Fergal MacCabe, Planning Consultant and Terry Durney, former Director of Planning with the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, have announced that they are forming a new practice called: MacCabe Durney, Town Planning, Urban Regeneration and Design.

The two principals of the new firm are very well known in the property development industry. Both men believe that evolving national policy which seeks urban consolidation rather than sprawl, the emphasis on design quality and the increasing sophistication of town planning and conservation laws require new, more sophisticated approaches and that their combined and extensive experience and abilities can provide a timely response to changing urban and rural challenges.

In announcing the merger, Fergal said that the Irish planning system is unfortunately now being seen as an obstacle to be overcome rather than an integral part of the delivery of an improved physical environment and essential private sector projects. Overcoming this will require more research and analysis at national and local levels so that we can fully understand the nature and scale of our emerging society. In order to recapture the confidence of the public and development agencies, the planning system must deliver clarity and certainty.