IPI Planners Podcast

The Planning and Development Act 2024 represents one of the most significant reforms of Ireland's planning system in a generation. As policymakers, practitioners and communities prepare for its full implementation, important questions remain about how planning can support housing delivery, infrastructure investment, environmental objectives and meaningful public participation.

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the legislation, the realities of planning policymaking, and the opportunities and challenges associated with planning reform.

Steven Matthews joins the podcast as a former Green Party TD, former Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and current Stakeholder Engagement Manager with Iarnród Éireann, offering insights from both the policy and implementation perspectives.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

- Background and career path in planning and politics
- The legislative journey of the planning reform bill
- Managing intense committee stages and massive amendments
- Addressing judicial review and community participation balances
- Integrating strategic rail review with spatial planning objectives

GUEST DETAILS

Steven Matthews serves as Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Irish Rail and brings extensive public policy experience to the conversation. He previously served as a Green Party TD for Wicklow and chaired the Oireachtas Committee on Housing. During his tenure, he oversaw the rigorous drafting and committee scrutiny of major Irish planning legislation.

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast."  As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession.
 
ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

QUOTES

- That was a colossal piece of legislation. It nearly broke the system. - Steven Matthews
- Planning is probably the most important thing for our county: planning, transport, housing, and you know, climate environment measures. - Steven Matthews
- Planners make decisions based on policy and guidelines that emanate from this house. - Steven Matthews

KEYWORDS: 

#PlanningAndDevelopmentAct #IrishPlanningPolicy #PlanningLawReform #RegionalPlanningStrategy #StrategicRailReview

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Achieving balanced regional development depends on aligning national policy with regional and local priorities and ensuring effective delivery on the ground.

In this episode, Tanya Whyte MIPI, Assistant Director and Senior Planner with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, joins host Dr Seán O'Leary MIPI to discuss the role of regional planning in shaping sustainable growth and investment.

At a time of significant legislative change, evolving regional population targets and the need to embed ambitious national climate action commitments in regional and local policy, Tanya explores how regional planning can translate national ambitions into practical outcomes. Drawing on more than 30 years' experience across local authority planning, enterprise development and regional planning, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities involved in delivering balanced and sustainable growth across Ireland.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Career transitions from local authority to regional assembly
Strategic coordination roles of Irish regional assemblies
Translating the national planning framework into local development plans
Balancing rural population growth and urban development targets
Designing smart regional policy objectives for effective monitoring

GUEST DETAILS

Tanya Whyte is the Assistant Director for Planning and Economic Development at the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, where she leverages over 27 years of public sector expertise to drive strategic spatial policy. 

An accomplished spatial planner, Tanya possesses exceptional diversity across statutory planning, economic development, and strategic corporate leadership, notably establishing a comprehensive property section and authoring a local authority’s first Renewable Energy Strategy. 

Her commitment to the profession is evidenced by her service on the Irish Planning Institute Council and her dedication to mentorship through the delivery of planning fundamentals training.

QUOTES

Looking at regional planning and planning for a large region, key opportunities are that we can plan for integrated infrastructure because they're generally cross-border. - Tanya Whyte

At the end of the day, our regional policy objectives are critical. - Tanya Whyte

It's the implementation and monitoring that's critical. - Tanya Whyte

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is CEO at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. 

With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." 

Professionals and enthusiasts alike seeking to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland.

As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 

Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

Find out more:
https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS:

#RegionalSpatialAndEconomicStrategy #PlanningAct2024Reform #RegionalRenewableEnergyTargets #BalancedRegionalDevelopmentIreland

Infrastructure projects often languish in complex, sequential consenting processes that stall housing and economic development. Planners and utility providers face an uphill battle to align long-term strategic needs with immediate construction requirements.

This episode explores the integrated approach of Uisce Éireann and the critical role of early engagement and cross-agency collaboration in building resilient communities.

