Bernadette O'Connell
Irish Landscape Institute President 2021-2022
President's Statement
I am honoured to accept the position of President of the Irish Landscape Institute for 2021.
For those of you who do not know me, I am a landscape architect working in private practice, a director of JBA Consulting and a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art.
I would first like to acknowledge the contribution made by Kevin during his presidency and all that he has achieved.
With everything hopefully opening up soon, the ILI Council hopes to stimulate discussion on current issues affecting our profession and as soon as possible reintroduce live events, both of a social and educational nature. Working with the ILI Council I feel it would be a good time to understand how the Institute can best advance the profession in Ireland and internationally through IFLA Europe.
With that in mind, I will be contacting as many of you as possible to find out your thoughts and possible inputs to the work of the Institute and to ask you what you would like me to achieve on your behalf.
Regards,
Bernadette O'Connell
Kevin Halpenny
Irish Landscape Institute President 2019-2021
President's Statement
Dear Members,
On behalf of the Council of the Irish Landscape Institute, I am pleased to update you in relation to your Institute’s current work and future initiatives.
This is undoubtedly a challenging time to work in our industry. The ever accelerating rate of urbanisation affords unprecedented opportunity for the exercise of our skills and expertise. At the same time, the evidence base for, and recognition of the linkage between well planned and designed Public Realm / Green Infrastructure and Public Health & Well-being is increasing. Concepts such as Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital, Nature Based Solutions and Climate Change Adaptation are gaining traction both politically and with the general population. Our profession is well placed to deliver innovative solutions essential to ensuring the long-term resilience of our landscapes.
The ILI is an Institute run by and for its members on a voluntary basis. Our events and activities are as good or otherwise as the level of input, commitment and effort made by our members and the ILI Council on your behalf. As with all organisations, the ILI must adapt to the needs of its members. Efficient communication and robust administration are vital to our success. To this end we are in the process of revamping our Membership Database and you may be contacted to ensure that we have the correct details for you or your organisation.
Our Website is also in the process of being upgraded to make it more relevant to your needs and to have more up to date information available on jobs, upcoming events and points of interest to members. It is for you, as members, so please send us relevant information.
Continuing Professional Development CPD is a key membership benefit provided by representative bodies such as ours. It is planned to develop a more structured CPD programme with certified attendance for member’s participation.
The Professional Practice Exams will be held again in October 2021 and you’re invited to register your interest by emailing [email protected]. We are also seeking to increase our membership through the PPILI Chamber and the Viva Voce process. Members whose membership has lapsed in recent years will have an opportunity to re-join the Institute if they still fulfil the relevant membership criteria.
Together with the Council, I look forward to working with you and on your behalf to advance the aims and objectives of our Institute.
Best Wishes,
Signed: Kevin Halpenny