Planning institute nominates Corr for Seanad

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI), the all island professional body representing planners in Ireland, has nominated its immediate past president Joe Corr MIPI as an independent election candidate on Seanad Éireann’s Industrial and Commercial Panel. Previously, Joe was an Elected Member of Fingal County Council and also held the office of Mayor during his tenure.  
Commenting on the nomination President of the Irish Planning Institute, Dr Conor Norton MIPI said: “The Irish Planning Institute is delighted to nominate our Immediate Past President Joe Corr MIPI as a candidate for Seanad Eireann. 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.”
Announcing his candidacy, Joe Corr 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.” 
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