IPI Planners Podcast

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...

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...

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 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 t...

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...

December 2025 marks end of year celebrating Irish Planning Institute's 50th anniversary since founding in 1975 whilst also seeing the conclusion of the current Council term with a range of governance changes including the election of a reshaped Board of Directors.

Gavin Lawlor, completing two year term as IPI President and Director at Tom Phillips Associates with extensive experience in development plans, quarrying, wind farms and Bord Pleanála oral hearings, alongside Philip Jones, past IPI President serving 26 and a quarter years on Council including seven Presidents as Honorary Secretary with 41 year public sector career from W...

Kildare County Council manages nearly 50 settlements whilst doing some of Ireland's "heavy lifting" on housing delivery—but how do you scale that up when planning legislation transforms around you? 

Amy Granville, Senior Planner leading forward planning and heritage, reveals how a 100-person team including Kildare County Council’s first ecologist and urban designer, tackles revised NPF targets through 290-hectare master plans, joint local area plans with neighbouring counties, and heritage-led regeneration. 

From navigating the Planning and Development Act 2024's transition to winning IPI Planning Authority of the Year, discover what makes Kildare "best in class" and wh...

Are you frustrated by delays in crucial climate action and infrastructure delivery? Planning and other consenting processes don't always align and run up against our urgent net-zero targets, leaving developers, communities, and environmentalists at loggerheads over how to balance environmental protection with climate emergency responses in ways that often come to a head in the planning system.

Imagine a streamlined consenting system where environmental protection and renewable energy development work hand in hand from day one. Picture projects that move efficiently through planning while actually enhancing biodiversity, creating win-win outcomes that accelerate Ireland's clean energy t...

In this episode, planning consultant John Spain reflects on over three decades shaping Ireland’s built environment — from the stagnation of the 1980s to the high-speed growth of the Celtic Tiger, and today’s complex challenges around housing, infrastructure, and viability.

Host Seán O’Leary talks with Spain about founding his own practice, navigating major legislative shifts, and why timelines, trust, and viability are now the critical levers in planning. They explore the impact of judicial reviews, investor confidence, and the need for smarter transition policies. Spain also offers grounded advice for those entering the profession today — a...

What is really at the heart of Ireland’s housing crisis? 

Dr Lorcan Sirr joins the Planners Podcast to challenge myths, question quick fixes, and explain why planning is more than just regulations, it’s about building quality communities that work for everyone. 

From the pitfalls of modular homes to the realities of apartment living, Lorcan pulls no punches as he unpacks the policies, politics, and practicalities shaping Ireland’s homes today. 

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

In a truly exclusive event, we're delighted to welcome Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, for her very first podcast appearance!

Oonagh shares invaluable insights into her department's critical work in shaping Ireland's sustainable future including Ireland's leadership in renewable energy integration, the exciting new frontiers in maritime planning, and the strategic vision driving climate action.

Oonagh’s insights offer crucial guidance for planners navigating the evolving landscape of Ireland's environmental and planning policies.

But that's not all.

In a candid conversation, Oonagh also re...

The new 2024 Planning and Development Act marks a major turning point for how planning is done in Ireland—but what does implementing it actually look like in practice?

Today, we’re diving into how the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) is preparing to implement the new Act—from reviewing plans, to more active oversight, and helping embed digital tools and innovation across the system. We also explore the broader work of the OPR, from research to enhancing public awareness and confidence in planning and in resourcing. We also examine the OPR’s role in ensuring the Act deli...

As the Planning and Development Act 2024 rolls out, professionals across the sector are asking whether the new legal framework truly delivers on efficiency, environmental protection, and judicial review. 

Today, we dive into the tensions between reform and reality, and explore the implications for planners, developers, communities, and legal practitioners alike. We explore the challenges posed by limited resources in implementing the reforms, along with looking at how the legislation aligns with broader climate and environmental goals, identifying areas of progress as well as aspects that may require further attention or amendment.

Our expert guest is a...

Ireland’s planning system is undergoing a major transformation, but with a 906-page Planning and Development Act 2024, navigating these changes can feel overwhelming. 

This episode breaks down the complexities and explores what the future holds for planning in Ireland. We examine the most significant updates, including streamlined development management, revised exempted development regulations, and the introduction of a Planning Commissioner. We also discuss the evolving role of Strategic Development Zones and Urban Development Zones, as well as the crucial resourcing challenges in the sector. 

Our expert guest has over 30 years’ experience in planning and development and ha...

Constantly evolving regulations and best practices can make it hard to plan.

The April, the Irish Planning Institute launches a new podcast for professional planners working in government, private practice and others who want to be kept informed on changes in planning thought, law and practice.

Our first episode breaks down the complexities of the new Planning Act and explores what the future holds for planning in Ireland. We examine the most significant updates, including streamlined development management, revised exempted development regulations, and the introduction of a Planning Commissioner. 

Our expert guest Paul H...