IPI Planners Podcast

• Permission & Progress: John Spain on Irish Planning

  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 — and a candid view on what it will take to actually meet Ireland’s housing targets.Whether you’re in public or private practice, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants a clear-eyed view of planning in Ireland: where it’s been, and where it needs to go.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT·       What viability really means in a planning context – and why it matters·       How delays and uncertainty scare off investment ·       Why housing permissions aren’t translating into homes ·       The quiet infrastructure issues no one’s fixing ·       What it takes to build — and sustain — a planning practice·       Planning through legislative change and goalpost shifts GUEST DETAILSJohn Spain is the founder of JSA and now holds the role of Consultant at JSA having held the position of Managing Director until March 2025.John has over thirty years of experience in planning and development in Ireland and the UK. In that time he has represented a large number of private and public sector clients and has been involved in a wide range of diverse projects. Prior to establishing JSA, John was Associate Director of Hillier Parker, a leading UK firm of chartered surveyors and planning consultants. John has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies from Trinity College Dublin and a Master’s Degree in Regional and Urban Planning from University College Dublin.John is a past president and Fellow of the Irish Planning Institute and a current Council Member of Property Industry Ireland. He is also a Member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors and the Royal Town Planning Institute. John is also a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.  QUOTESViability is a critical issue. And if planners want to achieve their objectives — which is to meet their housing needs — you have to consider viability. – John SpainTimelines are everything. Investors can deal with a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ — but what they can’t deal with is not knowing when. – John SpainAt the peak, we had 82,000 housing units applied for. Now we’re down to 46,000 — and we need to double that just to meet our targets – John SpainPolicy change is necessary, but you can’t keep moving the goalposts mid-game. That’s when confidence breaks down – John SpainWe don’t have a delivery mechanism for the small stuff — the road, the pipe, the access — and that’s what’s stalling entire developments – John Spain  PODCAST HOST DETAILSDr. 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." His insights are invaluable for 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. Through his work with the IPI and his engaging contributions to the podcast, he helps to demystify planning concepts, explore current challenges, and highlight innovative solutions. His authoritative presence significantly enhances the podcast's value, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the future of planning in Ireland.Find out more: https://ipi.ie/ ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTEThe 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.As the publisher of "The Planners' Podcast," the Irish Planning Institute demonstrates its commitment to fostering informed discussion and professional development. The IPI actively works to raise planning standards, articulate expert opinion, contribute to planning education, and promote environmental awareness. By providing a platform for leading voices like Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI, the IPI ensures that its podcast remains a leading resource for insights into Irish planning policy, challenges, and future directions.Find out more:https://ipi.ie/The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

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• Homes Not Hype. The Planners Challenge

  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 ABOUTWhy tearing up the planning rulebook won’t fix Ireland’s housing crisis but what mightThe real story behind modular homes—are they a solution or just a sign we’re out of ideas?Are Irish people truly allergic to apartment living? Lorcan busts some long-standing housing mythsWho wins with build-to-rent—and who gets left behind?Is Dublin really broken? What’s gone wrong, what’s gotten better, and what no one wants to talk about GUEST DETAILSLorcan Sirr is an academic with over 20 years’ teaching and research experience. As a senior lecturer his areas of expertise include housing, planning and development, research methods and policy evaluation and he is also Visiting Professor of Housing in the Faculty of Law in the Universitat Rovira I Virgilii, Tarragona, Spain and at the University of Galway. Lorcan was previously the Head of the Futures Academy and Faculty Head of Research. Lorcan has taught students from certificate to PhD level and has supervised over 50 MSc theses and several PhDs. His lectures, workshops and projects are contemporaneous in nature, dealing with relevant real-world issues in property, housing, planning and research. Lorcan is a board member of the Irish Refugee Council and Fire Station Artists’ Studios. He is also a former Sunday Times columnist and still writes for many publications, including The Irish Times and Irish Independent, as well as being author of various books on housing.https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorcansirr/ QUOTESIf you want some degree of quality in your housing, then planning is central to the delivery of housing…- Dr Lorcan SirrYou could deliver housing all day long with no planning system at all… but would you want to live in it? - Dr Lorcan SirrSo, at a higher level, I think ideas like this are, you know, simplistic nonsense in a way. What’s worrying is the political acceptance and how much traction that story got. - - Dr Lorcan SirrMy first house that I ever bought was an apartment, and I’ve lived in apartments all over Europe. There’s no problem, in theory, with living in apartments. But we’ve shot ourselves in the foot in a couple of ways. - Dr Lorcan SirrThe only people who know how much it costs to build an apartment are the people who are building apartments—and they’re not going to tell you. - Dr Lorcan SirrThe idea that we would allow people to build anything they want in the back gardens as homes is kind of nonsense… To provide services, you need to know who’s living where. - Dr Lorcan SirrPODCAST HOST DETAILSDr. 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." His insights are invaluable for 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. Through his work with the IPI and his engaging contributions to the podcast, he helps to demystify planning concepts, explore current challenges, and highlight innovative solutions. His authoritative presence significantly enhances the podcast's value, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the future of planning in Ireland.Find out more: https://ipi.ie/ ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTEThe 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.As the publisher of "The Planners' Podcast," the Irish Planning Institute demonstrates its commitment to fostering informed discussion and professional development. The IPI actively works to raise planning standards, articulate expert opinion, contribute to planning education, and promote environmental awareness. By providing a platform for leading voices like Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI, the IPI ensures that its podcast remains a leading resource for insights into Irish planning policy, challenges, and future directions.Find out more:https://ipi.ie/The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io KEYWORDS#HousingCrisis #UrbanPlanning #IrishHousing #BuildToRent #PlanningMatters #ModularHomes

