Financialization, urban governance and the planning system: Utilizing ‘development viability’ as a policy narrative for the liberalization of Ireland’s post-crash planning system

Abstract

Drawing on the Irish case, this article examines how planning systems and policies are being repurposed to facilitate a finance-led regime of urban growth. It explores how an epistemic community of development and finance actors has advanced the concept of ‘financial viability’ as a policy narrative to influence post-crisis planning reform in Ireland. Based on extensive qualitative interviews, the article demonstrates how informal access to policymakers, the mobilization of expert knowledge and media strategies have enabled development interests to reshape planning policy in ways that privilege profitability over affordability and democratic accountability.