Are you frustrated by delays in crucial climate action and infrastructure delivery? Planning and other consenting processes don’t always align and run up against our urgent net-zero targets, leaving developers, communities, and environmentalists at loggerheads over how to balance environmental protection with climate emergency responses in ways that often come to a head in the planning system.

Imagine a streamlined consenting system where environmental protection and renewable energy development work hand in hand from day one. Picture projects that move efficiently through planning while actually enhancing biodiversity, creating win-win outcomes that accelerate Ireland’s clean energy transition without compromising the natural environment you want to protect.

Pamela Harty from MKO, one of Ireland’s leading planning and environmental consultancy with over 220 specialists across Galway and Dublin offices, has the insider knowledge on navigating these complex challenges.

Her team works directly with the intersection of ecology, planning law, and renewable development, giving her unique insights into recent legislative changes like the Planning and Development Act 2024 and the resource challenges facing statutory bodies like NPWS that directly impact your projects.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Ireland’s renewable and housing targets clash 
• Early ecologist integration prevents project delays 
• Speed vs. robust environmental assessment balance 
• Planning Development Act 2024 impacts 
• Housing project challenges and opportunities 
• Developing junior planners at MKO

GUEST DETAILS

Pamela Harty is a Project Director with over 14 years of experience in both private practice and local authorities. Pamela leads the Housing and Public Infrastructure team within MKO. A chartered member of both the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Pamela has project managed a range of strategy and development projects across Ireland and the UK. 

Pamela has extensive experience in strategic planning, regeneration, residential development, statutory plan preparation, environmental impact assessment, community engagement, urban design and masterplanning. Within MKO, Pamela plays a prominent role in the management and confidence building of junior staff members.

QUOTES

• Nature doesn’t recognize boundaries. Think beyond your red line. – Pamela Harty
• Get ecologists involved early. Shape design from day one . – Pamela Harty
• A planner’s main skill? Being a good communicator. – Pamela Harty
• Planning and Development Act 2024: 25+ years’ biggest overhaul, streamlines planning with mandatory decision times for consenting bodies. – Pamela Hardy
• One of the key challenges is keeping environmental assessments meaningful rather than just a tick box exercise at the end of the process. – Pamela Harty

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.

KEYWORDS

#Renewable Energy Targets #Housing Delivery #Environmental Assessments #Planning and Development Act 2024 #Planning Resource Challenges