SMP Research Network

The SMP Research Network was established in 2022. Its establishment delivers on Action 74 to “establish a network and mechanisms to advise on, agree and focus resources towards research priorities that provide an evidence base for implementation of the Policy, drawing on national and international best practice.”

presenters are invited to share new and recently published research; recent meetings have seen presentations from the ESRI, the Western Development Commission, while the International Transport Forum (ITF) is due to present to a future meeting of the group.

Bridging the gap with academia has also been a priority for the group over 2023. SRAD presented on the research priorities of the group at the annual conference of the Irish Transport Research Network (ITRN) (August 2023) and at UCD’s TREAH initiative (December 2023) to facilitate the priorities to be incorporated into future research projects. There is a standing invitation for the ITRN to join meetings of the Research Network.

The Department both chairs and provides secretarial support to the network. Membership is comprised of the National Transport Authority (NTA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Regional Assemblies, as well as relevant divisions of the Department of Transport. In recent months the Research Network has expanded to include the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The Research Network meets on a quarterly basis. At meetings, members discuss their current and future research projects in order to share awareness of this work between members, prevent duplication and to explore potential collaboration opportunities where appropriate. The Network also enhances awareness of the potential to leverage existing outputs, data sources and funding streams for future research, as well as support and advise on mechanisms in which to do so.

Figure from page 15

The Research Network developed eight research priorities to support the allocation of scarce research resources and funding across the transport sector to support the 10 highlevel goals under the SMP. It also undertook a research mapping exercise to identify which priorities may require additional research to help direct resources towards those areas. The Research Network will conduct an updated mapping exercise in Q4 2024.

The Research Network also engages with the broader research community. External