Liam Conneally: Galway County Council Leadership

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 governmentTHINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTCareer path into senior leadershipImplementing Planning and Development ActFront loading pre planning processesBalancing municipal district needsFuture of 10 year plansQUOTESPlanners 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 ConneallyThe 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 ConneallyWe 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 ConneallyGUEST DETAILSLiam 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.iePodfollow: podfollow.com/ipiSearch podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"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." 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 INSTITUTEThe 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.ioKEYWORDS #PlanningReform #UrbanStrategy #LocalGovernance #InfrastructureDelivery #StrategicPlanning