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• Inside the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

  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 reflects on her pivotal and challenging tenure as Interim Chair of An Bord Pleanála at one of its most difficult times in its history.Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how she tackled the significant issues, rebuilt trust, and implemented crucial reforms that have set the course for the planning system today.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTThe role of the recently renamed Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Maritime planning and responsibilitiesWriting and implementing the Planning and Development Act 2000 and its ongoing influence on the new Planning and Development Act 2024.Strategic Infrastructure Development LegislationGovernance and Structural Changes and exactly what constitutes “good governance”Planning System and Renewable Energy GoalsGrid Investment and ResilienceJudicial Review and Planning GuidelinesRenewables, the electricity grid, climate resilience and adaptationOonagh’s pivotal appointment and challenging tenure as interim Chair of An Bord Pleanála during one of its most difficult times in history.The transition of An Bord Pleanála to An Coimisiún PleanálaGUEST DETAILS Oonagh Buckley is the Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.Her extensive experience includes playing a pivotal role in shaping the legislative landscape that Irish planners navigate daily.Notably, Oonagh was instrumental in drafting the foundational Planning and Development Act 2000 and its associated regulations which continue to influence planning in Ireland and inform the new Planning and Development Act 2024.Throughout her career, Oonagh has held senior positions across various key government departments. Prior to her current role, she served as Deputy Secretary General in the Department of Justice, with responsibility for civil justice matters including immigration, courts, and civil and family law. She also served as Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission and held senior roles in the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform, Environment (where she worked on planning policy and wildlife conservation), and Foreign Affairs. Her leadership was further demonstrated as the interim Chair of An Bord Pleanála during one of its most challenging periods, showcasing her deep understanding and steady hand in the Irish planning system. Oonagh's broad expertise across diverse policy areas underscores her invaluable contribution to public service and to the crucial intersection of policy and practice in Ireland.https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/https://ie.linkedin.com/in/oonaghbuckleydgwrc PODCAST HOST DETAILSDr. 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." His insights are invaluable for 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. Through his work with the IPI and his engaging contributions to the podcast, he helps to demystify planning concepts, explore current challenges, and highlight innovative solutions. His authoritative presence significantly enhances the podcast's value, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the future of planning in Ireland.https://ipi.ie/https://ie.linkedin.com/company/irish-planning-institute MORE INFORMATIONIPI Planners Podcast is produced by DustPod.ioABOUT 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.As the publisher of "The Planners' Podcast," the Irish Planning Institute demonstrates its commitment to fostering informed discussion and professional development. The IPI actively works to raise planning standards, articulate expert opinion, contribute to planning education, and promote environmental awareness. By providing a platform for leading voices like Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI, the IPI ensures that its podcast remains a leading resource for insights into Irish planning policy, challenges, and future directions.Find out more:https://ipi.ie/https://ie.linkedin.com/company/irish-planning-institute QUOTES FROM OONAGH BUCKLEY IN THIS EPISODE It doesn’t surprise me that our system is creaking at the seamsThe jurisprudence around administrative bodies taking decisions is that they have to give reasons. And just as the law has got more complex, the reasoning has got more complex.The planning system has just got incredibly complex. I do feel sorry for the individuals, both at local authority level and board level, who have to go through all of this materialIf you're getting planning permission or you're being refused planning permission as an individual, you need to know the core reasons for that.Consents only move at the speed of the narrowest bit of the pike.I’d been watching with a great deal of concern, the stories coming out of the board The national planning framework includes quite a lot of language around renewable energyWe'll be working very hard to try and ensure that we have a very robust sectoral adaptation plan for the energy side…Storm Éowyn is Exhibit A as to why we need it.  KEYWORDS<...

