Geography (Theses)

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Never the same river: an interdisciplinary exploration into the confluence of nature, people and place for river catchment stewardship with citizen science
(2025-03-13) Weiner, Donna
Good freshwater quality is essential to supporting healthy people and ecosystems. Measures to reverse deteriorating water quality in surface waterbodies are set out in Ireland’s River Basin Management Plans, under the EU’s Water Framework Directive, using an integrated catchment management approach that promotes community stakeholder participation in water matters. Combining elements of environmental science, politics, psychology and sociology, this interdisciplinary research project highlights the complex dynamics of addressing poor water quality through environmental governance frameworks using an Irish case study. The study investigates the influence of nature experiences on identity, and how a sense of belonging or attachment to place, community or nature contributes to awareness, pro-environmental behaviours and volunteerism. A combination of theory and praxis uncovers motivations, barriers and intentions of environmental actions as a baseline to inform strategies for recruitment and retention of volunteers. The study analyses quantitative and qualitative data from questionnaire survey responses throughout Ireland, and focuses on the ‘at risk’ Maigue River catchment in County Limerick. Qualitative data from key informant interviews and focus groups provides thematic analytical comparisons between new and established volunteers and stakeholders. Key findings reveal that 1) Experiences in nature are transformative and, for some, they inspire a lifetime commitment to environmental stewardship; 2) There is growing social acceptance and interest in environmentalism, however, misconceptions and conflicting priorities may stymie conservation efforts and the development of a social norm; 3) Nature-based citizen science, built into a progressive, diverse training programme that incorporates social learning, can invite casual or committed environmental volunteerism that mutually benefits the health and wellbeing of volunteers and the environment, and optimises volunteer programme success; 4) Awareness-building and volunteer recruitment campaigns should be tempered with messages of hope that it is possible to make a difference. Communitydriven, collaborative initiatives are essential to help achieve effective catchment management. Nature-based citizen science and volunteerism provide a platform for public involvement that fosters connections to nature and a sense of ownership over local and community ecosystems that can ultimately benefit the health, wellbeing and resilience of people, communities and the environment.
Mediterranean sea surface temperatures and planktonic foraminifera palaeoecology during short-term climate oscillations of the Late Pleistocene
(2022-03-30) Browne, Margaret
The Mediterranean is a semi-enclosed sea, ideally located for recording and amplifying global climate signals. Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1), the Bølling-Allerød (BA) and Younger Dryas (YD) are periods of extreme climatic change that occurred during the last deglacial. Planktonic foraminifera were utilised to address the extent the Mediterranean Sea responded to these events, and how they impacted sea surface temperatures (SSTs), hydrology and distribution of planktonic foraminifera on a basin-wide scale. This was further expanded upon in the Gulf of Lion, in order to determine the palaeoenvironmental impacts and main drivers in this region during the deglacial. A database of planktonic foraminiferal counts from 67 cores located across the Mediterranean Sea were compiled. SSTs were reconstructed using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and mapped for each chronozone, along with key planktonic foraminifera and palaeoenvironmental proxies. Mean annual SSTs ranged from 13.57°C and 14.19°C during HS1 and the YD, both cooler than the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). SSTs during the BA increased to 15.03°C. The western basin, Adriatic and Aegean Seas remained cool and strongly eutrophic, dominated by Neogloboquadrina species, G. bulloides, T. quinqueloba and G. inflata since the BA. The eastern basin was more productive than today, with a mix of eutrophic species and G. ruber plexus, though it became increasingly seasonal, oligotrophic and stratified as SSTs warmed during the BA and YD. These reconstructions highlight the complexity of these chronozones across the Mediterranean Sea. They also illustrated how global drivers such as the southerly position of the polar front, North Atlantic atmospheric circulation, precipitation and wind strength, sea level, summer insolation and position of the ITCZ governed these signals. River discharge and meltwater pulses were regionally important along northern margins. Analysis of the high-resolution Gulf of Lion core M40/4 82-2SL focused the late HS1 to mid Holocene (~15.5 to 7.4 kyr). SSTs were predicted using ANN, and a combination of faunal abundance, multivariate statistics (PCA) and palaeoenvironmental proxies were utilised to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment. Predicted SSTs showed strong correlation with Greenland δ18O ice cores, especially during the BA (15.19°C). SSTs during the late HS1 (10.18°C) and YD (8.3°C) were cooler than the LGM. The assemblage was strongly eutrophic throughout, with a more diverse, seasonal assemblage restricted to the early Bølling and Holocene. Holocene SSTs were cooler than expected (15.06 to 15.76°C), as the early Holocene was overprinted by a strong cyclical river/meltwater signal. This freshening of surface waters impacted the depth of the pycnocline, which had significant impacts on N. incompta. Variations in wind-strength, precipitation, river discharge and Alpine meltwaters were the main factors governing the Gulf of Lion during the Late Pleistocene to mid Holocene transition.
