County Derry woman named Young Planner of the Year

Dr Emily Wray, from Coleraine, has been recognised for her commitment to professional development, leadership and supporting the next generation of planners.

Emily, who works as a Planning Assistant, was named the RTPI Northern Ireland Young Planner of the Year.

She is now among the finalists for the national award, which recognises outstanding young planning professionals across the UK. The winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place in London in December.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Emily and well-deserved recognition of her commitment to planning and professional development.

“I wish her every success at the national awards in London.”

The RTPI NI Award Judges praised Emily’s contribution to the planning profession, highlighting her leadership of the RTPI NI Young Planners Committee and her efforts to create opportunities for early-career planners.

They said: “Emily demonstrates a strong commitment to her professional development and to supporting the wider planning community. Her dedication to academic excellence is particularly commendable, alongside her ongoing efforts to organise events for young planners and to actively support and nurture early-career professionals.”

The judges also recognised Emily’s wider contribution to the profession, describing her as an ‘excellent ambassador for planning in Northern Ireland’.

Speaking about reaching the national final, Emily said: “Winning the regional award was such an honour, so it’s amazing to be included on the national finalist list alongside so many amazing young planners from across the regions.”

The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence recognise outstanding examples of planning and celebrate the people, organisations and projects making a positive contribution to communities and the planning profession.