Colin buchanan

Our Irish presence originated when Colin Buchanan was commissioned by the UN and Irish Government to prepare a report entitled ‘Regional Studies in Ireland’ published in 1968. The report was commissioned due to concern over the very high levels of out migration, at that time. This report represented the first real attempt at developing regional development policies. The concept of growth centres was introduced for the first time and the Government in a statement on the Buchanan Report indicated that the growth centre approach would be considered in the context of proposals for regional development generally. This led to the establishment of the Regional Development Organisations, (RDOs). The establishment of Regional Development Organisations in 1968/1969 gave formal recognition for the first time to regions. The RDOs were given responsibility for coordination at regional level and to provide advice to Government in relation to regional planning and development and investment needs. Regional reports were prepared and strategies developed for each of the nine planning regions based on their overall development needs. The Industrial Development Act of 1969 gave the IDA a formal statutory regional remit and led to the development of Regional Industrial Plans, 1973-1977.

We were delighted to accept the award for Omagh Towards a Vision 2025 Regeneration Project as well as being shortlisted for Shankill Road Community Regeneration and Mallow Town and Environs Recreational Infrastructure Audit at the 2009 Irish Planning Institute Awards.

Recent news includes:

• Daniel Libeskind has been appointed to chair the design panel of the Andersonstown Gateway International Design Competion in Belfast. The competition was a leading recommendation of CB’s feasibility report for the site prepared for the Belfast Regeneration Office
• Two of CB’s Irish based directors have been appointed to the CABE Enabling Panel (The UK government’s advisory body on architecture and the built environment). Louise Browne for her expertise on tourism led regeneration and Paul McTernan for his expertise in masterplanning
• Paul McTernan delivered a presentation on Smarter Cities Smart City Planning -illusion or reality in Ireland? to the Green Economy Conference in Croke Park on 21st May 2010. The presentation can be viewed by clicking here
• CB’s success rate on planning appeals (dating back to 2007) is now running at 87%
• Paul McTernan and Aislinn O’Brien have commenced work on the PPS21 Rural Design Guide for the DOE in Belfast. A draft is expected to be in circulation by August
• Alice Charles, who manages our Dublin Office, has been appointed by the Minister for Finance to serve on the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) Planning Advisory Committee
• Paul Buchanan and Paul McTernan spoke at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce's Seminar on the Dublin City Region, which was hosted by Byrne Wallace on Wednesday 3rd March, 2010. Paul McTernan gave a presentation on Unlocking the Potential of the Dublin City Region and Paul Buchanan gave a presentation on Transport and the Economy with specific reference to DART Underground. The presentations can be found here. The event was given coverage in The Irish Times the following day. CIÉ subsequently applied to An Bord Pleanála on 30th June 2010 for a Railway Order seeking approval for the construction of DART Underground and referred to the Business Case prepared by Colin Buchanan. The Íarnrod Éireann press release can be accessed here

Click to download the Irish Newsletter 2010