Senior Network Planner
Background
TII is a statutory public agency responsible for managing and improving the country’s national road, cycling, light rail network and future MetroLink Metro service. The annual expenditure of the organisation is currently in the order of €1.0 to 1.5 billion. TII is based in Dublin, with some regional and local project offices TII is responsible for managing significant road and light rail networks and assets on behalf of the state and these networks are used by millions of customers every year. TII works closely with the Department of Transport, the National Transport Authority, Local Authorities and various safety bodies (including the Commission for Rail Regulation) to fulfil its remit.
The Luas light rail network operating under the brand name (Luas) is a vital component of Dublin’s transport system and carries significant passengers (c. 55 million passenger journeys in 2025), requiring ongoing asset management to maintain high standards of service, safety, and reliability. The current network spans approximately 43km with 67 stops and TII is currently working on extending the network a further c.30 km (with an additional c.32 stops) as part of the Government’s NDP to connect the network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg and Bray.
In addition to the plans to extend the network significantly during the next decade or so which will increase services and passenger volumes and place additional pressure on the performance and resilience of the network, many of the assets are now 20 years old, which brings increased challenges in terms of obsolescence and planning for a larger scale asset renewal programme.
Role and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of the role are:
· Services Optimisation Planning: Establish and lead planning workstreams to optimise Luas services and customer experience through monitoring, analysing and modelling potential improvements to timetables, services patterns, travel times, capacity utilisations, vehicle availability whilst minimising resourcing where possible.
· Network Asset Investment Planning: Establish and manage workstreams to plan and coordinate a significant multi-annual programme of asset investment works across the network including developing suitable line closure strategies and options over short, medium and longer-term horizons.
· Network Enhancement Planning: Identify and manage various workstreams to assess operational effectiveness of the current light rail network and make recommendations on how performance can be optimised / strengthened with various operational and infrastructural enhancements.
· Network Expansion Planning: Establish and manage workstreams to assess options and impacts and propose effective strategies for managing the expansion of the light rail network in Dublin and the integration of new schemes / extensions which are designed and constructed.
· Adjacent Developments and Estate Management: The role will also involve leading Light Rail Network Management’s Adjacent Developments and Estate Management functions. Both functions support the safe, efficient and legally compliant operation of the network on and across the lands and properties required for the provision of light rail services in a safe manner and involves ensuring that any planned third-party developments adjacent to the network are planned and implemented in accordance with TII requirements.
The Senior Network Planner will be required to work closely with the Land Use Planning and Land & Property section and other TII sections / departments to manage the interface with and interaction to land use and property developments which are adjacent to the light rail network to support transport orientated development whilst also protecting the integrity of the network and the quality of the services.
This role will also be required to work closely with the other senior managers within the Light Rail Network Management team as well as with TII’s safety section and the Commission for Rail Regulation (CRR) on safety related matters, where relevant. In particular, the Senior Network Planner will be required to collaborate with and support colleagues working on light rail asset investment programmes and on new schemes / extensions in Dublin.
As a senior role in the Light Rail Network section, the role holder will be required to contribute to the development of broader light rail strategies and plans, positively promote the values and culture of TII, contribute to the delivery of TII’s sustainability and climate action programmes and plans and represent TII at various national and international forums.
Other responsibilities include:
· Data Analysis & Modelling: Managing the collection and interpretation of data to identify patronage demand trends and utilizing software modelling tools to assess future scenarios and forecast future needs.
· Assess the available technologies and systems for real time patronage counting and future forecasting and prepare a procurement and implementation strategy to deliver an effective passenger counting and forecasting system for the Light Rail Network.
· Stakeholder Engagement: Building productive relationships with government departments, the National Transport Authority, local authorities, and transport operators.
· Incident and Disruption Management: Assist with development of emergency plans, including service adjustments in response to unexpected network disruptions.
· Integration with Other Modes: Coordinate schedules and transfer points to ensure smooth connections with other public transport modes (bus, train).
· Consultancy Management: Procuring and directing the work of technical advisors, including transport planners, engineers, and transport modellers.
· Support longer term / strategic planning activities for the Light Rail Network in Dublin including engaging with various stakeholders in this regard, including the Department of Transport, National Transport Authority and Local Authorities
· Manage budgets for the delivery of various studies.
· To support the preparation and development of appraisals and business cases in line with appropriate guidelines and procedures.
Education & Experience
· Degree or 3rd level professional qualification (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in transport Planning or related fields such as Transport Management or Spatial Planning, Engineering, Business or other relevant discipline. A postgraduate qualification or certification in transport planning or a related field would be an advantage.
· At least ten years’ experience in a responsible position, with a preference for candidates who have experience in light rail operations or other public transport operations related roles.
· Good contract management experience. Involvement in commercial negotiations in relation to such contracts would be beneficial.
· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently, effectively prioritising tasks to ensure focus on critical activities.
· Strong experience of cultivating and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders and contractors.
· Good people management skills and proven team player who is willing to work as part of a wider team.
· Good experience of working with colleagues in other disciplines and departments in identifying and implementing solutions to problems.
· Knowledge and experience of management of operations, including the application of risk management and project governance.
· Some experience in public procurement, including writing specifications, preparing data room information, responding to queries from tenderers, and evaluating pre-qualification submissions and tenders, would be advantageous.
· Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
· Good negotiation skills and good stakeholder management and relationship skills.
· A strong commitment to public safety, to the safety of our own staff, and to the safety of those working on our behalf.
To apply for, or to locate further information on, these posts please visit our website: https://www.tii.ie/careers/
The closing date for applications is 12pm Thursday 28th May at 12pm.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.
