Heritage Council podcast
Episode 1: Dr Philip Crowe
In episode one, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Dr Philip Crowe, Assistant Professor at UCD’s School of Architecture and Centre for Irish Towns (CfIT).
Episode 2
In episode two, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA the Retail Grocer's Trade Association.
"Small family-owned businesses are uniquely invested in their towns and communities, helping them survive and thrive"
“Citizens who live in towns with a vibrant, independent food shop are more connected, more socially connected, more politically engaged, and are happier and healthier communities”
'The local shop is still a pillar of many communities in our town centres and the connection with customers a "vital draw".
'Having an independent food shop in the heart of a built-up area is key to an interconnected community life'
Reports Relating to Episode Two
EXCERPT RGDATA Budget Submission 2021: Town Centres First
RGDATA Submission Review of Framework for Town Centre Renewal
Tara Buckley is Director General of RGDATA, the Retail Grocer’s Trade Association which represents the interests of 3,500 family owned shops, convenience stores, forecourt stores and supermarkets throughout Ireland. A former journalist and political correspondent, Tara represents independent retailers on Ireland’s Retail Consultation Forum and various Government bodies including: the Advisory Group on Waste Management & the Circular Economy; National Payments Plan Steering Committee; National Retail Crime Forum; Rural Crime Forum, Brexit Forum, Food Safety Authority Retail Forum and the National Cash Forum. Tara was a member of theNational Oversight & Audit Commission (NOAC) up to July 2019.
Tara has worked with Ali Harvey of the Heritage Council on the development of the Collaborative Town Centre Health Check (CTCHC) Programme and is a strong advocate for a collaborative and evidence-based approach to Town Centre regeneration.
Tara was a member of the Government’s advisory group on The National Planning Framework: Ireland 2040. RGDATA proactively supports vibrant town centres, sustainable retail development and evidence- based planning and regeneration programmes. RGDATA provides business advice and assistance to independent retailers and represents their interests to Government and regulators. RGDATA is an associate member of Independent Retail Europe, which represents the interests of groups of independent shops at EU level.