A palaeoecological analysis of late quaternary sapropels from the Mediterranean Ridge
(2020-12-18) Barry, Darren
A PALAEOECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF LATE QUATERNARY SAPROPELS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN RIDGE By Darren Barry The sedimentary sequences of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea are interspersed by blackcoloured, organic rich deposits called sapropels. Ranging in thickness from a few millimeters to as much as tens of centimetres these sedimentary layers have been deposited throughout the late Cenozoic. Despite intensive research the exact environmental conditions that led to the deposition of these sapropels are not yet fully understood. Using planktonic foraminifera as a proxy, this research focuses on the deposition of several sapropels. In addition to the more commonly studied sapropels (S1 and S5) S3 and S6 have also been investigated. The principle aim of this research is to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental conditions during these depositional events. In addition to using the traditional method of analysing faunal assemblages, particular emphasis will be placed on accessing the test size variation of individual species of planktonic foraminifera. This technique has been applied to other events in Earth’s history but not in relation to sapropel deposition. The research is based on data extracted from ODP core 969A (latitude 33.84N, longitude 24.88E, water depth 2200.3 m). With the exception of S1 (7cm), the thickness of each sapropel (S3 – 28cm; S5 – 28cm; S6 – 41cm) allows each event to be analysed at a sufficiently high resolution. One aspect of this study related to the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of two cores from open ocean sites. Using micropalaeontological data along with multivariate statistical analysis has allowed detailed analysis of palaeoenvironmental variability since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). In addition, estimates of sea surface temperature (SST) shows a gradual climate amelioration from the LGM to present. A unique aspect of this research examined the mean test size data of two shallow and one deep dwelling planktonic foraminiferal species over two sapropel events. Particular attention was paid to both biotic and abiotic factors in the understanding of their effects on species growth. While no obvious increase in mean test size was noted as a direct response to sapropel deposition, variability throughout these timeframes is observed. It is concluded that the mean test size of each species responds differently depending on their SST and nutrient requirements. For the Eemian interglacial sapropel S5 and glacial sapropel S6, a palaeoecological analysis utilising palaeoenvironmental indices reconstructed the water column dynamics and trophic status during these depositional events. Sapropel S5 exhibited considerable variability in response to the position of the Cretan gyre while a two phase depositional event in S6 indicated extreme shoaling of the pycnocline.
Audio production in youth work: an international comparative case study between Irish and South African community radio stations
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2018) Murphy, Jason
In this dissertation I examine the potential for audio production in a youth development setting, located within a community radio station. In particular I explore how participation in audio training can offer participants opportunities for reflection, identity building and critical awareness.I use a case study approach that looks at two Irish studies I conducted at community radio stations in West Clare and Limerick City. I also draw from a period ofobservation at a community radio station in Cape Town, South Africa.In my review of the literature I look at conceptions of youth, examine contemporary youth radio practice and explore ideas around identity, ‘other’, agency and voice. Through working with youth groups I developed a pedagogy that builds from a situation where adult workers and young people co-create audio texts. Resulting from this, I was interested to explore how projects could remain youth-led and sites of agentive practice, while at the same time be learning focused.I found that pedagogies that were flexible and with a ‘product’ focus were best suited to developing a richer process where learning could be better facilitated. In addition, through using an ‘imagined audience’ I found it possible to create a reflective practice.
