Irish Planning Reform with Steven Matthews

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