The planning sector in Ireland aims to guide the social, economic, environmental and cultural development of the country.

Planning permission is required for most types of development in Ireland. Planning Authorities are responsible for making decisions on planning applications, which are requests for permission to carry out building or development works.

What does a Planner do?

Planners play a key role in how the environment where we live and work is developed and/or protected for future generations. Their work is diverse. They help to identify the best way to use land and/or buildings. Their goal is to ensure that a balance is achieved between the environmental, social and economic issues when a decision is being made on how land is used and sustainably developed.

The work of a planner impacts on all of our lives and for that reason much of their work involves extensive engagement with elected members (councillors), members of the public, environmental groups, business organisations, community groups, young people, government departments and state agencies.

A planner’s role is not limited to providing expert advice on planning applications or development plans. Many opportunities exist for planners to specialise in areas such as environmental planning, urban design, marine spatial planning, community development, infrastructure and renewable energy planning. Opportunities also exist for planners to conduct research and this gives planners an opportunity to propose innovative new approaches that may influence planning policy.

We live in an ever-changing environment where factors such as climate change, political unrest and pandemics impact on our everyday lives and planners have a key role to play in ensuring that our built environment (our homes or places of work or recreation) can adapt and evolve to meet these challenges.

Due to environmental concerns and to comply with legal requirements it is now more commonplace for Environmental Impact assessments to be included with planning applications. This is to ensure that new infrastructure projects are sustainable and are integrated into the natural environment to protect and enhance biodiversity. For example planning applications for wind turbines have to include environmental impact statements and awards such as the Green Cities Award recognise the value of green infrastructure in the living environment.

Where can I work as a Planner?

Planners work for many types of organisations in the public, private or voluntary sectors or are self-employed.

• Local authorities
• Government Departments
• An Bord Pleanála
• Transport Infrastructure Ireland
• Irish Planning Institute (IPI)
• Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Uisce Éireann

What is the typical salary of a Planner?

Typical earnings of planners, working within the public sector taken from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Circular Letter EL01/2022 dated 03 February 2022 are:

• Graduate Planner €33,029 - €42,920
• Assistant Planner €40,422 - €63,365
• Executive Planner €51,549 - €71,656
• Senior Executive Planner €68,339 - €85,290
• Senior Planner €79,367 - €94,959

Meet a Planner - Click here to read career stories and top tips from those working in Planning.

What are the typical routes and qualifications into this occupation?

There is a variety of third level courses accredited by the professional bodies (Irish Planning Institute/Royal Town Planning Institute) in Ireland. These courses are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Ireland.

A planning qualification accredited by the professional bodies: IPI or RTPI, is normally required to become employed as a planner in Ireland.

A full list of planning and planning-related courses provided by each third level institution is set out hereunder:

Technological University Dublin

Planning and Environmental Management (BSc) (IPI accredited)

Spatial Planning (MSc) (IPI accredited)

Urban Regeneration and Development (MSc)

Other related courses:

Sustainable Development (MSc)

Sustainable Transport and Mobility (MSc)

University College Dublin

Undergraduate:

City Planning and Environmental Policy (BSC) (IPI accredited- Important to note BSc in City planning & env policy is only accredited when completed in conjunction with MRUP accelerated.)

Postgraduate:

Regional and Urban Planning (MRUP)

Urban Design and Planning (MSc)

Other related courses:

Environmental Policy (MSc)

Sustainable Development (MSc)

University College Cork

Postgraduate:

Planning and Sustainable Development (MPlan) (IPI accredited)

Queens University

Undergraduate:

Planning, Environment and Development (BSc)

European Planning (BSc)

Postgraduate:

Planning and Development (MSc)

City Planning and Design (MSc)

Ulster University

Undergraduate:

Planning, Regeneration and Development (BSc)

Postgraduate:

Planning and City Resilience (MSc)

Other professions such as architects, engineers and senior managers etc. frequently re-skill, as mature students, via one of the above accredited courses.

Advice for people interested in pursuing a career as a Planner

It is recommended that you would avail of any opportunities to become familiar with the areas that planners work within either through work placement during transition year or summer work placements during undergraduate degree courses. For example, the following work experience or placements would be of benefit:

• Local authority summer student placement programmes preferably in planning departments.
• Private planning practice.
• Participate and engage in university research projects such as undertaking survey work that contributes to PhD research.
• Work experience in affiliate professional practices e.g. architectural practices, engineering practices.
• Engage and participate in local community development sector e.g. tidy towns.
• Engage and participate in environmental and conservation volunteer work.