UCD Earth Institute: AftF Seminar Series SVII: Rural Generational Renewal

UCD Earth Institute Adapt for the Future Seminar Series Vol VII: Rural Generational Renewal

Generational renewal is a growing priority across Europe, with significant implications for food security, sustainability, economic competitiveness and the future of rural communities. According to the European Commission, the average age of farmers in the EU is 57, with only 12% under the age of 40. These demographic challenges highlight the importance of creating opportunities for younger generations and ensuring the long-term vitality and resilience of rural areas.

The seminar would explore what generational renewal means for rural communities in Ireland and the policies and conditions needed to enable it. While agriculture, farm succession and access to land remain important parts of the conversation, the broader rural framing would allow us to consider issues such as access to opportunities, services, skills, employment and quality of life.

The seminar will feature presentations from Dr Karen Keaveney (Head of Subject Rural Development, Assoc Prof UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science), Dr Brian Leonard (Assist Prof in Generational Renewal UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science ), and panellists Dr Aisling Murtagh, University of Galway & SETU, Mr Jay Purdue, Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), based in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), the session will be moderated by Mr John Feerick, CEO Sligo LEADER Partnership, this event will conclude with a Q&A panel discussion and a light networking lunch at the end of the seminar.

Speaker bios

Dr Karen Keaveney

Head of Subject Rural Development, Assoc Prof UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science

‘The Right to Stay in Rural Areas’

Associate Professor Karen Keaveney is Head of Subject for Rural Development at UCD’s School of Agriculture and Food Science, where she leads the Citizen Rural Research Lab and is a founding member of the UCD Centre for Irish Towns. A rural geographer and qualified planner, her research focuses on rural development, housing, spatial planning, participatory governance and socio-economic change in rural communities.

Karen has held academic appointments at Queen’s University Belfast, Harvard University and the University of Toronto. She leads research projects examining participatory decision-making and rural development, and contributes to national policy discussions through her involvement in government advisory networks. She is currently President of the Geographical Society of Ireland (2024–2026).

Dr Brian Leonard
Assist Prof in Generational Renewal UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science

‘Rural Generational Renewal’

Brian Leonard is Assistant Professor in Generational Renewal and Rural Viability in the School of Agriculture & Food Science. His research interests include farm succession and inheritance, farm diversification, and rural development.

Brian completed his PhD under the Teagasc Walsh Scholarship program at the Teagasc Rural Economy Research Centre Athenry and the University of Galway. Prior to this he was awarded an MA in Rural Sustainability and a BA in Geography/Sociology and Politics. Before joining UCD Dr Leonard worked as Atlantic Economic Corridor Officer at Galway County Council. He also worked as a post-doctoral researcher and on the Options for Farm Families program with Teagasc.

Dr Aisling Murtagh

Postdoctoral Research Fellow University of Galway

Dr Murtagh is a Research Fellow in Geography at the University of Galway, with research expertise in rural development, agricultural innovation, gender equality and rural policy. Her work explores the social and economic dimensions of rural change, with a particular focus on inclusive innovation and the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities.

Aisling has contributed to European research initiatives, including the FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) project, examining the role of women in driving innovation across farming and rural communities. Her research includes policy analysis, gender-responsive approaches to rural development and the identification of barriers and opportunities for women-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas.

Mr Jay Purdue

Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES)

Jay Purdue is an IGEES Economist/Policy Analyst in the Economics and Planning Division at the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, where he has worked since 2024. He has contributed to analytical papers on agri-food trade flows and modelling, the Commission on Generational Renewal, and the Department’s flagship economic publication, the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. He is also a national correspondent to the EU Expert Group on Farmland. He graduated with a BA in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Sociology from Trinity College Dublin in 2024.

Mr John Feerick

CEO Sligo LEADER Partnership

Mr Feerick is the Chief Executive Officer of Sligo LEADER Partnership, a local development organisation supporting rural communities, enterprise development, employment and social inclusion across County Sligo. The organisation delivers a range of government-supported programmes aimed at strengthening local economies, improving access to opportunities and enhancing quality of life in rural communities.

John brings extensive senior management experience across the media, travel and retail sectors, with expertise in business development, strategic marketing, project management and stakeholder engagement. A strong advocate for community enterprise, corporate social responsibility and social inclusion, he has worked with organisations across the public, private and community sectors and contributes to local development initiatives and partnerships.

Adapt for the Future Seminar Series

About

The UCD Earth Institute ‘Adapt for the Future’ seminar series explores the challenges, innovations, and opportunities shaping our world in the face of environmental and societal change, geopolitical conflict, global trade shifts, and emerging future trends.

This series aims to facilitate connections and reduce the gap between academia, industry, and policy-making, fostering dialogue that supports informed and collaborative responses to today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

Bringing together researchers, thought leaders, policy-makers, private sector actors, and civil society, this forward-thinking series examines how we can adapt to build a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. From transformative climate solutions and technological innovation to behavioural change and bold policy reform, each seminar invites interdisciplinary conversation on how adaptation can open new pathways for sustainability.

Each seminar will focus on a central theme while encouraging open discussion and knowledge exchange on the barriers, opportunities, and strategies for meaningful adaptation. The goal is to highlight visionary approaches that help communities, systems, and institutions respond to today’s complex sustainability challenges—while preparing for an uncertain tomorrow.

‘Adapt for the Future’ is a space for critical thinking and creative collaboration, supporting the Earth Institute’s mission to advance sustainability science, policy, and practice and innovation.

This seminar series will be held in Dublin city centre at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI). Please note that places are limited and early registration is advised.

Event venue & nearby stays

MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland, 86 Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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