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

GUEST DETAILS

Steven Matthews serves as Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Irish Rail and brings extensive public policy experience to the conversation. He previously served as a Green Party TD for Wicklow and chaired the Oireachtas Committee on Housing. During his tenure, he oversaw the rigorous drafting and committee scrutiny of major Irish planning legislation.

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.”  As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O’Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession.
 
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.

https://ipi.ie/

The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.io

QUOTES

– That was a colossal piece of legislation. It nearly broke the system. – Steven Matthews
– Planning is probably the most important thing for our county: planning, transport, housing, and you know, climate environment measures. – Steven Matthews
– Planners make decisions based on policy and guidelines that emanate from this house. – Steven Matthews

KEYWORDS: 

#PlanningAndDevelopmentAct #IrishPlanningPolicy #PlanningLawReform #RegionalPlanningStrategy #StrategicRailReview