DR James Hanrahan

Jt Lecturer

Contact Details

Jt Lecturer
Address

E: hanrahan.james@itsligo.ie

Business & Social Sciences Central
B1057
Department of Marketing Tourism and Sport
School of Business and Social Science
ITSligo
Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland

T: 071 9305740
E: hanrahan.james@itsligo.ie
 
researcher

Biography

James Hanrahan BA, MSc, PhD is currently a lecturer in Tourism Management in the School of Business and Social Science at Atlantic Technological University Sligo. He has worked as a tour guide, tour operator, tourism manager, tourism entrepreneur, tourism consultant and lecturer in Ireland, New Zealand, Hawaii, Bulgaria, California, and Britain. He has a key set of publications related to sustainable destination management and an established track record in research supervision at PhD level. He continues to work for the public and private sector in tourism planning and development. 

Current research projects
Mobilities Research Group (University of Ulster and Atlantic Technological University)
Sustainable Tourism Observatory utilising European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS) for Sustainable Tourism 

Post Grad. Research supervision to completion:
 
2021    PhD   Tourists as vectors of potential Biosecurity threats in Ireland.
External examiners Prof. Margaret Linehan and Dr Catriona Murphy
2018    PhD   An Examination of Local Authority Sustainable Planning for Event Management in Ireland
External examiners: Prof. Alan Clarke and Dr Patrick Lynch
2017    PhD   Longitudinal analysis of LA tourism planning in Ireland
External examiners: Prof. Kevin Hannam and Dr Adrian Devine
2013    PhD   Supply and Demand of Sustainable Tourism in Ireland; Destination management
External examiners: Prof. Alan Clarke and Prof. Malcom Cooper 
2011    PhD   Constraints on the development of rural tourism enterprise 
External examiner: Prof. Gary Prosser
2013    MA    A Green Print for managing impacts of Tourism Attractions
2011    MSc  Sustainable Tourism in Northwest Connemara
2005    MA   An analysis of the provision of third level tourism education in Ireland
2003    MSc Sustainable Tourism Planning a comparative of Sligo and Donegal county councils. 

Current post grad. supervision:
 
PhD
  • Sustainable Event management in Ireland
  • User generated content and destination image
  • Tourists acting as vectors for potential Biosecurity
  • The Rise of the Robot: An analysis of the readiness of the Irish tourism & hospitality industry for the introduction of robotics, artificial intelligence and automated services.  
 External examiner
Acted as external examiner for PhD Viva Voca and Masters by research. Also Tourism, Business, Hospitality and Outdoor Education Degree Programmes with CIT, LIT, GMIT and AIT.
Furthermore, participated in programmatic review panels for Tourism, 
Business, Hospitality,  Heritage, Outdoor Education Degree Programmes and Taught Business and marketing MA programmes for LYIT,GMIT,DBS, NCI and Fáilte Ireland.   

Reviewer 
Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, Routledge, Taylor and Francis 
Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events Routledge, Taylor and Francis 

Research Interests

Sustainable destination management      Tourism and Bio-security
Tourism planning and development          Tourism education
Ecotourism certification                          Visitor generated content  
Sustainable event management               Tourism and technology

Research Projects

  Project Role Description Start Date End Date
WILD ATLANTIC WAY RESEARCH Group Principle Investigator NUIG, LYIT, SSHM., ITSligo, UU. The principle aims of this research are: • to collect data on the social and cultural tourism indictors for sustainable destination management. • to use this data to support destinations in monitoring the social and cultural impact of tourism on the WAW 01-JUN-16 01-JUN-19
How tourism SMEs can grow the British tourist market to Ireland Project Manager A regional qualitative stakeholder analysis, to identify and generate practical strategies for tourism SMEs to develop the British market in light of The GB Path to Growth The Tourism Recovery Taskforce (2012). 10-OCT-12 02-SEP-13
An Assessment of Tourist Demand and Use of travel guides: a focus on the use of new technology such as downloadable APPs for SMARTPHONES and Mobile Devices Project Manager A study for the National Tourism Development Authority under the applied tourism research scheme incorporating an Assessment of Tourist Demand and Use of travel guides: a focus on the use of new technology such as downloadable APPs for SMARTPHONES and Mobile Devices 12-JUN-11 01-MAY-12
Engaging communities on the Wild Atlantic Way Research Manager A regional qualitative community and stakeholder analysis, to identify and generate practical strategies for Meaningful community engagement 05-OCT-14 18-JUN-15
Sustainable tourism and destination management in Ireland Lead superviosr Sustainable tourism and destination management in Ireland 01-OCT-09 05-OCT-11
Constraints on the development of rural tourism enterprise lead supervisor Constraints on the development of rural tourism enterprise 01-JUN-05 01-JUN-07
Mobilities Research Group Principle Investigator The objective of the MRG will be to support, focus and develop active research staff in the area of mobilities. The aim is to build critical mass that will result in: ¿ greater engagement by staff in mobilities research ¿ increase the number of mobilities research students ¿ increase the number of successful mobilities-related research funding applications ¿ increase the output of peer-reviewed publications in high-quality journals The MRG will establish clear linkages across the schools in IT Sligo; within the CUA and the West/North-West cluster-based Wild Atlantic Way Research group; and with the University of Ulster. 12-OCT-16 14-FEB-19