Local government and local economic development: perceptions and experiences of the Local Government (Reform) Act 2014
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2018) Lehane, Kieran
Local government is an important service provider to the people of Ireland. It is also a key component in the democratic structures of the State. However in comparison with other countries, Ireland is seen as highly centralised and, consequently, Irish local authorities have a very limited range of functions. Numerous government reports advocating for increased decentralisation have not been implemented. As a result, many important public services continue to be provided and managed by central government or its agencies, with limited local accountability. The 2014 Local Government Reform Act sought to redress this situation by empowering local authorities to lead local economic development. Having identified key themes and concepts arising from a review of literature on decentralisation and sub-national governance, this thesis elicits experiences and perceptions of the 2014 legislation. Data were gathered through a series of semi-structured interviews. The research participants hold senior positions in the public service and were closely involved in framing or delivering the new role conferred on local authorities. The data from the research provide insights that add value to what the literature suggests, but also question some of the perceived wisdoms about subnational governance in Ireland. Notwithstanding their limited functions, local authorities enjoy considerable autonomy and have used this to drive economic development. In essence, local authorities demonstrate an ability to exert soft power in their interfacing with others. Chief Executives emerge as key and powerful figures in this scenario. The research points to the need for further operationalisation of key performance indicators in respect of local economic development.
Using lake sediment records to examine recent productivity in Lough Gur, Co. Limerick
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2017) Walsh, Niall
Lough Gur is a small, shallow lake located on limestone bedrock in County Limerick which has been classed as hypereutrophic in recent decades. The lake has no surface inflow and water level is maintained by groundwater and surface runoff. In the most recent EPA monitoring programme 2012-15 Lough Gur was classified with a ‘poor’ water quality rating (www.catchments.ie). Questions regarding the balance of the contribution of the inherent natural geographical conditions and the onset of anthropogenic human influences on the lake have prevailed for some time. Palaeolimnological techniques were used to infer historical water quality and identify periods of nutrient enrichment in the lake. Two short sediment cores were radiometrically dated however radionuclide concentrations were low. An approximate chronology with a basal date of 1650 at 50 cm and the cores were cross correlated using organic matter (%LOI) allowing for a multi proxy study with synchronous and asynchronous changes. A lack of intact diatoms and poor diatom preservation necessitated the identification of fossil algal pigments. Physical geochemical and biological responses suggests that the lake has been productive since the mid-1600s but a marked increase occurred in all proxies between 1950 and 2000. Concentrations of algal pigments vary throughout the sediment core and high concentrations of cyanobacteria may be indicative of enriched waters since the mid-1700s. Increases in both OM and algal pigments are consistent with geochemical measurements of TN and TP which show sustained increases from 1950-1990 followed by peaks into the 1990s and 2000s. This increase in lake productivity was likely driven by increasing amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the lake from diffuse anthropogenic sources in the surrounding catchment. P loading from the intensification of agricultural activities and residential dwellings has previously been identified as contributing to the nutrient enrichment of the lake. Recent efforts to promote the heritage of the lake has additionally resulted in a large increase in visitor number which may also be contributing to further increases in nutrient loads. This intensification of nutrient loading puts pressure on the already limited natural buffering capabilities of Lough Gur. Future management measures should focus on reducing anthropogenic sources of nutrients to the lake and raise environmental awareness in the catchment.
Holocene paleoenvironmental reconstruction in Galway Bay, a shallow coastal embayment along Ireland’s North-East Atlantic margin
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2017) Novak, Joyce D.
