Dundalk IT students join peers to present research in the Oireachtas

^{Pictured above: L to R: Dr. Sinead Loughran (PsO National Organising Committee), Gerry Gallagher (DkIT Institutional Contact for PsO), Dr. Colletta Dalikeni (Research Supervisor), Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan (DkIT President and PsO Champion), Michéal Keenan (PsO Participant) and Conor Barnett (PsO Participant)}

One in five TDs and Senators took part in the first ever student research in parliament event in Leinster House on 12 November 2025 when 30 undergraduate students from 14 Higher Education Institutions around Ireland, including two from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) united under the theme ‘Research for Change’, presenting research aimed at informing and improving Government policy.

Póstaeir san Oireachtas (Posters in Parliament, Ireland) is a new national initiative led by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and co-ordinated through a multi-institutional national committee, consisting of membership from ATU, DkIT, TUS, SETU and TU Dublin.

Students presented solution-orientated research directly to politicians, senators and policy makers, exploring current challenges in the areas of education; environment and sustainability; healthcare, nutrition and medicine; infrastructure; society and integration; technology; social media and artificial intelligence.

Read also: Dundalk Bay bird tagging initiative seeks community involvement

Each presentation focused on delivering practical recommendations to strengthen public policy in Ireland. Full details of all the research presented including research posters and short videos explaining the research impact can be found on the PsO website here.

DkIT students Conor Barnett and Michéal Keenan were among those presenting at the event.

Conor, a graduate of the BSc Hons in Construction Management, from Portmarnock in Co. Dublin was supervised by Keren Goodman, in DkIT’s Department of the Built Environment. He presented a poster entitled: ‘Ireland’s Infrastructure: From Delays to Deliveries,’ exploring how persistent delays in major infrastructure projects drain resources, weaken competitiveness, and threaten Ireland’s long-term economic sustainability, while also diminishing public trust and disproportionately affecting younger generations.

His research also highlighted that stronger policies, improved processes, and real accountability could reverse this trend and generate significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Speaking after the event, Conor said: “It was a privilege to present my final-year research project in Leinster House as part of the inaugural Póstaeir san Oireachtas event. Standing alongside talented student researchers from across Ireland and discussing our work directly with TDs, Senators, and policymakers was an unforgettable experience.”

Michéal Keenan, a graduate of the BA (Hons) in Social Care from Corduff in Co Monaghan was supervised by Dr. Colletta Dalikeni, in DkIT’s Department of Humanities.  His poster entitled ‘Unheard and Underserved: Exploring Support for Male Victims of Partner Abuse,’ focused on professionals’ views of how accessible domestic violence services are for men in Ireland and the barriers faced by male victims.

Michéal is hopeful that his research will contribute to real change – encouraging more inclusive support, better funding, and training so that all victims, regardless of gender, can find help without judgement or fear.

Speaking at the event, Minister James Lawless, TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said: "Events like PsO showcase the quality, creativity, and impact of student research happening every day across Ireland’s world-class academic institutions, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

"PsO is helping to bring the depth and excellence of Irish research directly into the policy process, where it matters most, in the Houses of the Oireachtas."

PsO 2025 was sponsored by Deputy Erin McGreehan, Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Speaking at the event Deputy McGreehan reflected on the rising tide of misinformation in today’s modern world and the importance of ensuring the next generation of students are equipped with evidence-based research and critical thinking skills.

“In a world where misinformation moves quickly, where the loudest voices are not always the most informed, the ability to communicate research clearly and confidently is a civic act. It strengthens our democracy, and it ensures evidence and expertise are part of all policy decisions.,” she said. 

Denis Naughten, former minister and official PsO parliamentary and  government engagement advisor, said: "Based on the level of engagement between students and politicians, it is clear that there is significant demand for more policy-oriented research in Leinster House." 

TDs and Senators who participated reported that the engagement was both productive and worthwhile, noting in particular that many of the student research projects aligned closely with policy areas they are actively working on. 

PsO is part of Posters in Brussels (PiB), an Erasmus+, Higher Ed, Cooperation Partnership programme funded project dedicated to the enhancement of undergraduate research, communication and civic engagement across Europe.