Meet the Team

Simon is the highly respected founder and principal of SCA Planning. Established in 1999 as Simon Clear & Associates, the firm has become a cornerstone in the Irish planning sector.

With extensive experience, Simon is a leading authority in land-use planning, expertly guiding a diverse range of projects from residential developments to large-scale commercial ventures across Ireland. His comprehensive expertise encompasses providing strategic planning advice, managing complex planning applications, and offering skilled representation in planning appeals, including at Oral Hearings.

Notably, Simon's specialised knowledge in retail planning is highly regarded, having been a key member of the Government Steering Group for retail planning guidelines. Under his leadership, SCA Planning consistently delivers practical and innovative solutions, making them a go-to choice for both private and public sector clients navigating the intricate landscape of Irish urban planning and development.

Darran is a Director and planning consultant at SCA Planning, playing an integral role in advising on and managing a wide array of planning projects across the country.

With a deep understanding of Irish planning policy and legislation, Darran is instrumental in developing and executing strategic planning solutions for clients. His expertise includes preparing complex planning applications, providing detailed planning appraisals, and effectively navigating the intricacies of development plans and Local Area Plans.

Darran’s collaborative approach, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and legal professionals, ensures robust and successful outcomes for significant residential, commercial, and industrial developments. His contributions are key to SCA Planning’s reputation for delivering comprehensive, expert, and effective planning consultancy services across Ireland.

Paula is a Director and pivotal planning consultant at SCA Planning. With a Master's in Urban Design and a strong background in Architecture, she brings a robust blend of academic insight and practical experience to her role.

Her expertise is fundamental in navigating clients through intricate planning processes throughout Ireland, especially for substantial residential and mixed-use developments. Paula frequently takes the lead on preparing and managing detailed planning applications and strategic submissions to various local authorities.

She's instrumental in interpreting and applying complex Irish planning legislation and development plans, ensuring projects meet all policy requirements. Paula's dedication ensures SCA Planning consistently delivers comprehensive, effective, and strategically sound planning consultancy services, significantly contributing to urban development in Ireland.