An examination of the level of local authority sustainable planning for event management: a case study of Ireland

• Published in: Journal of sustainable tourism 2021-12, Vol.29 (11-12), p.1850-1874
• Main Author: Maguire, Kelly
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Content analysis; event management; event planning; Events planning; Levels; local authorities sustainable planning tool-kit; Local government; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Sustainable planning
• ISSN: 0966-9582; 1747-7646
• DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2020.1828431

The growth of the events industry will continue to place increasing demands on the environmental and social resource base upon which events depend. Although Local Authorities have a long-running commitment to achieving sustainable development, there exist many gaps in relation to its application within the context of planning for events management. In the current event environment there is a fundamental need for a sustainable approach to planning for events by Local Authorities, given their often statutory responsibility to license events and to facilitate and regulate the process of planning for large-scale outdoor public events. This research employed a multi-methodological approach utilising a content analysis of Local Authority event management plans and interviews with Local Authority event personnel. The findings report significantly low levels of Local Authority sustainable planning for event management in Ireland and point to the need for a consistent, transparent and state-wide sustainable approach to planning for events in Ireland. The lessons learned from this study may have implications for event destinations at international level. This study suggests a possible solution for Local Authorities to effectively lay the foundation for a transition towards greater levels of sustainable planning for events management going forward.