Joining us is Olwyn James, the Senior Planning, Land, and Utilities Manager at Uisce Éireann. She draws on over two decades of experience in local authority planning and architectural conservation to explain the realities of managing national infrastructure delivery.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Uisce Éireann infrastructure delivery and planning system integration
Addressing decades of under-investment in critical water assets
Complex consenting regimes and the need for reform
Early engagement strategies between agencies and developers
The importance of high-quality design in utility infrastructure

GUEST DETAILS

Olwyn James serves as the Senior Planning, Land, and Utilities Manager at Uisce Éireann. With a career spanning over 20 years, she has transitioned from local authority planning and architectural conservation into her current role leading complex infrastructure delivery. Her work focuses on navigating consenting regimes, national infrastructure delivery, and strategic site acquisition.

QUOTES

Planning might be a little bit narrow in its thinking, and maybe people who go into planning it could really do with a dose of healthy diversity. - Olwyn James

There is a responsibility across the board around thinking what is it we want, what is our policy directive here, what are our objectives, what's the plan. - Olwyn James

"I think the system as a whole needs to improve in how it's communicating with applicants around what are the steps, what is happening, what's going to happen next. - Olwyn James

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. 
With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." 

Professionals and enthusiasts alike seeking to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland.
As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 
Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

Find out more:

https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS

#IrishInfrastructure #DeliveryPlanning #WaterInfrastructure #UisceÉireann #PlanningReform

Infrastructure and housing delivery requires seamless coordination between public policy and local authority execution.

We explore the transition from professional planning to senior local government leadership, focusing on how the Planning and Development Act 2024 empowers long-term development. We discuss the necessity of resourcing, the strategic importance of 10-year plans, and how to balance infrastructure, economic growth, and public trust.

Our guest is Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council. With a distinguished career in planning, he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of strategic management and physical planning. 

He joins us as a respected colleague to share insights on how the sector can navigate the pressures of modern local government

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Career path into senior leadership
Implementing Planning and Development Act
Front loading pre planning processes
Balancing municipal district needs
Future of 10 year plans

QUOTES

Planners make recommendations for decision makers to make decisions. Those of us who transition into that decision making space will realise the importance in making a decision. - Liam Conneally

The integrity of the planning system, the role of the regulator in that system is important. From that point of view, the Irish planning system, is probably one of the most open and transparent systems in the world. - Liam Conneally

We care for, in particular the spoken language, because we know in Galway that in our county and also in Galway City, over 50% of the daily Irish speakers live in our jurisdictions. - Liam Conneally

GUEST DETAILS

Liam Conneally is the Chief Executive of Galway County Council and Chair of the County and City Management Associations Planning and Land Use Committee. He brings decades of experience to his role as the first local authority chief executive to rise directly from the planning profession. His expertise includes capital delivery, organizational management, and public service innovation.

Connect with the Irish Planning Institute:

Website: ipi.ie

Podfollow: podfollow.com/ipi

Search podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. 

With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." 

Professionals and enthusiasts alike seek to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland.

As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 

Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. 

Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

Find out more:

https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS #PlanningReform #UrbanStrategy #LocalGovernance #InfrastructureDelivery #StrategicPlanning

The planning system is often perceived as complex and adversarial, presenting barriers to development and public satisfaction. Success requires overcoming these challenges by embedding continuous improvement and promoting a culture where planners act as facilitators, not barriers.

