Local Government Ireland |

There are 31 local authorities in Ireland, each an employer in its own right. The 31 local authorities employ more than 30,000 people. 

Local authorities have responsibility for the delivery of a wide range of services, with a focus on making cities, towns, villages and the countryside attractive places in which to live, work and invest.

Your local authority shapes the strategic vision for their county or city, working in close partnership with other state, public and private bodies.

Local authorities offer true variety and muti-disciplinary opportunities. Our services include housing, planning, community development, arts and culture, economic development, infrastructure, climate action, libraries, amenities, recreation, leisure - to name but a few. 

Local government is a great place to start and grow your career. We have entry-level opportunities for graduates across whole range of disciplines as well as a dedicated graduate programme for specific skills areas – find out more about that below. 

Graduate and entry-level career opportunities in local government will allow you to use and develop your education, skills and knowledge right from the start. 

As well as the structured Graduate Programme, opportunities for recent graduates span a whole range of areas including: 

• Administration
• Architecture
• Climate action
• Conservation and heritage  
• Engineering
• Planning
• Human Resources
• Finance and accounting
• Archaeology
• Fire services
• Building control and surveying
• Information Technology
• Trades
• Libraries
• Tourism
• Biodiversity
• Marketing and communications
• Technicians

Check out the roles available in local authorities nationwide at localgovernmentjobs.ie right now.  

Not only are there great roles on offer, but there are also other benefits to working in the local government sector. 

We value our employees and want to support them to develop their careers. We offer flexible working arrangements, a positive work environment, training and development opportunities, a defined career path and the opportunity to make a difference.

• Dynamic work environment

We offer a dynamic work environment where you can work with committed colleagues and engage in meaningful and interesting work right from the start.

• Learning and development 

Local authorities are committed to providing ongoing learning and development opportunities so that employees can develop to their full potential. Employees are encouraged to expand their existing skillsets via training programmes or gaining extra qualifications. 

• Support and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion are core values of the local government sector.  We recognise and value the importance of attracting and welcoming a workforce that is responsive, accessible, resilient, and reflective of the community it serves.

• Flexible working and leave 

Depending on the nature of the work, local authorities may offer blended working and flexible hours. You will also benefit from generous annual leave as well as the opportunity to avail of study leave, paid maternity leave, career break and other leave options.

• Competitive and transparent salaries 

Incremental annual salary scales apply to most roles in the local government sector.

• Pension benefits 

Local government sector employees are automatically enrolled in a public sector pension scheme.

We are recruiting Graduate Planners for 29 of the 31 city and  county councils in Ireland.

The Local Government Ireland Graduate Planner Programme offers graduate planners a rewarding and impactful career. As a graduate planner you’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive and forward-thinking team that’s dedicated to shaping our towns, cities and rural areas. You’ll get the opportunity to work on innovative projects that positively influence the built environment, support local economies, and enhance the quality of life of local communities.

Why be a graduate planner in Local Government?

As a Graduate Planner in a city or county council, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future development of our communities, while furthering your career as a professional planner.  

What does a city or county council planning department do? 

Local Government planning departments regulate and manage development within their county boundaries. Planning departments are responsible for:

• Building sustainable communities
• Creating detailed plans that act as a framework to guide future development Providing expert planning advice
• Processing planning applications
• Enforcing regulations to ensure sustainable growth in our cities and towns

Which city and county councils are hiring graduate planners

All 31 city and county councils will be hiring graduate planners in 2025. The city and county councils will be divided into five regions to streamline the application process for multiple areas. Applicants will be able to apply to two regions only. Each region has a  maximum of five city or county councils each.

When will the graduate planners jobs begin?

Successful applicants are expected to take up positions in autumn 2025.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you:

• Are a recent graduate with an honour in a level 8 honours degree or higher in planning, or
• Are due to graduate this year and expect to achieve an honour in a level 8 honours degree or higher,

and

• Are entitled to work in the Republic of Ireland.

Existing city or county council staff members can also apply if you hold the necessary qualifications detailed above.

Applicants should also have a:

• Passion for shaping communities and tackling town planning challenges and a collaborative mindset.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Applications from people who have a disability or impairment

Applications from people with disabilities or impairments are welcome. If you require any appropriate arrangements to be put in place to ensure an effective online assessment and/or interview, please give details of the required arrangements that need to be put in place for you, when you complete the online application form.

You should note that any information you provide on the application form will be treated with the utmost confidence by the Local Government Management Agency, the city or county councils that will be organising the interview(s) and the city or county councils to whom you will be assigned and who will ultimately be your employer. 

It will only be used for the purposes of ensuring that the recruitment process best suits your needs.

Why should I apply?

Local city or county councils are a great place to start and grow your career. The main benefits to working as a graduate planner in a city or county council include:

• Starting salary of €38,956 with annual increments over the duration of your 3-year contract.
• 24 days annual leave per year.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Comprehensive mentoring and structured development programme for career growth.
• A structured career pathway that allows you to progress in your chosen career as a professional planner.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on well-being.

What do I need to do to apply?

1. Check you have the necessary qualifications for the graduate planner post.
2. Decide in which or the 5 city or county council regions you would like to apply to.
3. If not an EU/EEA or UK citizen check that you have a valid visa stamp that allows you to take up employment or an employment permit to work in Ireland.
4. Fill in the online form.

How to apply to the Graduate Planner Programme:

The competition for the Graduate Planner Programme will open in April 2025 and you can apply online at Local Government Graduate Programme - Local Government Jobs.

An applicant information booklet will be available when the competition opens. We recommend that you study the information booklet before submitting your online application.

Sign-up today to receive an email notification when the Graduate Planner Recruitment Programme competition opens contact graduates@lgma.ie and include your name and email address.