The Royal Town Planning Institute, Southern Irish Branch seeks applications from experienced management or planning consultants who wish to be considered to undertake a feasibility study which will comprehensively appraise both the demand for and possibility of setting up a sustainable Planning Aid service within the Republic of Ireland. Planning Aid is a free or affordable independent town planning related advice service for individuals and/or groups unable to afford professional consultants or sufficiently access information on the planning system and how it affects them.

The study will consist of a literature review, interviews and feedback, the publication of articles for the RTPI, the branch website and Planning magazine and the publication of both Interim and Final Reports and a final presentation to the Southern Irish Branch.

The intended timescale is 20 weeks and is expected to be undertaken between January and May 2004. The cost range of the tender is estimated at €12,000-€14000.

Applicants should note that it will be a condition for the award of any contract to the successful candidate that a valid Tax Clearance certificate is submitted by them.

Interested parties should contact Myles Joyce, Planning Aid Co-ordinator, c/o RTPI 5 Wilton Place, Dublin 2 (Tel: 00353 1 890 5702). Alternatively, applicants can Email Mr. Joyce at myles.joyce@fingalcoco.ie or fax him at 00353 1 890 5789.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Monday 1st December 2003.