Coastal environments are highly dynamic and complicated systems that vary spatially and temporally over a range of timescales. This study explores the paleoenvironmental changes recorded in sediment cores taken from Galway Bay, located on the coast of western Ireland. Galway Bay is a large shallow bay, which is protected from ocean swells of the North Atlantic by the Aran Islands. The inner bay receives freshwater mainly from the Corrib River Catchment. Four c. 6 m sediment cores were extracted along an inner bay transect and are explored here in a multi proxy paleoecological study to track environmental change during the Holocene period. Physical proxies obtained using a Multi Sensor Core Logger (MSCL), geochemical signatures acquired with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning and microfossils (diatom and foraminifera) were examined. A Holocene timeframe was established with 23 AMS 14C dates across the four cores spanning c. 10000 cal years BP. A west-east progression is noted in the sediment stratigraphy. The western most sediment core contained no sediment post c. 8500 cal years BP while the eastern most sediment core, closest to the Corrib River outflow, contained the most complete sediment profile with sediments from the early, mid and late Holocene. A sedimentary hiatus spanning 5-7 ka is confirmed in two sediment cores. Change points in the sediment profiles are identified, reflecting known climatic events, including marine transgression, a possible 8.2 ka cooling event, freshwater phases and rising sea levels. The early Holocene encompassed the highest rate of sediment accumulation and marine transgression is captured in the proxy evidence. Coastal environmental change is postulated with water level rise and paleo tidal ranges varying from Highest Astronomical Tide to Mean High Water with high to middle marsh and mudflat development. The mid Holocene has a major break in sediment continuity with no complete mid Holocene sediment profile preserved. The innermost bay core retained sediment until c. 6000 cal years BP. The major hiatus is associated with a visible shell layer possibly reflecting a possible storm event and a sediment washout. The shell layer is overlain with late Holocene sediments (c. 500 years) in both inner bay cores reflecting either a return of conditions facilitating sediment deposition, or sediments that have not yet been washed out. The complex chronology and sedimentary profiles display a west to east progression along the inner Galway Bay transect reflecting a spatial trajectory of chronological, physical, chemical and biological change and thus environmental change as the rising sea made its way east into the Galway Bay.
The possibility of love: an inter-disciplinary analysis
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2008) O'Dwyer, Kathleen
The aim of this thesis is to address the question of love’s possibility as it is explored in a selection of literature from the disciplines of philosophy, psychoanalysis and poetry. The works of nine authors, selected from these disciplines, provide an overview of the question in these particular realms, and also in the three historical dimensions of romanticism, modernism and postmodernism. The works of Nietzsche, Buber and Ricoeur provide the philosophical exploration; psychoanalysis is represented by Freud, Lacan and Žižek; and the poetic contribution focuses on the works of Wordsworth, Eliot and Kennelly. The inter-disciplinary nature of the thesis is based on the assertion of an interconnection between the three disciplines, and that this interconnection enables a unique and insightful exploration of the question of love’s possibility. Thus, the question is explored from diverse view-points, and also from different time-frames; convergences and divergences are noted and discussed, and conclusions are drawn from the ensuing findings. The question has been chosen because, it is argued, it is a fundamental inquiry in any attempted understanding of the human condition, and is thus a foundational link between the disciplines under review. It is a question which provokes investigation and exploration of concepts which are integral to human being and human life, and, it is argued, such investigation and exploration is enhanced by the integrative nature of the research and analysis which is undertaken in the study.
