Transport Planner

As a Transport Planner you design and assess transport networks, including roads, public transport routes, cycling infrastructure and pedestrian schemes, to help communities move around safely and efficiently. You collect and analyse traffic data, model future travel demand and prepare technical reports that inform planning decisions for local authorities, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and private developers. Your daily work involves reviewing planning applications for transport impact, consulting with engineers, urban designers and environmental specialists, and engaging with members of the public during consultations. You might work on large-scale projects such as BusConnects route redesigns, active travel schemes or strategic transport assessments for new housing developments across Ireland.

A Leaving Certificate with strong results in Maths, Geography and a science subject provides a solid foundation for entry into this field. Most transport planners in Ireland hold an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree in areas such as Civil Engineering, Planning and Sustainable Development, or Geography with Planning, available at universities including UCD, UCC, University of Galway, TU Dublin and University of Limerick. Some graduates enter via a Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor degree and progress through a Level 9 Masters in Transport Planning, Urban Planning or Civil Engineering, which is increasingly expected for specialist or senior roles. Graduates may work towards membership of professional bodies such as Engineers Ireland or the Irish Planning Institute (IPI), which typically requires a combination of accredited qualifications and structured work experience. There is no statutory registration requirement for the title 'Transport Planner', but professional membership of the IPI or Engineers Ireland significantly enhances career prospects. A postgraduate qualification is often preferred by the NTA and larger local authorities for project-management and policy-facing roles.