‘A real eye-opener’ - Laois councillor completes first of its kind planning course

Cllr Vivienne Phelan was among the first in the country to complete the programme

Published 25th Jul 2026, 12:55 BST Cllr Vivienne Phelan with her certificate of completion from the inaugural Micro-Credential in Spatial Planning Policy and Practice programme. Cllr Vivienne Phelan was among the first in the country to complete the programme Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

A Laois councillor was among the first in the country to complete an inaugural university-accredited spatial planning programme.

Cllr Vivienne Phelan was among the 23 elected members from across Ireland to complete the inaugural Micro-Credential in Spatial Planning Policy and Practice for Elected Members at Maynooth University last week.

A special event was held at Maynooth University on Friday, July 17 which celebrated the successful completion of the programme by its inaugural cohort.

The innovative micro-credential course was co-designed by AILG and Maynooth University to strengthen elected members' understanding of Ireland's planning system and to equip councillors with the knowledge and skills to support informed decision-making and sustainable development within their local authorities.

Cllr Phelan began the programme in November of last year along with her fellow cohort of elected officials.

The programme brought together councillors at every stage of public service, from newly elected representatives to some of Ireland's most experienced members.

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Following the departmental graduation ceremony, Cllr Phelan said: “This was a very interesting course which detailed new developments in planning policy, housing, sustainable transport and climate change. I was thrilled with the opportunity to improve my understanding of the planning system and I look forward to putting this knowledge into practice in my local community.”

The Fine Gael councillor added: “Without doubt, the best part of the course was getting to discuss ideas and experiences with other councillors who are working in different parts of the country and dealing with different challenges ranging from urban planning to coastal erosion. The field trip to Clonburris, a new town in West Dublin, was a real eye-opener.

“Well done to AILG and Maynooth University for putting the course together - it is brilliant to see accredited third-level courses available for local public representatives to upskill and develop knowledge and confidence.

“As the role of elected members becomes more complex, it is crucial courses such as these are provided to assist elected members in their roles.”