The Work

As a Planning staff officer, your responsibilities would include:

• Preparing reports for internal and external publications
• Recording minutes at meetings
• Building and managing technical libraries, filing systems and databases
• Drawing up designs, using computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Carrying out data surveys, for example traffic impact assessments
• Supplying information and data to planners for applications
• Recording the progress and outcomes of planning applications
• Organising public meetings
• Answering enquiries about application procedures.

You might also work in planning enforcement, which would involve:

• Working with individuals and businesses to make sure that they comply with the conditions set out in their application decisions
• Gathering information to use as evidence in disputes
• Presenting reports on breaches to planning committees or, where necessary, to magistrates and judges.

You would usually work for a local authority, independent planning consultancy, government department or a private company, for example a property developer. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.
• Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
• Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
• Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, soning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
• Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyse data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
• Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables such as population density.
• Assess the feasibility of proposals and identify necessary changes.
• Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
• Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in soning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
• Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on projects.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

You can develop your pathway towards a career in planning & support in line with management and staff supervision. 

Training & Development Pathways

There are a variety of suitable FET & undergraduate programmes courses:

FET Centre Programs: Supervisory management & Project management NFQ level 6 programs are dlivered around Ireland also on a part time and blended basis Search FET Courses  

FET Centre PLC Courses: Landscape Architecture, Architectural Technology, Planning & policy, Planning & Environmental management NFQ Level  5-6  Search FET PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO Entry: Architecture, Architectural Technology, Planning & policy, Spatial Planning, Environmental Management NFQ Level  7-8 Search CAO courses 

Professional Development 

Town planning support can work in a variety of settings Local Authorities or in Private companies in line with IPI-Irish Planning Institute. 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €49k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, role, duties, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Public Appointments Service

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.

The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles. 

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• An Bord Pleanála

  • 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902
  • 0 1 858 8100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here