Our client, the Land Development Agency (LDA) is a key Government Commercial Semi-State Body that delivers social and affordable housing on State and other lands. It is overseen by an independent board of directors and is funded with €3.75 billion of equity capital committed by the Government. It is also permitted to borrow up to €1.25bn.
The LDA has commenced construction on various state sourced lands and is currently working on about 20 direct delivery projects that can deliver over 8,000 homes. It is also delivering affordable housing by working with private sector on an initiative called ‘Project Tosaigh’, which will yield a further 5,000 homes on land provided by housebuilders.
Additionally, the LDA is working on large-scale longer-term strategic areas by master-planning and bringing forward planning applications in locations such as Limerick Colbert Quarter, the Digital Hub in Dublin and Sandy Road in Galway.
The LDA is underpinned by a positive, collegiate, ‘can do’ culture based on our core values of Integrity, Results, Collaboration, Sustainability and Innovation. Our team is around 160 people and growing rapidly.
The Role
The Strategic Planning Team are looking to expand their team an Executive Town Planner with 6 years ‘plus relevant planning experience who will report to the Planning and Development Manager in the Strategic planning department within the Land Development Agency. The team comprises several professional town planners together with other multidisciplinary roles with a focus on enabling the sustainable development of new and regenerated communities. A primary function is to support and progress the development and regeneration of large scale, strategic, sites to increase the supply of housing in the State and affordable and social housing.
The focus for the Town Planner role is on planning development management and progressing LDA projects through planning and development. The Town Planner will be experienced in client facing roles with significant involvement in multi-disciplinary teams and managing projects through planning.
· To work in strategic planning to support and progress sites for planning and development.
· To provide support and advice on planning matters, including planning applications, pre- application consultations and planning schemes
· To support and develop LDA approach in relation to public consultation and engagement for key sites for development.
· To work, advise and provide input on strategic planning matters, including submissions on county development plans, local areas plans, planning schemes and preparing baseline reports and other planning related reports as relevant
· To support development of LDA strategic sites including managing projects and related works and studies, land acquisition and compliance matters in line with legislative requirements.
· To support design teams on assigned projects, and commissioning studies or reports and manage the budgets and payments (with finance team).
· To assist in the preparation of planning studies and (grant/EU funded) research projects.
· To organise & support team meetings, issue minutes, and follow up on actions, report on planning risks/ issues, progress projects to agreed strategy /timelines .
· Stakeholder engagement and management to support and progress proposals for key sites in line with agreed requirements.
· To deal with a variety of items that may arise relating to planning for and progressing development including residential, commercial and / or infrastructure planning.
· To monitor and report on project progress regularly and keep up to date records/ trackers
· To monitor and advise on planning matters, including legislation, key policy areas and develop understanding and report as relevant in relation to implications and opportunities for housing development and infrastructure related matters.
· To build and maintain co-operative working relationships with local authority and other key partners and provide advice and support in an efficient, flexible and responsive manner
· To prepare reports for reporting and tracking, including baseline planning reports, analysis and interpretation a range of socio-economic, demographic, policy and related material
· Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications & Experience
· Experience of engaging with /working in Local Authority/ State/ Semi – State sector an advantage.
· A recognised 3rd level (IPI or RTPI) planning qualification with professional accreditation.
· Minimum of 6 years post-graduate experience
Desirable Skills and Attributes
You will need to possess the following skills and attributes:
· Attention to detail in reviewing plans, costs and reporting.
· Good planning, operational and project management skills
· Good communication/ presentation and interpersonal skills
· Good understanding of the Irish Planning system, the Planning legislation, principles, practices and techniques
· Excellent working knowledge of the Irish Planning system, with experience of plan/ schemes development and planning application process
· Ability to work well under pressure and to think laterally, with a solution-oriented mind set in dealing with a wide range of issues
· Demonstrable experience of managing multiple projects and prioritising to achieve delivery of competing demands within prescribed timelines and deadlines.
· Ability to demonstrate good analytical skills, strong report writing skills & strong IT skills
· Strong report writing and presentation skills.
· Full clean driving licence.
To Apply:
The Land Development Agency is an equal opportunities employer