TPS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (RoI) – INAUGURAL MEETING

The newly formed region of TPS in the RoI held its inaugural meeting in Dublin on 23^rd June. A large turnout of 70-80 transport planners demonstrated both the strength of transport planning in the RoI and support for TPS in establishing a presence there. The meeting was chaired by our National Representative, Elaine Brick.

Board member, Tim Morton, opened the meeting by introducing TPS, explaining what it offered transport planners, and setting out its aims in the RoI. He was followed by seven leading members of the transport planning profession in the RoI including the CEO of the National Transport Authority. The speakers represented both the public and private sectors with backgrounds in engineering, urban design, planning, economics, behaviour change etc. Each explained their own background and role, and presented key challenges facing transport planners in Ireland today. These embraced issues of congestion, funding, behavioural change, sustainability, land-use/transport integration, project delivery, best use of models etc..

The enthusiasm and energy of the audience made it clear that transport planning is flourishing in Ireland in many different ways, supporting many different types of transport projects and interventions. There was widespread interest in the training offer from TPS – PDS and (jointly with CIHT) TPP - and it is intended that the leader of our Skills Team, Keith Buchan, will visit Ireland shortly to “launch” PDS and TPP there. By bringing the profession together and giving it a professional home of its own, TPS has the potential to provide considerable support to Irish practitioners.

Elaine and the Committee are lining up a further programme of meetings throughout the year and if the inaugural meeting is anything to go by, the Society is assured of a vibrant and successful future in the RoI.

Elaine can be contacted at roi@tps.org.uk