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2017) 'Entrepreneurs driving tourism and hospitality'
James Hanrahan (2017) 'Entrepreneurs driving tourism and hospitality' In: James Hanrahan (eds). Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland. Ireland: IT Sligo. [Details]
(2009) 'Global Conformity of Indicators for Eco-Certification Programs'
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A. (2009) 'Global Conformity of Indicators for Eco-Certification Programs' In: G.Gorman and Z Mottiar (eds). Contemporary Issues in Irish and Global Tourism and Hospitality. Dublin Ireland: DIT. [Details]
(2010) 'Ecotourism and Sustainability in the Tourism Sector'
Hanrahan, J. (2010) 'Ecotourism and Sustainability in the Tourism Sector' In: and John Barry and Liam Leonard (Editors) (eds). Global Ecological Politics. Bingley/Bradford UK: Emerald. [Details]
(2010) 'Zombie hotels and ghost holiday home estates in Ireland, what role did the planners play?'
Hanrahan, James and Boyd, Stephen (2010) 'Zombie hotels and ghost holiday home estates in Ireland, what role did the planners play?' In: Boyd, Stephen and McMahon-Beattie, Una (eds). Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. Belfast: University of Ulster. [Details]
(2007) 'Ecotourism in Ireland: ecolabeling- a cross border, pan European approach'
Hanrahan. J (2007) 'Ecotourism in Ireland: ecolabeling- a cross border, pan European approach' In: Tourism and Hospitality research in Ireland, Concepts, Issues and Challenges. Ireland: WIT. [Details]

