ATU Mayo hosting International Swift Conference next year
ATLANTIC Technological University (ATU) will host the eighth International Swift Conference in ATU Mayo next year (May 27 - 29) in association with Swift Conservation Ireland/Mayo, Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, National Wildlife and Parks Service (NPWS), Office of Public Works (OPW) and other sponsors.
Up to 200 delegates are expected to attend the three-day conference next year, bringing together Swift enthusiasts, conservationists, ecologists, researchers and rehabilitators from around the world. They will share the latest research findings, exchange ideas and celebrate the conservation of various Swift species include the Common, Pallid Swift, Alpine and Vaux’s Swift.
The conference is held every two years, previously in Germany, UK, Poland, Israel, Spain, and Italy (Trieste, 2024).
Invited keynote speakers from Ireland include Eoin Warner, award-winning nature documentary maker; Killian Mullarney, illustrator of Collins Bird Guide; Simon Wall, senior architect at Mayo County Council who will talk about the pioneering Swift nest box projects carried out in collaboration with Swift Conservation Mayo; Georgia McMillan, Mayo Dark Skies Park development officer, and Jarek Majukusiak, Master of Science by Research graduate of ATU who will speak about his research into the breeding biology of the Common Swift Apus in the west of Ireland.
Details of the conference were announced at a reception in the Mayo campus attended by Castlebar Municipal District cathaoirleach Councillor Al McDonnell, ATU president Dr. Orla Flynn, representatives from all the supporting stakeholders and staff and students in the Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences.
Dr. Deirdre Garvey, chair of the Green Campus and head of the ATU Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “We anticipate 50 to 60 national delegates and around 140 to 150 international delegates from countries including the UK, US, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and potentially South America and China.
“It’s a great opportunity for ATU Mayo to host this international conference and highlight the conservation work that is having real impact in Mayo and leading the way for Swift conservation in Ireland. We also look forward to welcoming our Outdoor and Environmental Education graduates Georgia McMillan and Jarek Majukusiak who will both speak at the conference.”
Lynda Huxley, founder of Swift Conservation Ireland/Mayo, said: “The ATU Mayo ‘Save our Swifts’ Project established under the Green Campus programme and the 24/7 livestream of the breeding activity has been a catalyst for nationwide conservation of this amazing and iconic, red-listed bird.”
On Saturday (May 30) delegates will have an opportunity to take trips along the Wild Atlantic Way, including Corncrake LIFE, Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE Project, Machair LIFE and other tours which are being hosted by NPWS to showcase the internationally important conservation projects in Co. Mayo.
To register for the conference, visit www.swiftsmayo2026.ie.
GREEN CAMPUS
Separately, ATU Mayo received renewal of its Green Campus status from An Taisce this week.
The Mayo campus was the first third-level campus in Ireland to win Green Campus Flag status in 2011.
Deirdre O'Carroll, Green-Campus programme manager, An Taisce – the National Trust for Ireland, says: “I would like to congratulate ATU Mayo on the renewal of the Green Flag award and commend the impressive sustainability efforts showcased during the Green Campus assessment visit in May this year. Key highlights of the visit included evidence of strong senior management support, integration of sustainability into the ATU strategic plan, and active participation in the STARS programme and the wider ATU community of practice.
“Hearing directly from students on the day was most inspiring including innovative student-led initiatives like the poetry competition, breakfast club, bike loan scheme, Food for Thought festival, and revival of the sustainability society.
“It was a pleasure to learn more about interdisciplinary links to learning, SDG mapping, and student digital badges along with wonderful biodiversity projects on habitat connectivity, swift conservation and more on waste, energy and climate action.
“The Green Flag is awarded by An Taisce on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education and the raising of a green flag is a milestone on a long term sustainability journey. We in the Green Campus programme are delighted to be with you on this journey.”