This episode explores the Department for Infrastructure’s (DFI) central role in setting strategic direction and its priorities, including the Planning Improvement Programme and the complex timeline for Local Development Plans. We discuss the increasing legislative complexity, resourcing, and the potential for mutual learning through cross-border collaboration.
Host Sean O'Leary is joined by Rosemary Daly, Northern Ireland’s Chief Planner, and Philip McGowan, Joint Head of Regional Planning Policy with the Department for Infrastructure.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Planning is a cognitive, creative process
DFI's central leadership role explained
Improving efficiency via the planning programme
Complexity challenges and judicial process
Cross-border professional learning and growth

QUOTES

Good planning is fundamentally a cognitive discipline before it becomes a technical one. - Philip McGowan

The thing that really attracts me to planning is there is something for everyone. - Rosemary Daly

I see planning, especially policy planning, as a creative, deep thinking cognitive process. - Philip McGowan

The big takeaway for me is the more we work together, the better we will achieve in the world of planning. - Rosemary Daly

GUEST DETAILS

Rosemary Daly is Chief Planner and Director of Regional Planning, Governance, and Legislation at the Department for Infrastructure (DFI). She has almost thirty years of planning experience, including private consultancy and eighteen years as a commissioner at the Planned Appeals Commission. Her skills include insight into development delivery and a passion for planning's link to community. 

Philip McGowan is a Principal Planner and Joint Head of Regional Planning Policy at DFI. He is a policy expert, instrumental in delivering the Strategic Planning Policy Statement and creating new policy for safeguarding established residential areas.

Connect with the Irish Planning Institute:

Website: ipi.ie

Podfollow: podfollow.com/ipi

Search podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. 

With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." 

Professionals and enthusiasts alike seek to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland.
As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 

Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

Find out more:

https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS #NorthernIreland #PlanningReform #PolicyPlanning #CrossBorder #PublicInterest

Planning today is shaped by major legislative reform, including the Planning and Development Act 2024 and the Critical Infrastructure Bill, climate and environmental obligations, and legal scrutiny.

In this episode Deirdre Nagle, Partner and Head of the Planning and Environment Law team at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP, brings us up to date with these issues and discusses the need for planners to be brave in decision making.

Deirdre is Partner and Head of the Planning and Environment Law team at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP. Her extensive expertise includes advising on the planning aspects of major state infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy sector.

Deirdre practises in both contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental law. She has extensive experience in advising and acting for state bodies on major projects relating to all aspects of the consenting process including compulsory acquisition.

Prior to joining Mason Hayes & Curran Deirdre worked for a state body responsible for the development of energy infrastructure.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Critical Infrastructure Bill
Planning and Development Act 2024
Exempted Development Regulations
RED III
Case law including Coolglass 

QUOTES

The system, you just have to get through it as quickly as possible. There's no point railing against it, just get on with it. - Deirdre Nagle
You can introduce legislation and tell people they have to coordinate, they have to fast track, but do they have the resources?  - Deirdre Nagle
You just have to kind of prepare for these things to happen and go through the process. -  Deirdre Nagle

GUEST DETAILS

Deirdre Nagle is a Partner at the law firm Mason Hayes and Curran. She is a leading practitioner in planning and environmental law. Her expertise includes advising on complex planning projects from strategic planning to consenting and judicial review. Deirdre is passionate about moving infrastructure, housing, and renewable energy projects forward.

Connect with Deirdre: 

https://www.mhc.ie/people/deirdre-nagle

https://www.mhc.ie/practice-areas/planning-and-environment-law

Connect with the Irish Planning Institute:

Website: ipi.ie

Podfollow: podfollow.com/ipi

Search podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. 
With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." 

Professionals and enthusiasts alike seek to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland.
As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 

Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

Find out more:
https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS #PlanningLaw #DevelopmentAct #JudicialReview #ClimateAction #InfrastructureProjects

The planning system in Ireland faces monumental pressure, demanding not only efficient decision-making but also the highest standards of trust and governance. The challenge of meeting mandatory timelines while navigating complex legal and environmental factors requires a focused strategic approach to reform. This episode explores the critical changes underway at An Coimisiún Pleanála and the leadership driving a major cultural shift.

The discussion delves into how the organisation has dramatically cleared its substantial case backlog, the impact of new governance structures, and the strategic push to digital transformation, including exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence. We also examine the difficult reality of the tightening timelines imposed by planning reforms and the Red III Directive for renewable energy applications.

