Inside the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

In a truly exclusive event, we're delighted to welcome Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, for her very first podcast appearance!Oonagh shares invaluable insights into her department's critical work in shaping Ireland's sustainable future including Ireland's leadership in renewable energy integration, the exciting new frontiers in maritime planning, and the strategic vision driving climate action.Oonagh’s insights offer crucial guidance for planners navigating the evolving landscape of Ireland's environmental and planning policies.But that's not all. In a candid conversation, Oonagh also reflects on her pivotal and challenging tenure as Interim Chair of An Bord Pleanála at one of its most difficult times in its history.Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how she tackled the significant issues, rebuilt trust, and implemented crucial reforms that have set the course for the planning system today.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTThe role of the recently renamed Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Maritime planning and responsibilitiesWriting and implementing the Planning and Development Act 2000 and its ongoing influence on the new Planning and Development Act 2024.Strategic Infrastructure Development LegislationGovernance and Structural Changes and exactly what constitutes “good governance”Planning System and Renewable Energy GoalsGrid Investment and ResilienceJudicial Review and Planning GuidelinesRenewables, the electricity grid, climate resilience and adaptationOonagh’s pivotal appointment and challenging tenure as interim Chair of An Bord Pleanála during one of its most difficult times in history.The transition of An Bord Pleanála to An Coimisiún PleanálaGUEST DETAILS Oonagh Buckley is the Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.Her extensive experience includes playing a pivotal role in shaping the legislative landscape that Irish planners navigate daily.Notably, Oonagh was instrumental in drafting the foundational Planning and Development Act 2000 and its associated regulations which continue to influence planning in Ireland and inform the new Planning and Development Act 2024.Throughout her career, Oonagh has held senior positions across various key government departments. Prior to her current role, she served as Deputy Secretary General in the Department of Justice, with responsibility for civil justice matters including immigration, courts, and civil and family law. She also served as Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission and held senior roles in the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform, Environment (where she worked on planning policy and wildlife conservation), and Foreign Affairs. Her leadership was further demonstrated as the interim Chair of An Bord Pleanála during one of its most challenging periods, showcasing her deep understanding and steady hand in the Irish planning system. Oonagh's broad expertise across diverse policy areas underscores her invaluable contribution to public service and to the crucial intersection of policy and practice in Ireland.https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/https://ie.linkedin.com/in/oonaghbuckleydgwrc PODCAST HOST DETAILSDr. 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." His insights are invaluable for 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. Through his work with the IPI and his engaging contributions to the podcast, he helps to demystify planning concepts, explore current challenges, and highlight innovative solutions. His authoritative presence significantly enhances the podcast's value, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the future of planning in Ireland.https://ipi.ie/https://ie.linkedin.com/company/irish-planning-institute MORE INFORMATIONIPI Planners Podcast is produced by DustPod.ioABOUT 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.As the publisher of "The Planners' Podcast," the Irish Planning Institute demonstrates its commitment to fostering informed discussion and professional development. The IPI actively works to raise planning standards, articulate expert opinion, contribute to planning education, and promote environmental awareness. By providing a platform for leading voices like Dr. Sean O'Leary MIPI, the IPI ensures that its podcast remains a leading resource for insights into Irish planning policy, challenges, and future directions.Find out more:https://ipi.ie/https://ie.linkedin.com/company/irish-planning-institute QUOTES FROM OONAGH BUCKLEY IN THIS EPISODE It doesn’t surprise me that our system is creaking at the seamsThe jurisprudence around administrative bodies taking decisions is that they have to give reasons. And just as the law has got more complex, the reasoning has got more complex.The planning system has just got incredibly complex. I do feel sorry for the individuals, both at local authority level and board level, who have to go through all of this materialIf you're getting planning permission or you're being refused planning permission as an individual, you need to know the core reasons for that.Consents only move at the speed of the narrowest bit of the pike.I’d been watching with a great deal of concern, the stories coming out of the board The national planning framework includes quite a lot of language around renewable energyWe'll be working very hard to try and ensure that we have a very robust sectoral adaptation plan for the energy side…Storm Éowyn is Exhibit A as to why we need it.  KEYWORDS<...