CWPA is proud to support our Managing Director and Architect Fran Whelan, who was recently in Maseru, Lesotho, serving in his capacity as CEO of Action Ireland Trust.
This annual outreach project, in collaboration with a large team of volunteers plus Portmarnock Community School, brings Irish expertise and community engagement to Lesotho—and this year, planning took centre stage.
As part of the trip, CWPA team members and associates worked alongside local authorities in Lesotho to share urban planning knowledge and inspire the next generation of planners. The engagement extended beyond professionals, reaching into two local high schools where the importance of planning was introduced in creative and practical ways.
After a successful planning conference, representatives including Eirca Casey from An Bord Pleanála, Louise McGauran from Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, and Anne Marie O’Connor, Deputy Director of the Office of the Planning Regulator, led an interactive workshop with students from Sefika Secondary School and another local high school. Accompanied by CWPA’s Planner, Róisín Corr, and a local planning lecturer, the group engaged students with hands-on learning.
“Our goal was to make planning relatable,” said Róisín Corr. “By mapping their journeys and identifying real-life issues, students began to understand how planning affects their everyday lives—and more importantly, how they can be part of shaping their communities.”
The students were briefly made “planners” for the session. The exercise began with Róisín mapping her route to work and identifying two positive and two negative aspects of her journey—such as enjoying the ease of access via train and proximity to shops, while disliking a dark forested area and traffic delays. Students then replicated the activity with their own routes, uncovering planning-related issues like poor lighting, lack of traffic lights, potholes, and proximity to dumpsites. They were encouraged to propose solutions—suggesting improvements such as better lighting, pothole repairs, and investment in sustainable transport.
The highlight of the session came when students were asked, “Now that you know what planning is, would you consider becoming a planner?” Several hands went up.
Fran Whelan, CWPA Managing Director and CEO of Action Ireland Trust, reflected on the wider significance of the trip: “This initiative is about much more than technical assistance. It’s about listening, exchanging ideas, and empowering young people to imagine a better future. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm for planning and the possibilities it brings.”
These workshops are not just about knowledge sharing—they’re about empowerment. As Lesotho develops its own National Planning Framework, CWPA is honoured to contribute guidance and support to help shape a sustainable and inclusive future for the country.
The trip reflects CWPA’s broader mission to not only deliver excellent planning services but also to educate and collaborate across communities and borders. We look forward to continuing this meaningful work, both at home and abroad.
