Looking into the future for Ireland's planning needs

By Tommy Barker

The Department of the Environment and Local Government, along with the RIAI, host the National Housing Conference 2003 in Limerick University concert hall from May 14 to May 16.

The opening address will be given by the Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Noel Ahern TD.

The Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Martin Cullen TD, will give a key note address at the conference dinner and will also present the RIAI Silver Medal for Housing.

It will draw on a range of national and international speakers with the chance of delegate involvement through parallel workshops and discussion sessions.

Speakers include Des Dowling, Assistant Secretary, Housing Division in the Department of the Environment; Toal O Muire, Partner, OMS Architects and President of RIAI, and Tony Reddy, Anthony Reddy Associates, Architects & Urban Designers.

Meanwhile, with Spanish architects having an input into Irish cities (Beth Gali in Cork, engineer Calatrava in Dublin and IMOS in Waterford), the work of renowned Spanish planner and city designer, Ildefons Cerdá is to get Irish exposure.

He is largely credited for giving Barcelona its appealing human face and interface and the exhibition will demonstrate why the Spaniard's revolutionary solutions for a growing European metropolis remain relevant 140 years after they were drawn.

To complement the weekdays exhibition (admission free). at the Atrium, 51 Stephen's Green, a one-day seminar, Seeding Cities, will be held at the Urban Institute, University College Dublin this coming Saturday, May 10.

Details: Architectural Association of Ireland. Tel: [phone]