The second day (Friday 11th) of the National Planning Conference in Limerick organised by the Irish Planning Institute will hear from Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O’Sullivan TD and include a panel debate marking the 50th anniversary of the legislation which introduced the modern Irish planning system. Debate panelists include Dr. Mary Kelly, chairperson of An Bord Pleanala, Conor Skehan, chairman of the Housing Agency and Ian Lumley, An Taisce.

In an address to delegates Friday morning Minister O’Sullivan will say “Planners have traditionally involved the carefully assessment of specific proposals while ensuring that the wider needs of the local economy and communities are being addressed in a way that takes on board the longer term interests.

Yet, our planning system needs to further evolve;

Certainty is becoming more and more important – in this regard, the forward planning process needs to be clear in the objectives being set so that public and private sector investors have greater certainty to inform their investment strategies;

The economic dimension to planning is being strengthened through the proposed Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and their linkages with the local statutory development plans;

Place-making is being increasingly seen as an essential part of creating a sustainable future in all its economic and social dimensions and the Government regards the planning system as playing the pivotal role in that place-making process.

As the planning system evolves, I believe that the role and skillsets of planners also need to evolve. Planning must not be a box ticking exercise, but be capable of blending its many constituent parts into a compelling overview of the ways forward through our present difficulties and future challenges.

I know that the Irish Planning Institute is committed to ongoing change and professional development and I look forward to working closely with them as planning plays an increasingly vital role in the economic and social development of our island.”

In advance of a panel debate discussing fifty years since the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act came into effect in 1964, Irish Planning Institute President Mary Crowley said “There is no doubt that the planning system has enabled and regulated good development throughout the country and has provided critical infrastructure and facilities. From the unique independent third party appeals process operated by An Bord Pleanála to the recent national planning awards which showed how planning can make an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in urban and rural parts of Ireland, there have been significant innovations in Irish planning. However in the future the Irish planning system needs to be not only strategic but also efficient, accountable and transparent by providing the market with confidence and certainty through sound, evidence based reasons for its land use planning decisions.”

According to Crowley “This Institute has long held the view that the Government should issue a planning policy statement, which should provide a clear roadmap for the spatial planning of the country for a medium term timeframe, i.e. five to ten years.  Developing a sound statutory successor to the National Spatial Strategy must also be a priority.”

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