Event Description

This seminar considered how, within a new legislative context that includes both the Planning and Development Act 2024 and the National Planning Framework First Revision (2025), the next set of Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASPs) could become the strategic frameworks originally intended to guide the development of Ireland’s city-regions.

The discussion reflected on lessons learned at all levels of government from the design and implementation of the first tranche of metropolitan spatial plans. Participants explored how these experiences could inform the upcoming review process for all existing MASPs, which is due to commence in October as part of the wider review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. The seminar also considered how experience from elsewhere in Europe, drawing on previous ESPON research, might help shape the evolving role of MASPs in spatial planning.

Audience

The seminar brought together policy-makers and planning practitioners from across central government, the Regional Assemblies, local government including elected members, as well as researchers and academics with an interest in spatial planning and regional development.

About the EU ESPON Programme

ESPON is an EU-funded programme that connects research with policy by providing spatial analysis, data, and maps to:

• underpin EU development policies, particularly Cohesion Policy, with robust evidence; and
•  support authorities and decision-makers in benchmarking their region or city, identifying emerging challenges and opportunities, and shaping effective development policies for the future.

During the current programming period, ESPON’s work is guided by up to ten Thematic Action Plans (TAPs). This event was organised within the framework of the TAP “Governance of New Geographies.”