Green Tech Skillnet and University of Limerick Launch Europe’s First Accredited LVIA Micro-Credential

Green Tech Skillnet, in collaboration with University of Limerick (UL), has launched an accredited micro-credential programme in Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), designed to address a significant skills gap across Ireland’s planning, environmental and renewable energy sectors. The launch was attended by Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Timmy Dooley TD.

The seven-week, part-time, online programme, commencing in March 2026, is the first of its kind in Europe. Developed through close collaboration with industry experts and the Irish Landscape Institute, the course equips professionals with the practical skills needed to deliver consistent, high-quality LVIA for infrastructure and renewable energy projects, particularly wind energy. This programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Commenting on the importance of the new programme, Mark Ruane, Head of Renewable Energy Skills at Wind Energy Ireland, said: “This programme is about building real, practical workforce capacity where industry needs it most. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment is a critical component of planning applications, yet until now there has been no formal, consistent training pathway in Ireland. By equipping professionals with shared standards, applied skills and up-to-date tools, this micro-credential will help companies strengthen their in-house expertise, improve the quality and consistency of LVIA submissions, and ultimately support a more efficient and timely planning process for essential infrastructure and renewable energy projects.”

The programme responds directly to industry challenges arising from the absence of national LVIA guidance in Ireland, where differing county-level approaches can lead to inconsistency, delays and added complexity in planning and environmental assessment.

Industry practitioners have strongly welcomed the programme, highlighting the long-standing absence of formal LVIA training pathways.

Mike Spence, Principal at MsEnvision, said: “LVIA is recognised across the world as an important environmental impact assessment technique, used to understand the landscape, townscape and visual impacts and effects of development projects. There is currently no training available, anywhere! Most practitioners develop their knowledge within companies, learning from their mentors, and this leads to inconsistencies in both quality and approach. The LVIA micro-credential at University of Limerick is an opportunity to begin the process of introducing and sharing LVIA knowledge, led by practitioners who have been working in the sector for over 30 years.”

Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, 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. This new industry‑led micro‑credential programme addresses a critical skills gap, bringing greater consistency and quality to environmental assessment and helping to accelerate the delivery of renewable energy and essential infrastructure.”

Participants on the programme will gain hands-on experience applying GLVIA guidelines, using GIS and remote sensing tools, assessing landscape and visual receptors, and developing mitigation strategies through real-world case studies and applied project work.

The LVIA 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, GreenTech Skillnet and University of Limerick 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.

This closing date for applications is February 13th, 2026. Further information about the supports offered by Green Tech Skillnet is available at www.greentechskillnet.com.