John Spain Associates (JSA)

Overview

We are pleased to announce that ORS has acquired John Spain Associates (JSA), boosting our multidisciplinary expertise and enhancing our ability to deliver comprehensive support to clients nationwide.

Founded in 1985 and based in Dublin, John Spain Associates (JSA) is now part of the ORS team. The firm brings extensive expertise in planning consultancy, urban design, and environmental impact assessments. JSA has a highly regarded team, known for its deep industry knowledge and client-centric approach, and continues to provide strategic planning solutions. With the added support of broader resources at ORS, capabilities, and integrated services, JSA is now well-positioned to deliver even greater value to clients across the country.

As one of Ireland’s leading consultancies for the built environment, ORS provides a full suite of services across every stage of a project lifecycle, including civil and structural engineering, environmental consultancy, fire safety, assigned certifier, project management, building surveying, and health and safety.

Together, ORS and JSA bring enhanced capabilities, broader expertise, and a wider range of services, enabling us to deliver more comprehensive planning solutions and support a greater variety of projects nationally.

Planning & development consultants

Same expert team, same trusted service, strengthened for the future.

Planning Strategy Advice

JSA, with experience in the Irish planning systems over three decades, have significant experience in providing planning advice on a wide variety of planning projects throughout Ireland. Our multidisciplinary knowledge, strategic approach, and understanding of the planning system help to deliver the best results for our clients.

Residential Development

JSA have extensive experience in the residential sector, advising on planning strategy and leading applications for all scales of development. Our team provide expert advice on master-planning, urban design, EIARs, and planning reports for residential projects.

Planning Reports and Feasibility Studies

JSA undertakes planning appraisals on behalf of property owners, prospective purchasers, and lending institutions to ascertain the planning situations and future development potential of land, regularly working with clients and their design team in the preparation of feasibility studies for land.

Masterplanning / Development Plans / Local Area Plans Submissions

JSA specialises in planning services, including masterplanning for brownfield and greenfield sites, and preparing submissions on Development Plans and LAPs. We have expertise in creating Local Area Plans, Framework Plans, and Masterplans for developers and Planning Authorities, ensuring beneficial planning policy frameworks for specific lands.

Preparation and Coordination of Planning Applications

JSA offers a full range of planning consultancy services, specialising in planning applications and coordination. With extensive experience in multi-disciplinary teams, we focus on achieving client objectives. Our strong relationships with local authorities ensure we deliver optimal planning solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Environmental Impact Assessment Reports

JSA have considerable experience in preparing, managing, and coordinating environmental impact assessment reports (EIAR), working closely with a team of environmental specialists, to support a wide range of planning applications, including major urban and rural development projects and infrastructure projects.

Appeals to An Bord Pleanála

We have considerable experience in preparing planning appeals and responses to An Bord Pleanála, including providing expert advice at Oral Hearings.

Expert Evidence at Oral Hearing

John Spain Associates has particular expertise in acting as an expert witness at planning hearings. The practice has represented clients at Oral Hearings held by An Bord Pleanála in relation to urban projects and major infrastructure projects, such as Dart Underground, Metro, and the Luas BX/D project. The practice took the lead in preparing detailed précis of evidence, coordinating consultants, presenting the evidence to the Board, and cross examination.

Strategic Infrastructure Development Applications

JSA has extensive experience coordinating and submitting applications for large-scale industrial developments, including warehousing, logistics, data centres, and electricity infrastructure (≤110kV) for power generation. We also specialise in Strategic Infrastructure Development, including battery energy storage systems and energy centres to support the national grid.

Preparation of Retail Impact Statements and Retail Strategies

JSA is a leading retail planning consultant in Ireland, with expertise in both public and private sectors since 1997. We’ve worked on over 200 retail schemes, including town centres and supermarkets, and provided advice on retail strategies, impact statements, and the Retail Design Manual.

JSA Leaders

Key Contacts

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Paul Turley

Managing Director
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John Spain

Consultant

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