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<p><strong>Who We Are</strong><br>The International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD) is a North-South-US Partnership. It was formally established in 2006 to explore and expand the contribution that spatial planning and the development of physical, social and economic infrastructure can make to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The ICLRD has developed out of a unique collaboration between academics and spatial planning specialists. The Centre has three core partners:&nbsp;</p>
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<ul><li>&nbsp;the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (<a href="https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/social-sciences-institute/about-us/history/nirsa-history">NIRSA</a>) and the Social Sciences Institute at Maynooth University (<a href="https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/social-sciences-institute">MUSSI</a>)&nbsp;</li><li>the <a href="https://www.ulster.ac.uk/faculties/computing-engineering-and-the-built-environment/architecture-built-environment">Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment</a> at Ulster University, and</li><li>the <a href="https://www.umdsmartgrowth.org/">National Center for Smart Growth</a> at University of Maryland.</li></ul>
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<p>A core value of the ICLRD is that we are cross-border, cross-campus and cross disciplinary.&nbsp; We achieve this through a network of researchers, academics and interns from our core partners, as well as from affiliated organisations and independent associates.</p>
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<p><strong>What We Do</strong><br>A central objective of the ICLRD is to strengthen the policy and operational linkages between central, regional and local policy-makers, and among officials and practitioners, involved in spatial planning and social and economic development across the island of Ireland. As an independent charity, the ICLRD is a valuable source of impartial advice. Much of its work is based on long-standing relationships cultivated over many years. In this way, it acts as a 'critical friend', supporting practitioners and policy-makers through evidence-informed analysis and independent advice. </p>
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<p>The ICLRD achieves this through:</p>
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<p>action research, policy advice and publications;&nbsp;</p>
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<p>professional facilitation and education and capacity building programmes that assist local governments and communities to translate policy into ‘on the ground’ action; and&nbsp;</p>
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<p>active outreach and networking that includes conferences, workshops and international co-operation and exchanges to identify best practices.</p>
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<p><strong>Core Themes</strong><br>The ICLRD research community brings a range of spatial planning experiences and expertise across multiple fields to its work programmes.&nbsp; These are illustrated in the word cloud below:</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ICLRD_themes_wordcloud_2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6024"/></figure>
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<table style="border:3px solid white;" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Spatial Planning</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Green Infrastructure</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Regional Development</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Housing</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Health <br>
</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Changing Demographics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Economic Development</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top"> •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Renewables</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top"> •&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Connectivity &amp;
Accessibility</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Data Analysis</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Community Planning</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Marine Spatial Planning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Governance</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity Building &amp;
Animation</td>
<td style="border:3px solid white;" valign="top">•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Collaborative Networking</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<p><strong>ICLRD&nbsp;Management</strong><br>The day-to-day operations of the ICLRD are carried out by its Director, Ms. Caroline Creamer.&nbsp; Caroline is a qualified town planner, and a Research Fellow with Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute.&nbsp; She has, for the past 20 years, worked in a research and management capacity on a number of EU funded projects focusing on urban and rural regeneration, spatial planning, multi-level governance and community participation.&nbsp; Over the last decade, Caroline has been working with local government, regional authorities, communities and other key stakeholders in the Irish border region and Northern Ireland on policy-praxis in, for example, collaborative governance, resilience, place-shaping and rural revitalisation.<br>The day-to-day operations are supported by:</p>
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<ul><li>The ICLRD Executive Board who are responsible for all operations of the ICLRD;</li><li>The ICLRD Advisory Forum who will support the work of the Executive Board by providing a link with institutions and individuals in the academic world, government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector; and</li><li>The <a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/research-forum/">ICLRD Researchers Forum</a> who are charged with informing the ICLRD research agenda, and identifying opportunities for enhanced collaboration.</li></ul>
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<p><strong>The ICLRD Executive Board</strong><br>Membership of the ICLRD Executive Board is as follows</p>
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<td><br>
</td>
<td><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/peter-cassells/">Mr. Peter Cassells</a><br>
Independent Chair<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</td>
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<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Brian-Donnellan-Headshot-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150"><br>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/prof-brian-donnellan/">Prof. Brian Donnellan</a><br>
Executive Director<br>
Maynooth University</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Liam-Maguire-Headshot-120x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="188"><br>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/prof-liam-maguire/">Prof. Liam Maguire</a><br>
