Irish Diplomatic History

Investigator: Professor Dermot Keogh

Researcher: Patrick Kiely

This project involves the multi-archival research of the broader dimensions of Irish Diplomatic History. Church-State Relations are being examined in tandem with Irish political and diplomatic history. Taking advantage of technological developments in research and innovative publishing techniques, post World War II, Irish-Australian and Irish-Argentinean relations are being analyzed. Furthermore, the project is also examining Irish-Vatican relations from 1916-1930. The deliberately broad scope in terms of subject matter and time periods will facilitate document driven publications which will provide important multi-faceted appraisals of Irish interaction with the Catholic Church and the diplomatic history of Irish relations with Australia, Argentina, and the wider Diaspora.

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Structural change and development in the Irish Economy, 1958- 2000

Investigator: Dr. Andrew Bielenberg

Researcher: Dr. Raymond Ryan

This research project will establish a historical framework for explaining recent Irish economic growth. The project will argue that the “Celtic Tiger” period was the culmination of  a long term process of structural change in the economy, a process instigated in the later 1950’s. Structural transformation will be revealed through a long-term examination of the performance and nature of the industrial, agricultural and service sectors. Economic, industrial and fiscal policies implemented by Irish Governments, together with the influence of European Community membership will be analysed in the context of whether such policies or external influences supported structural change in the Irish economy.

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Science, Medicine and Health

Investigator: Dr. Laurence Geary

Researcher: Dr. Oonagh Walsh

This project seeks to explore the impacts of epidemic disease in Ireland in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It will examine the response of the State to periodic disease epidemics, specifically fever and cholera, as well as to outbreaks of endemic diseases such as influenza, dysentery, ophthalmia, and tuberculosis. It will also address the reactions of philanthropic organisations and special interest groups, particularly to the social impact of these diseases. The project will position itself at the interface between medicine and society, and interrogate the often conflicting approaches taken by each.