Ian Talbot calls for a new era of town centre living and the need to create sustainable towns and communities as part of the post pandemic recovery

In this episode, Alison speaks to Ian Talbot, CEO of Chambers Ireland. Ian shares the history and heritage of the organisation, an insight into their work and their focus on town centre renewal, and the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11, which supports Sustainable Cities and Communities. Ian highlights the need for a Department of the Taoiseach-led National Task Force or Working Group to design and implement the Programme for Government’s Town Centre First Policy at the highest level, as he feels that town centres cover all aspects of Irish society and the economy. Ian also talks about the importance of ‘livable towns’, and the need for a National Urban Living Initiative. The two discuss the increase of Irish retail SMEs now trading online, and Ian gives sound advice on how to support the economy, our historic town centres and how to shop responsibly this Christmas, while still staying safe.   

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Sustainable Cities and Communities 

This podcast is supported by the Heritage Council.