University of Limerick, in collaboration with Greentech Skillnet, has launched a new accredited micro-credential in Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), designed to address a significant and well-recognised skills gap across Ireland’s planning, environmental and renewable energy sectors.
The seven-week, part-time, online programme, commencing in March 2026, is the first of its kind in Europe.
“Developed to meet rigorous academic standards, the programme was created in close collaboration with industry experts and the Irish Landscape Institute, ensuring strong alignment with professional practice and sector needs,” said Dr Immanuel Darkwa, co-lead on the module and Director of the new MSc in Sustainability and Climate Futures at UL, which the module also forms part of.
The launch was attended by Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, who endorsed the programme and its role in supporting Ireland’s sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy ambitions.
The LVIA micro-credential equips professionals with the practical skills required to deliver consistent, high-quality landscape and visual impact assessment for infrastructure and renewable energy developments, with a particular focus on wind energy projects.
It responds directly to long-standing industry challenges arising from the absence of national LVIA guidance in Ireland, where differing county-level approaches can result in inconsistency, delays and added complexity in the planning process.
“This module responds directly to a national need,” explained Professor Sandra Joyce, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at UL.
“As Ireland expands its renewable energy infrastructure, we must ensure consistent, rigorous and future-focused approaches to assessing the landscape and visual impacts of development.
“The LVIA micro-credential equips professionals with vital skills, blending theory, fieldwork, digital spatial analysis and applied reporting to build competence in one of the most complex and specialised areas of environmental assessment.”
Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks at Skillnet Ireland, added: “Skillnet Ireland supports the Government’s climate action policy by building the sustainability capabilities that help businesses adapt to the green transition while remaining competitive.”
The micro-credential is aimed at professionals working in planning, environmental consultancy, sustainability, policy and infrastructure development, and forms part of UL’s Master in Sustainability and Climate Futures pathway.
By co-creating this programme with industry, University of Limerick and Greentech Skillnet are strengthening Ireland’s environmental assessment capability at a time of unprecedented infrastructure delivery, supporting climate action objectives while maintaining high standards of landscape protection and public confidence in the planning system.
The programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
Applications close Friday, 13 February 2026. For more information visit the programme page.