Edited Books

  Year Publication
(2017) Entrepreneurs driving tourism and hospitality
James Hanrahan (Ed.). (2017) Entrepreneurs driving tourism and hospitality Ireland: IT Sligo ISBN 978-1-907592-06-5. [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2021) 'Tourism biosecurity risk management and planning: an international comparative analysis and implications for Ireland'
Melly, D., Hanrahan, J., (2021) 'Tourism biosecurity risk management and planning: an international comparative analysis and implications for Ireland' Tourism Review, 76 (1) :88-102. [DOI] [Details]
(2021) 'Evidence - Informed Planning for Tourism'
McLoughlin, E., Hanrahan, J (2021) 'Evidence - Informed Planning for Tourism' Journal of Policy Research in Tourism Leisure and Events, . [DOI] [Details]
(2020) 'Tourist biosecurity awareness and risk mitigation for outdoor recreation: Management implications for Ireland'
Melly, D., Hanrahan, J., (2020) 'Tourist biosecurity awareness and risk mitigation for outdoor recreation: Management implications for Ireland' Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 31 . [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'Biosecurity Risk and Tourist Communication in Ireland'
Hanrahan, J. Melly, D. (2019) 'Biosecurity Risk and Tourist Communication in Ireland' European Journal of Tourism Research, Vol.22 :45-61. [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'The Potential Role of Smart Mobile Technology in Mitigating Ireland’s Tourism Biosecurity Risk'
Melly, D., Hanrahan, J., (2018) 'The Potential Role of Smart Mobile Technology in Mitigating Ireland’s Tourism Biosecurity Risk' Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 6 (6) :264-280. [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'European Tourism Indicator System for Sustainable Destination Management in County Donegal Ireland'
Hanrahan, J., McLoughlin, E., Duddy, AM and Duffy S (2018) 'European Tourism Indicator System for Sustainable Destination Management in County Donegal Ireland' European Journal of Tourism Research, 20 . [Details]
(2018) 'Local Authority Sustainable Planning for Tourism, Lessons from Ireland: A Longitudinal Analysis'
McLoughlin, E and Hanrahan, J (2018) 'Local Authority Sustainable Planning for Tourism, Lessons from Ireland: A Longitudinal Analysis' Tourism Review, 73 (10.1108/TR-12-2017-0) . [Details]
(2017) 'Assessing the Economic Impact of Event Management in Ireland: A Local Authority Perspective'
Maguire, K and Hanrahan, J. (2017) 'Assessing the Economic Impact of Event Management in Ireland: A Local Authority Perspective' Event Management: An International Journal, 21 (3) :54-85. [Details]
(2016) 'Local Authority planning provision of policies and guidelines for Event Management: An Irish Perspective'
Hanrahan, J. & Maguire, K (2016) 'Local Authority planning provision of policies and guidelines for Event Management: An Irish Perspective' International Journal of Responsible Tourism, 5 (2) . [Details]
(2016) 'Community Engagement in Drive Tourism: Case Study of the Wild Atlantic Way'
Hanrahan, J., Maguire, K.& Boyd, S.W. (2016) 'Community Engagement in Drive Tourism: Case Study of the Wild Atlantic Way' Journal of Heritage Tourism, special edition (4) :1-17. [Details]
(2016) 'Local Authority provision of environmental planning guidelines for Event Management in Ireland'
Hanrahan, J, Maguire, K. (2016) 'Local Authority provision of environmental planning guidelines for Event Management in Ireland' European Journal of Tourism Research, 6 (2) . [Details]
(2016) 'The Supply of Sustainable Tourism in Ireland'
Conaghan, A., Hanrahan, J., & McLoughlin. E. 55 (2016) 'The Supply of Sustainable Tourism in Ireland' Journal of Tourism, Challenges and Trends, 8 ((2)) :15--34. [Details]
(2016) 'Local Authority planning provision for Event Management in Ireland: A socio-cultural perspective'
Hanrahan. J. & McGuire K. (2016) 'Local Authority planning provision for Event Management in Ireland: A socio-cultural perspective' Journal of Convention and Event Tourism, 17 (2) . [Details]
(2015) 'A Framework for Analysing the Local Authorities Tourism Planning in Ireland: A Socio-Cultural Perspective'
Hanrahan, J and McLoughlin, E (2015) 'A Framework for Analysing the Local Authorities Tourism Planning in Ireland: A Socio-Cultural Perspective' European Journal of Tourism Research, 11 (2) :15-34. [Details]
(2015) 'The Attitudes of the key Stakeholders on Sustainable Tourism in Ireland: The Holidaymaker and Tourism Enterprise Perspective'
Hanrahan, J., Conaghan, A., & McLoughlin. E (2015) 'The Attitudes of the key Stakeholders on Sustainable Tourism in Ireland: The Holidaymaker and Tourism Enterprise Perspective' Tourism: An International Interdisciplinary Journal, 63 (3) :275-293. [Details]
(2015) 'Local Authority Tourism Planning in Ireland: An Environmental Perspective'
Hanrahan, J and McLoughlin, E (2015) 'Local Authority Tourism Planning in Ireland: An Environmental Perspective' Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 7 (2) . [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'A Framework for Analysing the Local Authorities Tourism Planning in Ireland: A Socio-Cultural Perspective'
Hanrahan, J and McLoughlin, E (2015) 'A Framework for Analysing the Local Authorities Tourism Planning in Ireland: A Socio-Cultural Perspective' European Journal of Tourism Research, 11 (13) :15-34. [Details]
(2015) 'The Sustainable Management of a Tourism Destination in Ireland: A Focus on County Clare'
Hanrahan, J., Conaghan, A., & McLoughlin. E. (2015) 'The Sustainable Management of a Tourism Destination in Ireland: A Focus on County Clare' Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research, 3 (1) :62-87. [Details]
(2015) 'The sustainable management of a a tourism Destination in Ireland: a focus on county Clare'
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A. McLoughlin. E. (2015) 'The sustainable management of a a tourism Destination in Ireland: a focus on county Clare' Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR), 3 (6) :62-87. [Details]
(2015) 'The sustainable management of a tourism destination in Ireland: a focus on county Clare'
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A. McLoughlin. E. (2015) 'The sustainable management of a tourism destination in Ireland: a focus on county Clare' Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR), 12 . [Details]
(2015) 'Local Authority Tourism Planning in Ireland: An Environmental Perspective'
Hanrahan, J. and McLoughlin, E. (2015) 'Local Authority Tourism Planning in Ireland: An Environmental Perspective' Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 7 (2) . [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'Planning for the Economic Impacts of Tourism in Ireland: A Local Authority Perspective'
