow tourism. The project will support cities and regions to reimagine under-used heritage assets, creating richer visitor experiences while delivering lasting social, cultural and economic benefits for local communities.
The proposal’s success marks an important milestone for ATU and for the STORY@ATU multicampus team of James Hanrahan, Gary Kerr, Deirdre Byrne, John Carty, and Domhnall Melly whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in securing the funding.
