Overcoming centralisation through collaborative planning: the case of Moycullen village, Ireland

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how the centralised nature of Ireland’s planning system impacts public trust and participation in local development. It critically examines whether a shift towards more decentralised and community-involved planning processes, exemplified by the Moycullen Village Plan, could enhance democratic engagement and local autonomy in spatial planning across Ireland. Design/methodology/approach This case study focuses on the Moycullen Village Plan developed in conjunction with University of Galway academics and co-authored by the community through a collaborative process. The approach was distinctly bottom-up, engaging the community through innovative methods to actively participate in collectively imagining a future for their place. A distinction is drawn between this and Ireland’s traditionally top-down, legally driven planning framework. Findings This study reveals a strong desire for involvement in planning processes and demonstrates that when provided the opportunity, community members can significantly contribute to place-making. The paper provides evidence of how the approach taken has helped awaken a community’s sense of ownership of the future of its place and a greater willingness to become involved in the more formal process of planning as defined in legislation. Social implications This study finds evidence of wisdom in the crowds. The future that was decided on by this village was community-oriented, climate aware and displayed traits of economic sustainability / resilience. Exposure to the tools and methods used has helped a community gain confidence in discussing what shape its future can take. Originality/value The originality lies in the use of bottom-up planning methods in a top-down planning system. The approach sought to pose questions rarely posed in the Irish context and to encourage a collective imagining of the future in a place where future decisions are all too often market driven.