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Research and Governance

Research on key emerging issues and best planning practices and addressing them are essential in evolving planning policy and procedures. In addition, ensuring public body governance structures is key to delivering sustainable development.

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Experience and Expertise

MDB has significant experience in European and national research, with expert knowledge of work package leads and contributors for two H2020 projects relating to natural resources planning, and has been technical lead on three marine and renewable energy projects for the European Commission’s DG Reform for the benefit of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHLGH), and the Department of Energy Communications and Climate (DECC). In addition, MDB has undertaken for research for the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR), the Marine Institute  (MI), and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). To complement this research work, the practice has been engaged in governance reviews by the Heritage Council and the DHLGH on various planning procedures. 

See our range of projects here.

Our services include:

  • Project management and coordination
  • Stakeholder consultation and engagement
  • Desktop research and primary research though various methods
  • Mineral development and natural resource integrated land use planning
  • Renewable energy research and development
  • Environmental impact assessment best practice guidance
  • Review of governance structures appropriate to deliver on key government objectives
  • Forward strategic planning and policy formulation
  • Data analysis, validation, interpretation, presentation and modelling
  • Economic viability best practice development

Contact us

Get in touch with MacCabe Durney Barnes today

+353 1 676 2594planning@mdb.ie

Other Services

Planning and Development

Environmental Planning & Natural Resources

Placemaking & Urban Regeneration

Marine Planning