The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) — the all-island body for professional planners engaged in physical, spatial and environmental planning in Ireland — has announced the election of four new members as Fellows at the institute’s annual Autumn Planning Conference.

The Government’s grand plan for the future of the country has been branded little more than a “marketing exercise” with most of its promises and a third of its funding previously announced.

Planners have questioned the validity of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan, saying while its promises are welcome, it appears to be focussed on politics instead of focussed on reforms.

THE local authority does more than empty bins and supply water these days – it also hosts weddings.

Amenities and resources in fast-growing commuter towns are lagging behind the needs of the population, it was claimed today.