Putting Town Centres First

In this Episode, Alison speaks to Jamie McNamara from SPAB. Jamie shares insights into the Heritage sector in Scotland, and the differences between it and the Irish model. Jamie talks about conservation and repurposing systems in Scotland and how they compare to Ireland’s. The two discuss the role of the Irish Diaspora in advancing the conservation sector and industry in Ireland. Jamie calls for a national taskforce for a renaissance of traditional skill sin Ireland.   Jamie also speaks about the City Heritage Trusts in Scottish Cities and their funding and benefits, and potential outcomes of the Irish-Scottish bi-lateral agreement in terms of learning from our peers.   Heritage sector generated over £4bn for Scotland’s economy in 2017-18 Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) This podcast is supported by The Heritage Council. 

In this Episode, Alison speaks to Mark Dearey former Senator and LA Councillor, and current Chair of Dundalk Business Improvement District (BID). Mark speaks about his historic connection to, and passion for, Dundalk Town Centre, and his ongoing involvement in Dundalk BID. Mark discusses why BIDs are under-developed and under-supported in the Republic of Ireland compared to other EU Member States. The two speak about the Dundalk CTCHC Report (2019) and how it has helped by providing a quantitative and qualitative baseline analysis for the town centre in terms of vacancy rates, occupancy rates, footfall, and how residents feel about the town. Mark also highlights how the CTCHC process brought together people from different backgrounds, along with the observations from a Dutch Delegation of Provinces who visited for the Dundalk CTCHC Report’s ministerial launch.    The two discuss the need to reuse existing building stock, the renovation wave in Europe, and the Bauhaus philosophy of sustainable urban living.    Dundalk Town Centre Health Check Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006 This podcast is supported by the Heritage Council. 

In this episode, Alison speaks to Nicki Matthews, who is a Senior Architect in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and a former conservation officer. Nicki speaks passionately about the need to enable, repurpose and unlock the potential of our vacant built heritage and building stock in town centres. Nicki talks about the heritage-led revitalisation strategy of Dublin’s Aungier Street, and the emerging National Policy on Architecture. The two discuss European policies that could be exemplars for town centre management and renewal in Ireland, and Nicki highlights the setting up of the inter-departmental town centre first working group, the importance of collaboration and working in a holistic way with multidisciplinary teams at all levels to achieve joined up thinking and planning.   Working with an Older Building RIAI launches Town and Village Toolkit to support the revitalisation of Irish towns as great places to live and work This podcast is supported by the Heritage Council. 

In this episode, Alison speaks to Ian Talbot, CEO of Chambers Ireland. Ian shares the history and heritage of the organisation, an insight into their work and their focus on town centre renewal, and the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11, which supports Sustainable Cities and Communities. Ian highlights the need for a Department of the Taoiseach-led National Task Force or Working Group to design and implement the Programme for Government’s Town Centre First Policy at the highest level, as he feels that town centres cover all aspects of Irish society and the economy. Ian also talks about the importance of ‘livable towns’, and the need for a National Urban Living Initiative. The two discuss the increase of Irish retail SMEs now trading online, and Ian gives sound advice on how to support the economy, our historic town centres and how to shop responsibly this Christmas, while still staying safe.    Places Matter- Chamber Guide to Best Practice in Local Economic Development     Sustainable Cities and Communities  This podcast is supported by the Heritage Council.