We are joined by Peter Mullan, CEO of An Coimisiún Pleanála and former Chair of An Bord Pleanála. Having transitioned from a long career in criminal law and public service, Peter shares his journey, his priorities for the organisation, and his commitment to restoring and protecting public confidence.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

- Peter Mullan's career transition to planning.
- New An Coimisiún Pleanála governance structure.
- Clearing the extensive planning case backlog.
- Responding to Red 3 Directive timelines.
- Building trust after corporate governance failures.

QUOTES

- Oonagh Buckley said, Look, I really need people to come over to assist this organisation in its time of trouble. - Peter Mullan
- The organisation itself has come an awful long way in three years. - Peter Mullan
- Let's not forget that we're all here to support our 15 commissioners who make their planning decisions at the end of the day. - Peter Mullan

GUEST DETAILS

Peter Mullan is the CEO of An Coimisiún Pleanála, Ireland's national planning body. His career journey is a unique blend of criminal law and senior public service management, including roles in the Office of the DPP and the Department of Justice. Peter has been instrumental in leading extensive reforms and driving the organisation’s culture change.

Connect with the Irish Planning Institute:

- Website: ipi.ie
- Podfollow: podfollow.com/ipi
- Search podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. 

With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." 

Professionals and enthusiasts alike seek to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland.

As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 

Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS
#IrishPlanning #AnCoimisiúnPleanála #PlanningReform #JudicialReview #PlanningTimelines

The planning profession is facing unprecedented change. Immediate adaptation is demanded as urban environments are reshaped by climate pressures, technological disruption, and the urgent need for housing and infrastructure.

This episode tackles these monumental challenges by sharing fresh thinking and practical perspectives on the way forward. The conversation explores major forces driving change: from climate action and infrastructure finance to the role of AI in moving planning's focus from development control to strategic place making.

We are joined by Alice Charles, a Chartered Town Planner and registered member of the Irish Planning Institute. Alice is the Director for Cities, Planning & Design at Arup, where she advises governments and city leaders worldwide on building more resilient, inclusive, and liveable urban environments.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Inclusion motivated early planning studies
Global mega-trends shaping urban development
Financing is essential for infrastructure delivery
Vacancy is the short-term housing crisis leak
Future planners need design and finance skills

QUOTES

When I meet with planners in the Nordics, they focus most of their time on forward planning, on place making, on bringing forward regeneration systems, and particularly with AI. Will we need so many people focused on development control in the future? - Alice Charles

If we are going to bring about change, we've got to demonstrate that it has a return on investment, that it delivers multiple benefits, so our health, our well being, resiliency, as well as admission. -  Alice Charles

 I think what we need to get back to is really focusing on place making. -  Alice Charles

GUEST DETAILS

Alice Charles is a Director for Cities, Planning & Design at Arup, where she focuses on delivering cross-cutting urban strategy projects globally. A Chartered Town Planner, she is an expert in urban strategy and design, having advised governments, international organisations, and city leaders worldwide on creating more resilient, inclusive, and liveable urban environments. Her achievements include leading the World Economic Forum’s cities work for nearly nine years and serving as an external member of the NAMA Planning Advisory Committee.

Connect with the Irish Planning Institute:

Website: ipi.ie

Podfollow: podfollow.com/ipi

Search podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." Professionals and enthusiasts alike seek to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland. As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 

Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

Find out more:
https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS #PlanningFuture #UrbanRegeneration #InfrastructureFinance #ClimateAction #PlaceMaking

The transition to evidence-informed, data-driven planning is a professional necessity, yet many local authorities still face significant challenges in integrating and interpreting spatial data to meet national objectives. 

The effective use of national data infrastructure, visualisation tools, and a new generation of digital skills is required to deliver complex housing, climate, and infrastructure projects across Ireland. This episode explores the power of spatial data, including insights from the National Census Atlas, data storytelling techniques for planners, and the emerging capabilities of Artificial Intelligence in the sector.

