Pandemic rural residential mobilities? Towards an understanding of who moved house and why in rural Ireland

TCPEP Programme Director, Dr Luke Kelleher along with M. Scott and L. Fox-Rogers recently published article "Pandemic rural residential mobilities? Towards an understanding of who moved house and why in rural Ireland." in Town Planning Review, 96(3), pp. 247–274.

This article explores rural housing demand in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using survey data from three case study areas, it compares pre- and post-pandemic movers to assess shifts in household types and relocation motivations. The findings suggest no widespread urban exodus; rather, rural mobility was shaped by return migration and local moves linked to family networks. The pandemic acted more as an enabler (e.g. through remote work) than a primary driver of rural relocation.

Dr Kelleher also co-authored an Evidence Synthesis Report for the Environmental Protection Agency, published in April 2025 as part of the EPA Research Programme 2021–2030. The report, titled Just Transition Indicator Framework for Ireland (FTP-2023-01), is available (opens in a new window)online
It highlights the need for strong governance of the Just Transition Indicator Framework (JTIF), recommending a cross-departmental working group and tools to enhance transparency, policy alignment, and decision-making.