Naas councillor graduates from course at Maynooth University
Topics included planning policy, environmental protection, the role of elected members, climate change, transport, housing and urban development
Councillor Seamie Moore has been awarded an overall distinction after completing an inaugural spatial planning programme delivered through Maynooth University in Co Kildare.
The graduation ceremony took place on Friday, July 17, where a select group of county councillors from local authorities across Ireland received their qualifications following the completion of the specialist course.
The programme covered a broad range of topics designed to strengthen councillors' understanding of the planning process, including planning policy, environmental protection, the role of elected members, climate change, transport, housing and urban development.
Participants also completed assignments and undertook visits to new town developments to examine planning and settlement issues in practice.
According to Cllr Moore, demand for places on the course was significantly oversubscribed, with participants selected from local authorities across the country. He was chosen to represent Kildare County Council.
Cllr Moore said he was delighted to receive an Overall Course Distinction Award, along with distinctions in five individual subject areas.
"I am happy to indicate that, selected from Kildare County Council, I received an Overall Course Distinction Award and five Subject Distinctions," he said.
"I am now looking forward to using that extra knowledge on behalf of the community."
The graduation ceremony recognised councillors who successfully completed the inaugural programme, with awards presented to those who achieved distinction in their studies.
The programme is aimed at enhancing elected members' knowledge of spatial planning to help inform decision-making on future development within their local authority areas.