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• New Planning Act: The Regulator's Role

  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 delivers real, practical improvements across Ireland’s planning landscape.Joining us to unpack these changes is Niall Cussen, Chief Executive and Planning Regulator at the OPR, who brings over 30 years of experience in Irish planning. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT● The OPR’s role under the new legislation● Tackling inconsistencies between development plans and the revised National Planning Framework● How digitisation could improve customer service and plan-making efficiency● Transparency, resourcing and updated planning fees● Research and training for long-term system improvementGUEST DETAILSNiall Cussen is the Chief Executive and Planning Regulator at Ireland's Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). Appointed as the country's first Planning Regulator, Cussen leads the OPR in overseeing the effective delivery of planning services by Ireland's 31 local authorities and An Bord Pleanála, ensuring alignment with national and regional policies, and promoting public awareness and research in planning matters. Before his current role, Cussen served as Chief Planner at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government from July 2014, having joined the department in January 2000. His earlier career includes planning positions with Clare, Meath, and Dublin City Councils, as well as with An Bord Pleanála. Cussen holds degrees in economics and geography from Maynooth University, a Master's in Regional and Urban Planning from University College Dublin, and a diploma in Environmental Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. He is a Fellow and former President of the Irish Planning Institute. https://ie.linkedin.com/in/niall-cussen-82313a28 MORE INFORMATIONFind out more at ipi.ieIPI Planners Podcast is produced by DustPod.io QUOTESThey're good debates, and they happen within an open and transparent process. - Niall CussenEvery day is a school day in the planning process. We're always dealing with new challenges or new missions that are important from a social or public or political perspective. - Niall CussenThe planning system is very much a late comer to the digital way of doing things. - Niall CussenIt’s really, really important that the planning function is appropriately resourced. - Niall Cussen Notwithstanding the fact there are things that are not quite right, and we have to do better into the future, I take a lot of comfort from where we've come from. - Niall Cussen KEYWORDS#Planning #system #resourcing #nationalplanningframework #development #legislation #innovation, #localauthorities

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• What the Planning Act Got Right - and Wrong

  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 an experienced litigator with particular expertise in planning, environment and public law. It’s a pleasure to welcome Partner at Philip Lee and Chairperson of the Law Society’s Environmental and Planning Law Committee, Rachel Minch, to the podcast. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTWhere the new legislation fits within Ireland’s evolving planning frameworkStreamlined consent processes and land use planning A critical look at the Act’s failure to address key judicial review issuesImplementation challenges and resourcing gaps How the Act aligns (or doesn’t) with environmental protection and climate change goalsGUEST DETAILSRachel Minch is an experienced litigator with particular expertise in planning, environment and public law. She also advises public and private sector clients on non-contentious issues in these areas.Rachel has handled the defence of numerous judicial reviews of decisions relating to the planning and licensing of development including strategic transport, waste and energy infrastructure.She is Chairperson of the Law Society Environmental and Planning Law Practice Committee and a Council member of the Irish Environmental Law Association.https://ie.linkedin.com/in/rachel-minch-b274424 MORE INFORMATIONFind out more at ipi.ieIPI Planners Podcast is produced by DustPod.ioQUOTESOne of the main concerns across the board is the new judicial review provisions, and in particular, those relating to standing and costs. - Rachel Minch I think we're seeing an interesting evolution in case law. - Rachel MinchIt's very difficult to see how developers would take the risk of having to commence their development, but then also being drawn into this very complex process with an uncertain outcome. - Rachel MinchI think in circumstances where the scope of it's been broadened, it's important that there should be some ability for the public to be involved in the process. - Rachel MinchClimate change hasn't been taken fully by the horns yet in relation to the act. - Rachel MinchKEYWORDS#PlanningandDevelopmentAct2024 #judicialreview #environmentallaw #climatechange #development #landuse #infrastructure

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