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 ABOUT

• Overhauling Ireland’s planning system to modernize and streamline
• Key legislative changes and their impact
• Strategic Development and Urban Development Zones
• Judicial reviews, governance, and planning oversight
• Resourcing the future of planning through recruitment, training and technology

GUEST DETAILS

Paul 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-737673253

MORE INFORMATION

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QUOTES

It 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