Closing Date October 15, 2005

National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland (Ireland)
The objective of this PhD will be to extend the spatial dynamic microsimulation model, Simulation Model of the Irish Local Economy (SMILE) developed by Teagasc, NUI Galway and the University of Leeds to carry out a number of policy applications. The objective of the model is to be able to evaluate the spatial impact of changes in society and the economy. The focus thus far of the model has been to develop the methodology and implement the modelling framework, with less focus on policy applications. In this project it is planned to extend the model to focus on the economic impact and potential of diversifying from agriculture to agri-tourism in particular the demand for outdoor pursuit based activities. The main steps of the projects will be as follows: • Develop a methodology for linking recreational demand models estimated by other researchers in Ireland ( e.g. Hynes, Curtis, Van Rensburg, Buckley) to the SMILE model. • Integrate the model equations estimated by these researchers in the model to produce an agri-tourism demand module within the model. • Use this model combined with environmental information to create indicators of potential agri-tourism hotspots.

Contact Stephen Hynes at 00 353 (0)91 845269 for further information or email stephen.hynes@nuigalway.ie