IPI Planners Podcast

• 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.ieQUOTESThey'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.ieQUOTESOne 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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• Navigating Ireland’s Biggest Planning Reform: What You Need to Know

  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 has played a central role in shaping Ireland’s planning framework. Joining us is Assistant Secretary in the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Paul Hogan.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTOverhauling Ireland’s planning system to modernize and streamlineKey legislative changes and their impact Strategic Development and Urban Development Zones Judicial reviews, governance, and planning oversightResourcing the future of planning through recruitment, training and technologyGUEST DETAILSPaul Hogan has been Head of the Planning Division at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage since January 2023. He has more than 30 years’ experience of working in planning and development in Ireland and the UK.The Planning Division’s key responsibility is to ensure that the appropriate strategic policy and legislative planning framework is in place to promote sustainable economic growth and balanced regional development, while ensuring environmental protection.His previous roles at the Department of Housing include Principal Adviser and Senior Adviser. Prior to joining the Department in 2015, Paul was Senior Planner at South Dublin County Council for more than 10 years. While there he led the development of the Adamstown Strategic Development Zone and also initiated the development of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).Paul previously worked in local Government at Kildare and Meath County Councils and in private sector consultancy for 5 years, both in Ireland and the UK. He has a Master of Regional and Urban Planning degree from UCD (1992) and recently completed a higher diploma in Organisational Change and Transformation, also at UCD. He is a Fellow of the Irish Planning Institute.https://ie.linkedin.com/in/paul-hogan-737673253MORE INFORMATIONFind out more at ipi.ie QUOTESIt needed to be consolidated and modernized to reflect all that's happened since. - Paul Hogan  I think if we look at planning as trying to get the best outcome for society, and being focused on the decision or the plan to give a good outcome. - Paul Hogan  If we are to operate a national planning system of different levels, it does need to be capable of interpretation. If you do the right thing, you will get a reasonable output. - Paul Hogan  The real benefit of it is that it enables a center of excellence and pooling of expertise approach. - Paul Hogan  We felt that the most effective thing to do to provide that assurance of the system was to establish an advisory board. - Paul Hogan  There is always the need to reflect and learn about what's gone before. - Paul Hogan  KEYWORDS#PlanningandDevelopmentAct2024 #judicialreview #development #planning #environmentalegulation #legislation #NationalPlanningFramework #urbandevelopmentzones 

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• Planners' Podcast Trailer

  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 Hogan played a central role in shaping Ireland’s planning framework, in his position as Assistant Secretary in the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage.The episode is available for IPI members right now at ipi.ie and will be here for you on Apple, Spotify or Youtube from April 21. Click ‘Follow’ to join the Planners Podcast and get new episodes as soon as they are released and visit the IPI website for extended resources and CPD opportunities that complement each episode.The brand new ‘Planners Podcast’ from the Irish Planning Institute. Click ‘Follow’ to hear our keynote first episode this April 21st.

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