There are both pragmatic and normative arguments for citizen engagement in spatial planning.  Pragmatic  arguments  include  the  need  to  address  increasingly  wicked  problems - utilizing the knowledge of multiple stakeholders and building responsibility and trust between citizens and institutions. Normative arguments promote engagement as a means to deliver more equitable outcomes.    There  are different  models  of,  and  frameworks  for  participation  which  result  in  a varying  impact  on  the  degree  to  which  a  citizen  can  actually  affect  planning  related  decision- making. Using examples of international best practice, what lessons can be learned  for  Ireland  to  successfully  engage  with  the  public  in  spatial  planning  and  sustainable community-related decision making.