Dr. Marie Mahon and Dr. Therese Conway last week received an Irish Planning Institute Award. This award was for a project delivered in partnership with students from the University of Galway MA Rural Futures Planning and Innovation, Neil Galway, Queen's University Belfast, and students from MSC Planning and Development, Planners in Galway County Council (Brendan Dunne, Brian Corcoran, Liam Ward), their counterparts in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council & Craigavon Borough Council and teachers and students from Presentation College Athenry; Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew; New-Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland, Banbridge; Royal School, Armagh. The project was funded by SCoTENs (Standing Committee for Teacher Education North and South).

 
This project develops empirical and practical applications of geographical knowledge in solving spatial planning problems through a practice-based approach whereby students are co-creators of knowledge with the planning authority. It gives students a sense of ownership of planning strategy and outcomes that have implications for the places that they themselves are from. It allows them to reflect on the contribution of their geographical knowledge and skills to local spatial planning development and problem-solving. 

The Award was sponsored by the Office of the Planning Regulator