The Irish Planning Institute's (IPI) former president Joe Corr MIPI is set to run for election on Seanad Éireann's Industrial and Commercial Panel.

Joe, who has previously held the office of Mayor for Fingal, was put forward by IPI as an independent candidate.

Current president of IPI, Dr Conor Norton MIPI welcomed Joe's nomination, adding: "The Seanad is an important part of our Democratic Process and the planning profession would welcome the presence of a qualified Planner in the Seanad.

"As President of the Institute for 2018 & 2019, Joe championed the role of Elected Representatives in the Planning Process. He spearheaded our delivery of CPD for Councillors in the areas of Plan Making, High Quality Density and Environmental Legislation. During his time as President Joe interacted with every level of the Planning System, expanding our policy agenda and our delivery of much needed CPD to Councillors and Planners alike. We wish him every success in the upcoming Seanad Elections.

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During his presidency of the IPI, Joe was at the forefront of a number of significant changes to the Irish planning system. He steered the Institute's responses to major developments such as Project Ireland 2040, new Ministerial Guidelines on Urban Height and Apartment Design, and the launch of the new Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR).

Joe is an experienced Town Planner and holds an MSc in Spatial Planning from TU Dublin. He also runs his own planning consultancy, Corr & Associates, in north County Dublin.

Speaking following the announcement of his candidacy, Joe said: "I am honoured to accept this nomination from the Irish Planning Institute as a candidate for election to the 26th Seanad. With experience as both a professional planner and as a former Elected Member and Mayor of Fingal County Council, I can bring unique insight and experience to the upper house.

"I am passionate about improving the quality of life for the people of Ireland and if elected, I will work to build public confidence in the planning system, to continue delivery of the National Planning Framework and fight for funding to restore power to local authorities to deliver housing at local level. I believe that we must continue to build sustainable communities in order to give stability to the numerous people who are in need of urgent housing."

(CM/MH)