
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).
November 2020
A podcast series to raise awareness and understanding of key issues now confronting our historic town centres.
A podcast series to raise awareness and understanding of key issues now confronting our historic town centres.
Protecting the heritage of our historic town centres has never been more important given the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The traditional economic heartbeat of such places is under serious threat. Small and medium sized businesses are especially vulnerable. From the coffee shop on the corner, to brand name retail businesses, there is an air of uncertainty. Challenges of Covid have placed unprecedented pressures on traditional urban areas because of the effects of lockdown and other restraints. Yet the heart of many of our Town Centres contain layers of history and heritage. Town squares, streets, laneways, traditional and sometimes landmark buildings, and streetscapes that have survived the rigour of centuries, are vital for our historical memory and sense of place.
In a landmark move, the Heritage Council has now launched its first ever podcast series. ‘Putting Town Centres First’ provides timely insights, not least the multilayered challenges posed by Covid-19. The new series aims to raise awareness and understanding of key issues now confronting our historic town centres. It highlights the overwhelming need for innovative and collaborative responses and solutions. The new podcast series is part of the innovative Collaborative Town Centre Health Check Programme (CTCHC).
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).
In episode two, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA the Retail Grocer's Trade Association.
In episode three, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Damir Hajduk, Head of Retail and Online Services Unit, DG GROW, European Commission.
In episode four, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Martha Farrell, Marketing Lecturer from IT Tralee.
In episode five, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Sarah Sherlock, Chair of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland's Geomatics Professional Group.
In episode six, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Orla Murphy, Associate Professor at UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy. Orla co-presents the RTE series Building Ireland.
In episode seven, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland and Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
In episode eight, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Nicki Mathews, Built Heritage Policy Team at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
In episode nine, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Mark Dearey who runs the Store bar and Music Centre in Dundalk, Co Louth.
In episode ten, Alison Harvey, from the Heritage Council, speaks with Jamie McNamara, Chair of SPAB Scotland.
We asked all our podcast series interviewees, "If you could do one thing for town centres, what would that be?" Have a listen to hear what they said.