My school, your school, our school: celebrating the transformation of a primary school into a community learning centre, 1985-2005
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2008) Higgins, Ann
Construction of total phosphorus (TP) quantitative models based on diatoms and cladocera for the Irish ecoregion using palaeolimnological techniques
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2006) Chen, Guangjie
Rural restructuring and rural in-migration patterns in Ireland
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2013) O'Sullivan, Shane
In recent decades, the rural economic base in Ireland, similar to that of other developed countries across the globe, has witnessed a period of significant structural change, with academic literature coining the term rural restructuring to classify and describe this socio-economic transition. The restructuring or reshaping of rural areas is strongly influenced by the processes and patterns of globalisation. As a result, there has been a knock-on effect on population structure. Some locations, particularly those in close proximity to urban centres and with high levels of connectivity, have thrived whilst others, that are considered to be peripheral, have declined dramatically. In the past decade, there has also been a significant change in the ethnic composition of the population in Ireland. The foreign national population has steadily increased in both absolute and relative terms, from 5.8% (224,261) in 2002 to 12% (320,096) in 2011 (CSO, 2012). Despite the severe economic downturn, the number of foreign nationals has continued to increase, with a 124,624 rise in the number of foreign nationals between the 2006 and 2011 Censuses of Population. The changing ethnic profile of Ireland is not a purely an urban phenomenon, with specific rural areas types witnessing a dramatic and sizeable inflow of economic migrants from across the globe. In some instances, this has occurred through the establishment of asylum centres in rural locations, but this thesis is solely examining the role of economic migrants who can legally and legitimately work in Ireland. On average, foreign nationals account for 5.8% of the total population residing in ‘pure’ rural areas (excluding towns and villages), with specific rural locations having a significantly higher proportion. This thesis examines the linkages between rural restructuring and rural in-migration in Ireland and presents research findings from two contrasting case studies, specifically Counties Monaghan and Limerick. The utilisation of a cross-section of methodological tools, incorporating household and business questionnaires; and semi-structured interviews, whilst including secondary data analysis, provided a robust and triangulated approach to achieving the principle aim and objectives of this research project. Key findings from this study include: the diversification of the rural economic base providing employment opportunities for economic migrants (confined to particular rural area types), especially within low-paid and low-skilled occupations; the emergence of ethnic orientated / migrant businesses in locations with a high density of immigrants; a low labour market (job generation) multiplier effect associated with net in-migration; and a desire amongst in-migrants to remain resident at their current location for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, this thesis documents and analyses the various integration and diversity raising awareness initiatives / programmes devised by statutory and non-statutory agencies, thereby enabling the forging of positive community relations between the migrant and indigenous communities. However, these initiatives are currently being curtailed or abandoned due to a lack of financial resources. This thesis concludes by predicting future socio-economic and demographic changes within rural Ireland and by providing a list of recommendations for key stakeholders (migrant and indigenous communities; policymakers; statutory agencies; and community and voluntary sector) with respect to harnessing the socio-economic potential of migrants within a rural space.
A spatial analysis of the suppliers of nature based tourism in Ireland, insights into the provision of walking tourism on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, Co. Cork.
(2014) Dwyer, Gráinne
The tourism industry from 2012 to 2022 is expected to grow by an average of 4% annually to constitute 10% of global GDP (US$10 trillion). It is also predicted by 2022, globally, one in every ten jobs (328 million) will be tourism-related. With the unprecedented growth of tourism it is essential that sustainable planning guidelines are adhered to. Sustainable management of our natural resources is now a high priority, as tourism planners attempt to avoid past problems associated with the mass tourism market as happened in the case of the rapid growth of the Costas around the Mediterranean Sea from the 1960s until the 1990s. This type of mass or ‘fast tourism’ represents the very antithesis of a type of tourism that is considered sustainable. The dominant approaches to tourism development heretofore illustrated little or no concern for the existing landscape, social, environmental or economic and it is hoped that the dawn of ‘slow tourism’ and more ecological approaches that are based on a valorisation of natural landscapes can avoid, and to some extent, ameliorate the problems of the past and rejuvenate rural economies. This thesis looks in detail at an example of a tourism product that is based on the principles and practices of sustainability, as it examines the walking tourism industry in the Sheep’s Head Way on the south-west coast of Ireland as a mechanism for local development. The primary data and information gathered form a narrative of the innovative efforts that led to the development of the walkway. A near census of the peninsula provides an in-depth analysis of landowners’ and farmers’ attitudes to the evolution of the walkway as well as other attributes such as: environmental awareness, issues of sustainability, community links, farm diversification and conservation of the landscape. The success of the walkway is achieved through effective collaboration, financial assistance from REPS (Rural Environmental Protection Scheme), Walks Scheme payments, and the desire of a community to showcase their native and spectacular landscape. The results illustrate significant differences among the landowners' orientations towards the environment and a range of factors that influence landowners' intentions to engage in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. Other themes that emerge through this study include local economic benefits, community collaboration and land access rights. Suppliers of nature-based tourism activities are at the helm of the future direction of sustainable tourism vi and it is essential that they are consulted and surveyed with the same detail as users of nature-based activities.
