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"European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON): Phase 1 implications for the UK and Ireland" 

John McCarthy Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

Venue: 4 pm, Feb 28 2008 in the Conference Room, 3rd Floor, John Hume Building, NUI Maynooth.

John McCarthy is currently Reader in Urban Studies in the School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, where he led the European Contact Point function for the European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON) from 2006-2007. He has a practitioner as well as an academic background, having worked in practice in spatial planning and regeneration in London for 8 years, and he was also at the University of Dundee’s School of Town and Regional Planning for 14 years.

Abstract

The European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON) aims to increase knowledge in relation to territorial development trends and policy impacts within an enlarged EU space, by building a European scientific community in the field of territorial development. The first funding period of ESPON (2002-2006) resulted in 34 research projects on a wide range of themes and issues, with clear implications for spatial planning and related policy at nation state level (as well as regional and potentially sub-regional levels). This presentation summarises some key implications for spatial planning policy within the UK and Ireland, highlighted by ESPON projects.