This course is tailored for legal professionals, planners, environmental consultants, and civil servants involved in planning, environmental law, and commercial litigation.

Throughout the day, we delve into recent developments in environmental and planning law, including new regulations and hugely significant court decisions. Participants will explore key topics such as nature conservation case law, substitute consent, strategic housing, and access to environmental information. We will also examine topics such as AA screening, mitigation measures, and new changes to substitute consent regime. Limited places are available, so book now to secure your spot.

"Very useful, should be mandatory for senior council staff in planning and environmental departments" – Kim O’Meara, Offaly County Council

“Excellent presenter, good pace and very informative” - Paula Kearney, Biodiversity Officer

Course Content‍

Module 1: Developments in Nature Conservation Law, EIA and AA

• Screening for AA and Stage II AA
• Mitigation measures – Heather Hill Management Company, Sweetman v An Bord Pleanála & IGP Solar, Highlands Residents, Eco Advocacy
• Project splitting and assessments – Holohan, Mount Juliet
• Derogation licences – Hellfire Massey
• Climate change and legislative intervention - Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021
• Environmental Liability Directive

Module 2: Substitute Consent

• An Taisce v ABP(Supreme Court decision of July 2020)
• New changes to substitute consent regime in Planning Act 2020
• Decisions in J.J. Flood, Moore v ABP, Liscannor Stone v Clare County Council, McCaffery v ABP

Module 3: Strategic Housing and Development Plans

• Interpretation of Development Plan
• Material contravention of zoning
• Strategic planning policy requirements
• Updated to 2020 Large Scale Residential Development
• Remittal and intervention by Notice Parties – Ballyboden and Crofton
• Maritime development

Module 4: Overview of the Planning and Development Bill 2023

• Review of the proposed Planning and Development Bill
• Overview of structure
• Plan types, plan hierarchy and plan making
• Types of planning applications
• Reform of An Bord Pleanála
• Office of the Planning Regulator reform
• Environmental Assessments
• Judicial Review and costs
• Enforcement mechanisms
• Additional updates and overview

Module 5: Access to Environmental Information

• Meaning of environmental information (Redmond v CEI, Right to Know v CEI and DTTAS)
• Definition of public authorities (Right to Know v CEI and Raheenleagh)
• Manifestly unreasonable / frivolous requests

Module 6: Additional Miscellaneous Updates

• Leave to appeal updates
• Timing in judicial review – Save South Leinster Way
• Standing in environmental matters – Dublin 8 Residents Assoc., Ballyshannon Action Group
• Dedicated High Court Planning and Environmental Division – practice direction
• Preliminary references – Eco Advocacy and others

Who Should Attend

Public sector, private sector and in-house solicitors working in the areas of conveyancing and planning, commercial litigation, and environmental law. This course is designed for individuals seeking to stay up-to-date with recent legal developments and enhance their understanding of complex legal issues in the context of environmental and planning law.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.

This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €535 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €585. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY BIRD RATE CLOSES 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE DATE. The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.