Assistant Planner

Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the authority responsible for Local Government in County Clare. The corporate headquarters are located at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis and there are four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) which are supported through area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. There are 28 elected members, approximately 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.

Clare County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include Planning, Placemaking & Economic Development, Rural & Community Development, Housing Services, Housing Activation & Delivery, Capital Infrastructure Delivery, Land Activation, Derelict Sites and Property, Transportation, Mobility and Health & Safety, Climate Action, Environment & Water Services, Fire Service, Building Control & Major Emergency Management, Tourism, Festivals & Events, Libraries, Arts & Cultural Services, Enterprise and Investment, along with and sports & amenities,. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance, People, Culture and Organisational Development functions.

There is a diverse demographic across urban and rural communities with tourism bringing seasonal changes in population and activity in the county. The Shannon estuary, Shannon Airport, industrial zones, and geographic location between larger urban areas, coupled with the unique landscape and heritage add to the diversity of activity in the County. Local democracy is strengthened through the Municipal Districts and changes in legislation and regulation have placed greater emphasis on the role of the Local Authority in driving economic activity, ensuring accountability, accessibility and innovation while placing the customer and the community to the fore of service delivery.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Assistant Planner from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

An Assistant Planner is responsible for working as part of a multi-disciplinary team implementing programmes of work in the Planning Department and for providing a range of planning and related services. The Assistant Planner will be required to work closely with elected Councillors to deliver the full range of services and implement local policy decisions. The Assistant Planner will report to the Executive Planner and/or the Senior Executive Planner and/or any other employee nominated by the Chief Executive.

Key Service Areas:

Assistant Planner positions are multi-faceted and may include some or all of the following key service areas within the Local Authority:

• Development Management
• Planning Enforcement
• Forward Planning and Sustainable Development
• Community Development, Heritage & Town Renewal

The ideal candidate for the position shall:

• Experience of analysing and considering new and emerging national and/or regulatory policies and guidelines in a planning context with a view to assessing the implications of such developments and responding to same;
• Experience of assessment of planning applications and pre-application proposals in the context of applicable planning policies and regulations;
• Knowledge of planning legislation, practices, and key relevant European Directives;
• Knowledge of planning issues relevant to County Clare and its wider region;
• An ability to work positively as part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team;
• Planning, operational and project management skills;
• Knowledge of local government structure and services, its mandate and activities particularly in relation to planning and development;
• Time Management and organizational skills - an ability to achieve delivery of competing demands within prescribed timelines and deadlines;
• Good knowledge and awareness of statutory obligations of Health and Safety Legislation, the implications for the organization and the employee, and their application in the workplace.
• Good analytical and IT skills.
• Evidence of planning and organising skills.
• Report writing and presentation skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with others.
• Evidence of self sufficiency, being capable of evaluating proposals and identifying improvements on a proactive basis and adapting readily to change.
• An ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.
• A capability of working in close consultation with key stakeholders and in seeking co-operation and consensus with a whole range of bodies and representative groups.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.
• Experience of providing information on the pattern of demand and activity and the skills to schedule / programme the carrying out of work.
• A focus on the customer and on service improvement including taking ownership and resolving issues arising.
• A proven ability of :

• • Analysis & Decision Making
  • Delivery of Results

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

• Assessment of planning applications and pre-application proposals against the Council’s policies and provide recommendations and policy responses as required.
• Assisting in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of development plan/local area plan/ schemes and in the preparation of reports on these matters for the Chief Executive and the Council.
• Assisting in monitoring and reporting on implementation progress, including gathering/analysis of development and market activity.
• Assisting and providing advice to the Chief Executive, appropriate Committees of the Council, individuals, groups etc., on planning related issues.
• Assisting individuals, groups, etc. on regional planning matters as requested.
• Report regularly and as required on regional planning issues.
• Assisting in the procurement and management of consultants.
• Carrying out of planning and ancillary duties as assigned and provide support to senior personnel across all service areas.
• Assist in the preparation and management of programmes and budgets.
• Identifying opportunities for improvements or achievements of efficiencies in service delivery.
• Maintaining and proactively developing a culture of Health and Safety in the workplace.
• Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety legislation and regulations, and Clare County Council’s Safety Management Systems.
• Ensuring works are implemented in compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations; including planning and procurement requirements.
• Implementation and development of in-house quality management systems.
• Dealing efficiently, effectively and professionally at all times with residents, businesses, community groups, elected members, local authorities, Government Departments and stakeholders.
• Liaising with and responding to other local authorities, Government Departments and statutory agencies where required.
• Compiling, preparing and presenting reports as necessary to a variety of stakeholders.
• Participating in and supporting the management of an planning / administrative workforce and associated issues including PMDS.
• Deputising for the Executive Planner or other senior grade when required.
• Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required or assigned, from time to time.

1. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) Hold an honours degree (at least Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Planning

AND

(b) Have at least 2 years satisfactory experience of planning work

AND

(c) Possess a high standard of technical training and experience

Failure to input and upload proof of essential educational qualifications in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Displays the ability to think and act strategically from a planning perspective.

Competency 2 Delivering Results 

• Makes timely informed and effective decisions and shows good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations.

• Contributes to the development of operational plans and to the development of specific team plans.

• Ensures compliance with council and external agency procedures and protocols.

• Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivery of sameCompetency 3 Performance Through People 

• Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills and record keeping.
• Demonstrates the ability and experience of promoting awareness, interest, pride and understanding in planning matters.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team environment.

Competency 4 Personal Effectiveness 

• Is self motivated and maintains a positive constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role.
• Manages time and workload effectively with particular reference to statutory obligations and timeframes.
• Demonstrates the required specialist technical knowledge, understanding and training for the role.
• Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement; is enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals to achieve high quality outcomes.
• Behaves in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner and is transparent, fair and consistent in dealing with others.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current salary scale applicable to the post (February 2026): €47,770, €50,438, €52,425, €54,487, €56,600, €58,748, €60,915, €63,083, €65,250, €67,421, €69,603, €71,834 (LSI1), €74,068 (LSI2)