Public Health & Housing in Limerick City 1850 -1935 - A Geographical Analysis
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2013) Quiry, Ruth
While the industrial era was underway in Europe during the nineteenth century, Ireland was also faced with the issues of epidemic disease and slum housing. Most of the research undertaken to date has focused on the urbanisation of major towns in Europe on themes such as health, housing and social conditions. In Ireland, research on the same topic has concentrated primarily on Dublin but relatively little has been done to date on the other cities and smaller towns. This thesis hopes to contribute to the small but growing volume of research on Limerick city, while also providing a reference point for the development of other Irish cities during the nineteenth century. This thesis aims to examine the extent of poor health and poor housing in Limerick city during the nineteenth and into the twentieth century and also aims to highlight the response of the local government in alleviating the situation. Overall, this research aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the changing urban geography of residential areas in Limerick city from 1850-1935
Neo- and palaeolimnological investigations in a humic and a clear water lake in the west of Ireland
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2012) Sparber, Karin
Surface waters draining peat catchments often have a characteristic brown colour due to the presence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) compounds. A rise in DOC concentrations has been documented in rivers and lakes in various parts of Europe and North America over the last few decades. The processes responsible for the increased DOC load are complex and not entirely understood, but it is obvious that this change could be indicative of decreased terrestrial storage of carbon, which has important consequences for aquatic ecology and drinking water quality. This thesis applies contemporary or neo- and palaeolimnological approaches at different temporal and spatial scales in a humic and clearwater lake in the west of Ireland (Lough Feeagh, Co. Mayo and Lough Guitane, Co. Kerry). An investigation of contemporary auto- (pico- and phytoplankton), mixo- (phytoflagellates) and heterotrophic (bacteria and ciliates) communities was fundamental to this research. The results confirmed that higher loads in suspended solids, and thus a darker water colour, which had a direct effect on light attenuation, depressed autotrophic biomass and simultaneously stimulated heterotrophic bacteria and potentially mixotrophic phytoflagellates. A heterotrophic base for total organic production served as an energy and carbon source. A flash-flood in July 2009 caused an increase in Cryptophyta and bacteria. In contrast, the clear water lake was characterized by lower DOC levels and deeper Secchi depths and thus, more light availability, favouring the autotrophic community and extending the growing season. Sediment traps installed in three locations within each lake showed contrasting seasonal and inter-annual dynamics of lithological, geochemical and biological variables. C/N ratios reflected a mixture of algal and land-derived organic matter with a major peaty influence in the humic lake. The comparison of the open water phytoplankton community and diatom assemblages with sediment trap fossil pigment and diatom assemblages showed a close agreement and reflected a seasonal pattern. In contrast, the comparison between sediment trap and surface sediment assemblages revealed different patterns. Pigment and diatom assemblages were influenced by water depth, while interannual variability and/or dilution and mixing through bioturbation influenced the surface sediment diatoms. Lastly, sediment core lithological, geochemical and biological proxies enabled reconstruction of the past environment of the lakes and their surrounding catchments. Both lakes were characterized by contrasting water column and sediment trap responses and consequently their sediment core responses were different. Divergent levels of DOC in the two lakes contribute to different algal community structures and thus fossil assemblages. One of the most striking outputs was shown by an index of ultraviolet radiation penetration that gave an indirect indication of dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in the water column. A decreasing trend in the humic lake indicated an increase in DOM in the water column over the last ca. 70 years. This was paralleled by an increase in Cryptophyta known to tolerate lower light conditions and a shift in diatom assemblages. The trend was concurrent with extensive commercial afforestation and an exponential increase in sheep grazing, however climate change could also have contributed to the transport of suspended sediment into the lake.
