IPI Planners Podcast

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