Northern Ireland Planning System Insights

The planning system is often perceived as complex and adversarial, presenting barriers to development and public satisfaction. Success requires overcoming these challenges by embedding continuous improvement and promoting a culture where planners act as facilitators, not barriers.This episode explores the Department for Infrastructure’s (DFI) central role in setting strategic direction and its priorities, including the Planning Improvement Programme and the complex timeline for Local Development Plans. We discuss the increasing legislative complexity, resourcing, and the potential for mutual learning through cross-border collaboration.Host Sean O'Leary is joined by Rosemary Daly, Northern Ireland’s Chief Planner, and Philip McGowan, Joint Head of Regional Planning Policy with the Department for Infrastructure.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTPlanning is a cognitive, creative processDFI's central leadership role explainedImproving efficiency via the planning programmeComplexity challenges and judicial processCross-border professional learning and growthQUOTESGood planning is fundamentally a cognitive discipline before it becomes a technical one. - Philip McGowanThe thing that really attracts me to planning is there is something for everyone. - Rosemary DalyI see planning, especially policy planning, as a creative, deep thinking cognitive process. - Philip McGowanThe big takeaway for me is the more we work together, the better we will achieve in the world of planning. - Rosemary DalyGUEST DETAILSRosemary Daly is Chief Planner and Director of Regional Planning, Governance, and Legislation at the Department for Infrastructure (DFI). She has almost thirty years of planning experience, including private consultancy and eighteen years as a commissioner at the Planned Appeals Commission. Her skills include insight into development delivery and a passion for planning's link to community. Philip McGowan is a Principal Planner and Joint Head of Regional Planning Policy at DFI. He is a policy expert, instrumental in delivering the Strategic Planning Policy Statement and creating new policy for safeguarding established residential areas.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 #NorthernIreland #PlanningReform #PolicyPlanning #CrossBorder #PublicInterest