Pre‑planning services are often the first point of contact between applicants and local authorities, and they play a crucial role in shaping the planning process. Traditionally, these services have relied on manual handling of enquiries, which can be slow, inconsistent, and resource-intensive. As development pressures grow and expectations for timely responses increase, modernising pre‑planning services has become essential. Automation and data-driven approaches now offer councils the opportunity to improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and support better decision-making.

Modernising pre‑planning services brings tangible operational benefits. Automated systems can instantly generate site assessments that check zoning, flood risk, land use, and other constraints, freeing planners from repetitive manual tasks. This not only saves time but also allows planning staff to focus on more complex applications where their expertise is most needed. Standardised, structured responses reduce the likelihood of errors or conflicting advice, while providing applicants with clear guidance from the outset. Additionally, each enquiry captured digitally produces structured data, offering councils valuable insights into development trends, common site constraints, and areas where policies may need refinement.

Efficiency gains through technology extend beyond simple automation. By integrating GIS and mapping tools, councils can streamline site assessments and respond faster to enquiries. For example, Carlow County Council’s implementation of automated pre‑planning reports through PrePlanning.ie led to a significant reduction in manual enquiry handling time, allowing staff to dedicate more attention to complex cases while maintaining service quality and consistency.

Data-driven decision-making is another major advantage. Automated enquiry systems capture insights that inform both operational and strategic planning. Councils can identify which types of development are most commonly proposed, detect recurring site issues, and pinpoint areas where policy adjustments may be needed. This evidence-based approach aligns closely with the guidance of the Office of the Planning Regulator, which encourages councils to adopt data-led and efficient pre-planning services. Beyond compliance, it ensures that resources are deployed where they make the most impact, helping councils respond to both applicants’ needs and broader planning objectives.

Carlow County Council’s experience highlights the value of modernisation. By adopting automated pre‑planning reports, the council reduced the time spent on routine enquiries, increased applicant satisfaction, and gained actionable insights that helped refine internal processes. Such technology-driven approaches demonstrate that modern pre‑planning services are not just faster—they enable smarter, more consistent decision-making that benefits both councils and applicants.

Modernising pre‑planning services is about more than just speed. It’s about improving transparency, supporting evidence-based decision-making, and using technology to free up valuable planner time for complex, high-impact work. Councils that embrace these tools are better positioned to deliver high-quality services to their communities while promoting sustainable development.

If you’re interested in exploring how your council could integrate this simple, scalable tool alongside your existing services call us at (056) 7820020 to request a Teams or Zoom demo of the service or use the contact form below.