Late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Ionian Sea in the eastern Mediterranean.
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2012) McCarthy, Bernie
Three eastern Mediterranean deep-sea cores, all from the Ionian Sea, have been investigated to assess late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental change. The high resolution record of planktonic foraminiferal variations for the three Ionian Sea deep cores provides a significant insight into the late Quaternary in relation to palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic conditions. The timing of climatic events is further strengthened by a Sea Surface Temperature (SST) reconstruction based on the utilisation of the transfer function, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the calibration dataset of Hayes et al. (2005). Radiocarbon (14C) gives an absolute age of planktonic foraminiferal shell formation within the late Pleistocene and Holocene. The Ionian Sea palaeoenvironmental reconstruction allowed the presentation of four distinct time frames, the late Pleistocene (~20,000-13,000 cal yrs BP), the glacial/interglacial transition (~13,000-9,000 cal yrs BP), Sapropel 1 (~9,000-6,000 cal yrs BP) and the late Holocene (~6,000 to present cal yrs BP). High concentrations of warm water planktonic foraminiferal species, in particular G. ruber, is evident throughout the Holocene and late Pleistocene. A general consistency in the fluctuation of cold water species is observed in the faunal assemblages from the Ionian Sea during the late Pleistocene. Overall, a general cooling is observed from the start of the record, with a pronounced temperature increase at the beginning of the Holocene. Comparison of the intervals and climatic events shows some correlation with other eastern Mediterranean studies, however, some discrepancies have also been observed.
An assessment of algal biodiversity and water quality in Loughs Atedaun, Cullaun and Inchiquin, three lakes on the river Fergus.
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2012) Cullinane, Shane
This study uses limnological techniques and numerical methods to examine the periphyton and phytoplankton assemblages of Lough Atedaun, Cullaun and Inchiquin. Monthly and seasonal variations in periphyton and phytoplankton assemblages were examined from littoral and open water sites within each lake. Samples were taken on a monthly basis in each lake from November 2004 to October 2005. Cell biovolume values for the most abundant phytoplankton were calculated for each of the phytoplankton samples taken from Lough Atedaun, Cullaun and Inchiquin. Seasonal changes in environmental variables were described on a monthly and seasonal basis and the trophic status of each lake was examined. The influence of environmental variables, between site variation and time of sampling on the distribution and composition of the phytoplankton based on cell count data was investigated with the use of Canonical Correspondents Analysis. (CCA). Results from physico-chemical analysis showed that a seasonal pattern of change existed for most variables. Very little inter lake differences were found in relation to variables concerned with ion exchange such as conductivity and alkalinity. Where as significant inter lake differences took place in relation to variables concerned with nutrient status such as TP, DMRP and NO3-N. A total of 100 phytoplankton species were identified within the three lakes, 72 of these 100 species were found in Lough Inchiquin, 54 in Lough Cullaun and 64 in Lough Atedaun. Of the 100 species identified 37 belonged to the phylum Chlorophyta, 25 to phylum Bacillariophyta, 23 to phylum Cyanophyta, 6 to phylum Chrysophyta, 3 to phylum Cryptophyta, 2 to phylum Pyrrophyta and 4 to phylum Euglenophyta. A total of 137 periphyton species been identified from all 3 lakes, 37 of these were Chlorophytes, 45 of these were Cyanophytes and 45 of these were diatoms. CCA analysis identified two main groups of variables influencing algal diversity. The primary gradient consisted of a species response to temperature, water level variation and chlorophyll-a representing a seasonal gradient. The second gradient related to a response to nutrient variables TP, N03-N and DMRP confirming that phytoplankton composition of is strongly influenced by trophic state.
