Show Notes
The transition to evidence-informed, data-driven planning is a professional necessity, yet many local authorities still face significant challenges in integrating and interpreting spatial data to meet national objectives. The effective use of national data infrastructure, visualisation tools, and a new generation of digital skills is required to deliver complex housing, climate, and infrastructure projects across Ireland. This episode explores the power of spatial data, including insights from the National Census Atlas, data storytelling techniques for planners, and the emerging capabilities of Artificial Intelligence in the sector. Joining host Sean O'Leary is Justin Gleeson, Director of the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University. With extensive experience in GIS and spatial analysis, Justin has spent years helping planners and policymakers leverage data, and was a long-standing Board Member of Ordnance Survey Ireland. Guest Details Justin Gleeson is the Director of the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University and Director of People and Place Limited, a planning analytics company, based in Clare, Galway and Maynooth. He is a key leader in the national data infrastructure of Ireland, with core skills in geographical information systems, spatial analysis, and improving public data usage. Justin also served as a Board Member of Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) and is a current member of the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) National Planning Knowledge Group. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Integrating spatial data into plans Housing delivery data gaps persist Ireland’s changing demographic age profile National data resources for planners AI's new role in planning QUOTES Data is very much at the forefront. Even at government department level, or at local authority level, chief executives, they're expecting to see metrics. - Justin Gleeson The most important thing is coming up with the idea of what's required, and that needs to come from the planning sector, whether it's senior planners or directors of services. - Justin Gleeson Technology has changed so much in the last number of years... The ability to build these tools is no longer a problem because it's very straightforward. - Justin Gleeson 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 #SpatialData #IrishPlanning #GISforPlanners #HousingSupply #InfraData
More from IPI Planners Podcast
The Planning and Development Act 2024 represents one of the most significant reforms of Ireland's planning system in a generation. As policymakers, practitioners and communities prepare for its full implementation, important questions remain about how planning can support housing delivery, infrastructure investment, environmental objectives and meaningful public participation. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the legislation, the realities of planning policymaking, and the opportunities and challenges associated with planning reform. Steven Matthews joins the podcast as a former Green Party TD, former Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and current Stakeholder Engagement Manager with Iarnród Éireann, offering insights from both the policy and implementation perspectives. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT - Background and career path in planning and politics - The legislative journey of the planning reform bill - Managing intense committee stages and massive amendments - Addressing judicial review and community participation balances - Integrating strategic rail review with spatial planning objectives
Shape Future Episodes: Share your topic and guest suggestions for the podcast via our short listener feedback form. Achieving balanced regional development depends on aligning national policy with regional and local priorities and ensuring effective delivery on the ground. In this episode, Tanya Whyte MIPI, Assistant Director and Senior Planner with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, joins host Dr Seán O'Leary MIPI to discuss the role of regional planning in shaping sustainable growth and investment. At a time of significant legislative change, evolving regional population targets and the need to embed ambitious national climate action commitments in regional and local policy, Tanya explores how regional planning can translate national ambitions into practical outcomes. Drawing on more than 30 years' experience across local authority planning, enterprise development and regional planning, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities involved in delivering balanced and sustainable growth across Ireland. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT Career transitions from local authority to regional assembly Strategic coordination roles of Irish regional assemblies Translating the national planning framework into local development plans Balancing rural population growth and urban development targets Designing smart regional policy objectives for effective monitoring
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