About Us

What is AIRO?

AIRO is the All-Island Regional Research Observatory. AIRO was initially established as a pilot project under INTERREG 111A with the guidance and lead of the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA) and the National Centre for Geo-Computation (NCG) based in the National University of Ireland Maynooth. Other partners included Queens University, Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology.

AIRO began as a pilot cross-border spatial data project. The aim of the project was to provide reliable cross border information through the collection, analysis and mapping of data relevant to the region. It was aimed to act as a spatial, social and economic databank resource for community, public and private bodies.

Following an initial pilot project and subsequent minor development extensions, AIRO has secured funding under the HEA Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI4) for the period 2008 to 2011.

What are our objectives?

The primary objective of the AIRO is to provide easy access to information and data that is necessary to support evidence-based policy development in both the Cross Border Region and the other Regions of Ireland.

• improve access to research and intelligence
  
• facilitate the coordination of research programmes
  
• promote good practice in research
  
• increase the coverage and compatability of regional datasets
  
• improve the quality and relevance of research undertaken in the Cross Border Region
  

What geographical area does AIRO cover?

AIRO was initially established to act as a research observatory for the Cross Border Region of Ireland. The Cross Border Region consists of all of Northern Ireland and the 6 Border counties in the Republic of Ireland (Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal). Following the establishment of funding from HEA PRTLI4, AIRO now will now focus on the the entire Island of Ireland from a local to regional perspective

Following the establishment of funding from HEA PRTLI4, AIRO now will now focus on the the entire Island of Ireland from a local to a regional perspective

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