Conference Chairperson & Opening Remarks

Stephen Barry, Partner, Dispute Resolution and Litigation, Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Planning Reform in Ireland - What’s Changing and What It Means

Speaker: Mark Thuillier, Senior Associate, A&L Goodbody LLP

• Overview of the Planning and Development Act 2024 & its implementation
  
• Consolidation of legislation and operation oft he Planning and Environmental Court and key insights
• Timelines, appeals, and new powers for An Coimisiún Pleanála
• How reforms affect developers, local authorities and objectors

Environmental Case Law Review - Ireland and EU (2024–2025)

Speaker: Tom Flynn S.C, The Bar of Ireland

• Coolglass Windfarm Ltd v. An Bord Pleanála[2025] IEHC 1
• Doyle & Ors v. An Bord Pleanála & Ors [2025] IEHC 158
• Foran v. An Bord Pleanála & Ors [2025] IEHC175
• Murphy v. An Bord Pleanála & Anor [2025] IEHC 117

Biodiversity, Habitats & Appropriate Assessment (AA)

Speaker: Hannah Gallagher, Solicitor, Mason Hayes and Curran

• Obligations under the Habitats Directive and Irish transposition
• Screening and full AA requirements for plans and projects
• Common failings in Natura Impact Statements
• Court challenges around AA adequacy and integrity

Judicial Reviews and Environmental Challenges - Trends and Pitfalls

Speaker: Jonathan Moore, Partner, Public and Regulatory/Planning & Environmental, Fieldfisher

• Who can challenge and on what grounds (standing and Aarhus compliance)
• Recent case trends in Irish courts and EU influence
• Procedural issues - timelines, grounds, protective costs orders
• Common grounds of challenge

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Getting It Right from the Start

Speaker: Kevin Bell, Barrister at Law, The Law Library

• Legal requirements for screening, scoping, and content
• Case law on inadequate EIAs and resulting challenges
  
• How to structure EIARs to reduce legal exposure
• Role of consultants and legal advisors in compliance

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Development Planning

• When SEAs are required and common oversights
• Interaction with land-use plans and zoning decisions
• Legal risks of non-compliance or inadequate assessment
• Recent Irish and EU case law influencing SEA practice

Planning Compliance for Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Projects

• Regulatory landscape for wind, solar, and grid infrastructure
• EIA, grid connection, and public consultation hurdles
• Planning exemptions and emerging legal risks
• Interaction with climate action targets and national policy

Managing Environmental Risk in Development Consent

• Integrating flood risk, waste, and climate impacts into planning
• How to respond to environmental objections and submissions
• Legal duties on public authorities and developers under new guidance
• Using mitigation and monitoring frameworks effectively