Two dlr entries shortlisted for IPI Planning Awards 2025

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are delighted to advise that two of their nominations have been shortlisted for the IPI Planning Awards 2025.  

The entry, “Residential Car Parking Amendment No.9 Cherrywood", from our Forward Planning Infrastructure Department, has been shortlisted in the ‘Climate Action’ category, a fantastic achievement that highlights our contribution to planning excellence.

Purpose of the Amendment:

• To align with updated national, regional, and local policies on car parking.
• To promote sustainable transport, including public and active travel modes.
• To support climate change mitigation by reducing reliance on private car use.

Key Changes:

• Car parking standards are now defined as maximums, rather than fixed or minimum requirements.
• Reduced maximum parking allowances across all residential density zones (Res 1–Res 4), Town Centre, and Village Centres.
• Consideration of proximity to public transport, modal split targets, and innovations like car sharing.
• Encouragement of re-use of surplus parking areas for sustainable travel infrastructure or public realm improvements.

In addition to that, our Planning Department have been shortlisted in the ‘Planning Authority’ category for the ‘DLR – Where planners are made’ entry, one that supports professional development, diversity, and inclusion, focusing on early career planners’ growth.

Since 2023, the department has championed professional development, mentorship, and diversity, welcoming planners from nine countries and supporting career changers, LGBTQ+ staff, and students alike. With structured onboarding, graduate mentorship, and clear pathways to promotion, DLR is setting a national benchmark for how local authorities can nurture and retain planning talent.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Clontarf Castle on 25 September and we wish our entries all the best on the night.

Further details on the shortlist can be found here