The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) is offering a special discounted price exclusive to members of Engineers Ireland for An Introduction to Irish Planning Law by Dr Berna Grist (ISBN 978-1-904541-16-5). It normally retails at €30, but is on special offer to members at a price of €25. (See below for order details). The first edition of this book was written some decade and a half ago in response to the need for an introductory text on the planning code – already recognised as a complex and technical area of the law by the late 1990s. For a time, the consolidating and amending 2000 Planning and Development Act brought clarity to the situation. However, in the recent past, changes emanating from domestic policy on land-use planning, together with those required by European legislation, have turned the Acts and associated Regulations into a labyrinth to be negotiated solely by the valiant and then with considerable trepidation. This has created problems not only for lawyers, but also for all participants in the planning process – persons offering professional services such as architects, engineers, surveyors and planning consultants; the officials of local authorities; elected public representatives; and individuals or organisations wishing to exercise their statutory third party rights. Last but not least, students are finding it increasingly difficult to grapple with the area of planning law. Planning is an extremely complex area of the law, both because of its technical nature and as a result of the many amendments made recently to the four Planning Acts by Regulations introduced to ensure compliance with European environmental legislation. The need for an introductory work to assist in understanding the Irish planning system has again become apparent. This completely revised second edition provides up-to-date coverage of the subject. It addresses in turn the hierarchy of spatial plans and policy instruments, applications, appeals, strategic infrastructure, exempted development, enforcement (incorporating changes to control of quarries and substitute consent), compensation and amenities. A complete chapter explains the basic principles relating to the conservation of the natural and the built environment, distinguishing the requirements of environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment and appropriate assessment. There are further chapters on unfinished housing developments and related areas of the law, including archaeological protection and the water services legislation. Dr Berna Grist is a senior lecturer in the School of Planning and Environmental Policy in UCD and, in writing this book, has drawn on her experience as a former member of An Bord Pleanála and as a barrister specialising in this area of law. The text is written in non-legal language but is fully referenced to the various sections of the Acts and Regulations. This book is an invaluable resource for engineers engaged with the planning system.  It is both up-to-date and authoritative in its description of planning law and the practical implications of the body of law that surrounds planning in Ireland. BONUS OFFER As an extra bonus, the IPA is also offering a special discounted price of €70 for both An Introduction to Planning Law in Ireland (€30) and Administration Yearbook 2014 (RRP €70) to members of Engineers Ireland when purchased together. The Administration Yearbook is the most widely used database on Irish business life, public and private. It contains the name, contact details, organisation description and names of key personnel of each listed organisation.  These cover: legislature, executive and judiciary; diplomatic representation;  civil service;  north/south institutions; Defence Forces; Garda Síochána; local government and administration; health services; State-sponsored bodies; financial institutions; higher education; major companies and co-operatives; conference venues; management consultants; recruitment consultants; communications; media; religion; trade and professional organisations; and social, cultural and political organisations. It also contains a wealth of valuable statistical information and research material designed for both the casual and professional user. If you wish to avail of either one of these special offers, contact sales@ipa.ie or phone (01) 240 3764.