Hanrahan, J and McLoughlin, E (2015) 'Planning for the Economic Impacts of Tourism in Ireland: A Local Authority Perspective' Journal of Tourism Analysis, 20 (6) . [Details]
(2014) 'Profiling tourism entrepreneurs and their enterprises along the Wild Atlantic Way'
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A (2014) 'Profiling tourism entrepreneurs and their enterprises along the Wild Atlantic Way' Irish Business Journal, 9 (2) :56-72. [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2017) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J., Melly D (2017) Entrepreneurs potential role in mitigating tourism biosecurity risk in Ireland . In: James Hanrahan eds. Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference ireland, [Details]
(2015) 11th Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Maguire, K (2015) Collaborative Sustainable Development in Drive Tourism on the Wild Atlantic Way: A Community Perspective 11th Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference Donegal, , 03-JUN-15 - 05-JUN-15 [Details]
(2015) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J and McLoughlin, E (2015) Collaborative Sustainable Tourism Development in Ireland: Local Authorities use of Sustainable Tourism Indicators Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference Ireland, , 03-JUN-15 - 05-JUN-15 [Details]
(2015) 11th Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Dunne, Z. (2015) Visitor Impact on Destination Image: Using Visitor Generated Content through Mobile Technologies as a tool for Sustainable Collaborative Communication 11th Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference Donegal, , 03-JUN-15 - 05-JUN-15 [Details]
(2014) Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Maguire, K. (2014) Local Authority provision for planning events in Ireland Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference , 08-APR-15 - 10-APR-15 [Details]
(2014) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference:
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A (2014) Profiling tourism entrepreneurs and their enterprises along the Wild Atlantic Way Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference: cork, [Details]
(2014) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference:
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A (2014) Profiling tourism entrepreneurs and their enterprises along the Wild Atlantic Way Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference: cork, [Details]
(2013) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and McLoughlin, E (2013) Sustainable Tourism Planning in Ireland: A Local Authority perspective Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference [Details]
(2013) 9th Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Maguire, K (2013) Sustainable management of festivals and events in Ireland: A Local Authority perspective 9th Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference Galway, [Details]
(2012) International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster
Hanrahan, J (2012) Tourists use of travel Apps and Travel guide books while holidaying in Ireland . In: Boyd, Stephen and McMahon-Beattie, Una eds. International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster University of Ulster Belfast, [Details]
(2012) International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster
Hanrahan, J. Boyd, S.W (2012) Zombie hotels and ghost holiday-home estates in Ireland, what role did the planners play? . In: (Eds: Boyd, Stephen and McMahon-Beattie, Una) eds. International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster Belfast, , pp.131-142 [DOI] [Details]
(2012) International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A (2012) The Supply of Sustainable Tourism and the Potential Difficulties Associated With Sustainable Tourism Destination Management in Ireland . In: SW Boyd eds. International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster University of Ulster Belfast, [Details]
(2012) International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster
Hanrahan, J. Sheilds, D (2012) Sustainable Planning for Island Tourism in Ireland . In: Boyd, Stephen and McMahon-Beattie, Una eds. International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster University of Ulster Belfast, [Details]
(2011) Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A (2011) Demand for and perceptions of sustainable tourism destinations in Ireland Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference Kerry, [Details]
(2010) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Gildea, C (2010) The Sustainable Management of Tourism Attractions in Ireland with a focus on Cost Savings Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference [Details]
(2010) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A (2010) Demand for and Perceptions¿ of Sustainable Tourism Certification in Ireland Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference [Details]
(2009) Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Conaghan, A (2009) Global Conformity of Indicators for Eco-Certification Programs Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference DUBLIN, [Details]
(2009) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. and Gildea, C (2009) The Development of a generic Sustainable Greenprint for Tourism Attractions in Ireland Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference [Details]
(2008) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan, J. Boyd, S.W (2008) A Key to successful tourism development for Local Authorities in Ireland Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference [Details]
(2007) The Global Ecotourism Conference, Oslo, Norway
Hanrahan J (2007) The Role & Experience of Local Partnership in Developing Ecotourism in the Greenbox Ireland The Global Ecotourism Conference, Oslo, Norway [Details]
(2006) Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference
Hanrahan J (2006) Tourism planning in Ireland; An analysis of County Development Plans Annual Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference [Details]
(2005) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference University of Ulster
Hanrahan, J., McNelis, J (2005) An Analysis of Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development in the Northwest of Ireland Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference University of Ulster [Details]
(2005) Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference University of Ulster
Hanrahan, J., Price, S., (2005) Constraints on the development of sustainable rural tourism enterprises in the western region Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference University of Ulster [Details]