Executive Director<br>
Ulster University</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Gerrit-Knaap-Headshot-300x218.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="109"><br>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/prof-gerrit-knaap/">Prof. Gerrit Knaap</a><br>
Executive Director<br>
University of Maryland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Jenny-Pyper-Headshot-144x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="156"><br>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/jenny-pyper/">Ms. Jenny Pyper</a><br>
Non-Executive Director <br>
Utility Regulator for Northern Ireland</td>
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<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Danny-McSorley-Headshot-300x248.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="124"><br>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top" valign="top"><a href="dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/danny-mcsorley/">Mr. Danny McSorley</a><br>
Non-Executive Director<br>
Former Chief executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
&amp; Strabane District Council</td>
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<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Deborah-Peel-Pic-Apr18.docx-1-192x300.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="234"><br>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/prof-deborah-peel/">Prof. Deborah Peel</a><br>
Observer Member<br>
Chair – ICLRD Researchers Forum</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Padraig-Maguire-266x250.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="141"><br>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/padraig-maguire/">Mr. Pádraig Maguire</a><br>
Observer Member<br>
Chair – ICLRD Researchers Forum</td>
</tr>
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</table>
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<p><strong>The ICLRD Advisory Forum</strong><br>The ICLRD Advisory Forum is currently being restructured - check back soon for details of new members!</p>
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<p><strong>The ICLRD Researchers Forum</strong><br>The Researchers Forum is the heart of the ICLRD – bringing a wealth of expertise and experience to the team.</p>
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<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Caroline-Creamer-Headshot-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/caroline-creamer/">Ms.<br>Caroline Creamer</a><br>Director</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Deborah-Peel-Pic-Apr18.docx-1-192x300.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/prof-deborah-peel/">Prof. Deborah Peel</a><br>Chair – ICLRD Researchers Forum</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Adrian-Grant-Headshot-400x250.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-adrian-grant/">Dr. Adrian Grant</a><br>Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Ulster University</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Ainhoa-Gonzalez-Headshot-Resize.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-ainhoa-gonzalez/">Dr. Ainhoa Gonzalez</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>University College Dublin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Andrew-McClelland-HeadShot-244x300.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-andrew-mcclelland/">Dr. Andrew McClelland</a><br>Senior Research Associate - ICLRD<br>University of Liverpool</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Brendan-OKeeffe-Headshot-236x300.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-brendan-okeeffe/">Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>O’Keeffe &amp; Associates</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Caitriona-Mullan-Headshot-400x250.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/caitriona-mullan/">Ms. Caitríona Mullan</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Cross-Border Analyst</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cormac-Walsh-Headshot-300x214.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-cormac-walsh/">Dr. Cormac Walsh</a><br>Research Associate – ICLRD<br>University of Hamburg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Des-McCafferty-Headshot.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/prof-des-mccafferty/">Prof. Des McCafferty</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Gavan-Rafferty-Headshot-300x244.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-gavan-rafferty/">Dr. Gavan Rafferty</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Ulster University</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Heather-Ritchie-Headshot-201x300.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/dr-heather-ritchie/">Dr. Heather Ritchie</a><br>Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Ulster University</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Jim-Walsh-Headshot-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/prof-jim-walsh/">Prof. Jim Walsh</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Maynooth University</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/John-Driscoll-Head-Shot-264x300.jpeg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/john-driscoll/">Mr. John Driscoll</a><br>Senior Research Fellow (&amp; Former Director) – ICLRD<br>University of Maryland</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Justin-Gleeson-Headshot-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/justin-gleeson/">Mr. Justin Gleeson</a><br>Lead Spatial Analyst – ICLRD<br>Maynooth University</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Karen-Keaveney-Headshot-Resize.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-karen-keaveney/">Dr. Karen Keaveney</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>University College Dublin</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Linda-McElduff-Headshot-224x300.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-linda-mcelduff/">Dr. Linda McElduff</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Ulster University</td>
</tr>
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<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr.neale-blair/">Dr. Neale Blair</a><br>Senior Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Ulster University</td>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Nick-Finio-Headshot-400x250.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/nick-finio/">Mr. Nick Finio</a><br>Research Fellow – ICLRD<br>University of Maryland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Shane-OSullivan-Headshot-400x250.jpg" alt="" width="150"></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/about-iclrd/dr-shane-osullivan/">Dr. Shane O’Sullivan</a><br>Research Associate – ICLRD<br>Limerick Institute of Technology</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
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