A property tax scheme in Limerick has been crowned the overall winner at the Irish Planning Institute's 2020 Planning Awards.

The IPI awards acknowledge a diverse range of projects and plans nationally taking place at a local, county and regional level in complex and dynamic environments. The Awards this year recognised innovation and excellence in Irish planning in eight categories with one specific project and one specific employer merited special recognition on the night.

The event, which took place week, saw Limerick City and County Council's 'Living Georgian City Strategy' project take home the major award, as well as the 'Management and Delivery' accolade. The Living City Initiative is a scheme of property tax incentives designed to regenerate both historic buildings and other buildings in Limerick.

Speaking at the awards, IPI President Dr Conor Norton said: "The IPI Planning Awards celebrate success in planning and the 2020 awards saw an increase in both the quantity and quality of projects considered. We introduced X new categories to the awards this year to afford organisations the opportunity to display a greater diversity of projects."

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Other key winners included Ballymore for its Dublin Landings Project, Laois County Council and Avison Young for Portlaoise 2040 and beyond, and McCutcheon Halley in recognition of its Lidl Ireland Rooftop Solar Installation.

The immediate past president of the IPI, Joe Corr selected An Bord Pleanála for the President's Award, in recognition of their support for the Institute in the roll out and delivery of CPD to Planners and Elected Members. He also acknowledged the role of IPI Members in An Bord Pleanála who volunteer their time to serve on IPI Committees and Councils.

Special commendation was also awarded to Donegal County Council for their Church Lane Heritage Regeneration Project.

"I am delighted to celebrate outstanding examples of planning from across Ireland and would like to congratulate all of those involved in both the shortlisted and winning projects on their significant contribution to the profession," Dr Norton added.

A full list of category winners is available below:

• Plan Making - Eastern Midlands Regional Assembly (Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy)

• Participation and Engagement - Laois County Council and Avison Young (Portlaoise 2040 and beyond)

• Design (public sector) - Galway City Council with Allies and Morrison (Galway Public Realm Strategy)

• Design (private sector) - Ballymore (Dublin Landings Project)

• Planning and Economic Development Award -  Cork County Council and Research & Dig  (Muscrai Heritage Plan)

• Management and Delivery - Limerick City & County Council (Living Georgian City Project)

• Planning Workplace of the Year - Dublin City Council

• Climate Change -   McCutcheon Halley (Lidl Ireland Rooftop Solar Installation).

(CM/MH)