Civil society participation volunteerism - A geographical analysis
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2012) ; Younge, Ciara
Civil Society Participation & Volunteerism: A Geographical Analysis. A Comparative Case Study of Limerick City & North Tipperary Active citizenship is expressed through participation in civil society and voluntary activity. Civil society is the space that functions outside the remit of the public sector and the private sector, but can work in partnership with them, through such avenues as the delivery of social services and the social economy. Several factors influence the level of participation, and how this participation is spatially distributed, such as levels of social capital, trust, and voter participation. Indicators of representative and participative democracy were investigated in order to ascertain if any statistical relationships existed between both strands of democracy, and indicators of spatial association were explored to identify the spatial distribution of these relationships. Various geographic levels were used in the investigation, from the macro of the EU, to the meso of Ireland, to the case study locations of Limerick City and North Tipperary, down to the local level of the community of Inch, North Tipperary. The findings show that significant statistical relationships exist between the indicators of representative and participative democracy, and what factors influence their spatial variability. The level of decentralisation and subsidiarity of decision-making in a State is a key factor in the spatial distribution of active citizenship, yet in the Irish case communities have tended to adopted grassroots movements in order to interact with this centralised hierarchy.
Planktonic foraminiferal response to the Last Glacial Termination and their application to Holocene biostratigraphy in the western Mediterranean sea
(Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 2011) Broggy, Teresa
This research presents the planktonic foraminiferal assemblage variation of four western Mediterranean Sea cores since the Last Glacial Termination. The Holocene epoch represents the current interglacial since the Last Glacial Termination ~11,600 cal years ago. Extensive palaeoenvironmental research has verified the ability of planktonic foraminiferal abundances to record climatic and environmental variations. This research utilises planktonic foraminiferal abundance and morphological asymmetry to establish new biostratigraphic applications and to reconstruct Holocene palaeoenvironmental conditions. The chronology of this research is validated by 14C-AMS dating. The potential of utilising variations in the coiling direction of Globorotalia truncatulinoides as a biostratigraphic tool was first noted in the early 1950s. This research has provided a detailed investigation into the Holocene coiling variation of G. truncatulinoides. Four cores identify a synchronous mid Holocene coiling variation event indicating a change in dominance from the sinistral to the dextral coiling variant. This coiling event was identified ~5.0 cal kyr BP in the initial sampling of the total population of G. truncatulinoides and at the later time of ~ 4.4 cal kyr BP in the faunal abundance record. The synchronous coiling events in all four cores indicate the significance of G. truncatulinoides as a biostratigraphic tool in the western Mediterranean Sea and suggest its possible biostratigraphic significance for other geographical locations. Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) were reconstructed for each core via faunal assemblage variations using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) software. Our findings suggest that SSTs was not a controlling factor on coiling direction, but rather ecological conditions relating to water column stability. This finding allows for a palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the water column as indicated by the abundance and coiling variation of G. truncatulinoides. Three phases of abundance identified the ecological response of the species to environmental changes since the last glacial termination, recording the change from a weakly stratified, stratified and unstratified water column between ~11.2-8.6, ~8.6-5.1 and ~5.1 cal kyr BP-present respectively. Faunal abundance records established the identification of 3 ecozones (EZ) for the previously undefined areas of the Gulf of Lion and the Balearic Basin (EZ1:11.2-8.6 cal kyr BP, EZ2:8.6-5.1 cal kyr BP and EZ1:5.1 cal kyr BP-present). This new proposed ecozonation provides a means of rapid chronological constraint within a local sub-basin scale. Core M40/4 82-2 SL provided the means to present a high (1-2 cm) resolution palaeoenvironmental reconstruction for the hydrologically significant Gulf of Lion region. SST reconstructions identified three phases of climatic variability and four significant cooling events that can be recognised in both North Atlantic and/or Mediterranean Sea proxies at ~ 7.2, 5.2, 2.4 and 1.2 cal kyr BP. These findings indicate the ability of the Gulf of Lion to record global climatic variations and its potential as a palaeoenvironmental research location.

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