Joining host Sean O'Leary is Justin Gleeson, Director of the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University. With extensive experience in GIS and spatial analysis, Justin has spent years helping planners and policymakers leverage data, and was a long-standing Board Member of Ordnance Survey Ireland.

Guest Details

Justin Gleeson is the Director of the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University and Director of People and Place Limited, a planning analytics company, based in Clare, Galway and Maynooth. He is a key leader in the national data infrastructure of Ireland, with core skills in geographical information systems, spatial analysis, and improving public data usage. Justin also served as a Board Member of Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) and is a current member of the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) National Planning Knowledge Group.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Integrating spatial data into plans
Housing delivery data gaps persist
Ireland’s changing demographic age profile
National data resources for planners
AI's new role in planning

QUOTES

Data is very much at the forefront. Even at government department level, or at local authority level, chief executives, they're expecting to see metrics. - Justin Gleeson
The most important thing is coming up with the idea of what's required, and that needs to come from the planning sector, whether it's senior planners or directors of services. - Justin Gleeson
Technology has changed so much in the last number of years... The ability to build these tools is no longer a problem because it's very straightforward. - Justin Gleeson 

Connect with the Irish Planning Institute:

Website: ipi.ie

Podfollow: podfollow.com/ipi

Search podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. 

With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." 
Professionals and enthusiasts alike seek to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland.

As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 

Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

Find out more:

https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS

#SpatialData #IrishPlanning #GISforPlanners #HousingSupply #InfraData

The Irish planning system is navigating one of its most transformative periods, requiring professionals to rapidly implement complex legislative, policy, and institutional changes while tackling the urgent national housing and infrastructure crises. A managed, plan-led transition is essential to maintain a stable, functioning system as the new Planning and Development Act is rolled out alongside aggressive government housing targets.

This episode delves into the practical realities of implementing the Planning and Development Act 2024, the government's focus on residential zoning and judicial review, the new National Planning Statements for critical infrastructure and housing, and the expanding influence of EU policy as Ireland prepares for its 2026 Presidency.

Joining host Dr. Sean O’Leary is Claragh Mulhern, Principal Planning Advisor in the Planning Division at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. With nearly 20 years of experience in both Irish and UK local government, including 11 years with Westminster City Council, Claragh has a central role in preparing and overseeing national planning policy.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Claragh's planning journey and influences.
Phased rollout of the Planning Act 2024.
The urgency of residential zoning updates
Planning's role in critical infrastructure delivery.
Balancing public interest with system efficiency.

QUOTES

It's a consistent approach to decision making, not consistent decisions, you know. - Claragh Mulhern 
We all, I think, need to acknowledge that everything is changing, and we also need to be willing to change and adapt and look at areas for improvement, innovation in efficiency. - Claragh Mulhern 
And it's really, I suppose, that the importance of bringing all of the stakeholders together in a very coordinated approach that looks at prioritising, you know, what is the scale of ambition in these locations and what's required in order to deliver it? - Claragh Mulhern 

GUEST DETAILS

Claragh Mulhern is the Principal Adviser in the Planning Division at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, having worked there since 2019. Previously, she worked in the local government sector in the U.K. for 15 years, including 11 years at Westminster City Council in Central London. Claragh has extensive experience in the preparation of national planning policy, including the National Planning Framework, and advising on Government policy in relation to housing and renewable energy development. She is a Registered Member of the Irish Planning Institute.

Connect with the Irish Planning Institute:
Website: ipi.ie
Podfollow: podfollow.com/ipi
Search podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"

PODCAST HOST DETAILS

Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. 
With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." 
Professionals and enthusiasts alike seek to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland.
As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. 

Find out more: https://ipi.ie/

ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

KEYWORDS

#PlanningAct2024 #IrishPlanning #HousingSupply #CriticalInfrastructure #EUPresidency