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 ABOUT

Planning is a cognitive, creative process

DFI's central leadership role explained

Improving efficiency via the planning programme

Complexity challenges and judicial process

Cross-border professional learning and growth

QUOTES

Good planning is fundamentally a cognitive discipline before it becomes a technical one. - Philip McGowan

The thing that really attracts me to planning is there is something for everyone. - Rosemary Daly