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Organic Center Board member 2012 / 2013
Green Box board member 2004 / 2008
Western Development Tourism Programme Board member 2002 / 2008

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2011 Outstanding author contribution award Emerald LiteratiNertwork, Emerald Publishing Emerald LiteratiNertwork Emerald Publishing
2005 Presidents Volunteer Service Award USA President's Council on Service and Civic Participation USA
2014 Best paper Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference: 2014 Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference: CIT
2012 Best paper, International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change. University of Ulster University of Ulster.

Outreach Activities

  Description

Ireland  2014 Fáilte Ireland, WAW
Ireland  2014  GMIT, Galway, Programmatic review Heritage Studies
Ireland  2014 GMIT, Castlebar. Programmatic review, Outdoor Education programmes
Ireland 2012 Fáilte Ireland, Travel Technology
Ireland  2010 HETAC Programme review of Fáilte Ireland, National Tourist Guiding
Ireland  2010 HETAC Validation of new programmes MSC in Management, National College of Ireland
Ireland  2008 First Western and Greenbox Quality Standards for Ecotourism Certification.
Ireland  2007 GMIT Ecotourism Training for Tourism Managers on West Coast Islands
Ireland  2006 Inishmurry Conservation Plan, Sligo County Council, Heritage Council and  IT. Sligo.
Ireland  2006 Fáilte Ireland Environmental Policy and Strategy
Ireland  2006 HETAC evaluation of  New BA in Marketing and Event Management DBS.
Ireland  2005 VEGA Bulgaria Business and Trade Development Program,  Study Tour to Ireland.
Ireland  2005 Ecotourism Product Development for Community Enterprise 
Ireland  2005 Fáilte Ireland Local Authority County Development Plans 
Bulgaria2004 VEGA Sustainable Tourism Development and Accommodation Accreditation
Ireland  2004 HETAC evaluation of  New course in Recreation management LIT.
New Zealand 1998 Adventure Tourism, Local Indigenous SME Development in Rotoiti.

Other Activities

  Description

External examiner
Acted as external examiner for tourism and outdoor education programmes with CIT, LIT, GMIT and AIT.
Furthermore, he has formed part of programmatic review panels for tourism, outdoor education and Master's programmes for LYIT,GMIT,DBS, NCI and Fáilte Ireland.   

Research supervision:
Supervised PhD and Master's Thesis to completion:
2017    PhD   Longitudinal analysis of LA tourism planning in Ireland
2013    PhD   Supply and Demand of Sustainable Tourism in Ireland; Destination management
2011    PhD   Constraints on the development of rural tourism enterprise
2013    MA    A Green Print for managing impacts of Tourism Attractions
2005     MA   An analysis of the provision of third level tourism education in Ireland
2003     MSc Sustainable Tourism Planning a comparative of Sligo and Donegal county councils.

Current supervision:

PhD     Sustainable Event management in Ireland
MSc     User generated content and destination image
MA       Tourists acting as vectors for potential Biosecurity Threats 

External Collaborators

  Name Organisation / Institute Country
Fáilte Ireland National Tourism Development Authority IRELAND
MITOMED+ MITOMED+ SPAIN
Wild Atlantic Way Research Group NUI Galway, LYIT ITS GMIT IRELAND
The Organic Center The Organic Center IRELAND
Western Development Tourism Programme WDC, Fáilte Ireland, OPW, Leader, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Shannon Development IRELAND
Conservation plan Sligo County Council IRELAND
EcoEye RTE IRELAND
VEGA US AID BULGARIA
Sligo Tourism Sligo County Council IRELAND