Diploma in Planning and Environmental Law

Programme objectives

On completion of this training programme, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the overall structure of planning and environmental law in Ireland and the role of the organisations entrusted with overseeing the implementation of same;
• Explain the planning application procedure, the determination of a planning application and the appeals process, and the impact that environmental law has on planning;
• Illustrate the legislative framework and regulation of planning law in Ireland;
• Analyse litigation in the area in light of recent judicial decisions;
• Elucidate the changes taking place as a result of the Planning and Development Act 2024;
• Advise on liability and enforcement in the areas of planning and environmental law.

Programme structure and approach to learning

This diploma course aims to provide a comprehensive practical overview of the current legislative framework in the planning and environmental realms. The overall objective is to assist practitioners in determining what planning and environmental legislation applies and what the exposure is for clients arising from this.

This course will examine topical issues, including the impact of environmental law on planning, planning control, development plans and strategic development, the interplay with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), developments in waste law, recent European law and Irish legislation, recent case law, issues of environmental liability in insolvency, enforcement, trans-boundary environmental issues, and the nature of development.

Modules

The programme is based on the following modular scheme and covers key themes as listed below:

Module 1: The legislative framework and regulation of planning law in Ireland

• Introduction to planning law in Ireland,
• Planning and Development Act 2024,
• Planning applications,
• An Coimisiún Pleanála Planning Appeals,
• Planning Enforcement,
• Development plans and strategic development,
• Compulsory acquisition and compensation.

Module 2: Environmental law

• Planning law in Ireland,
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
• Environmental impact assessment,
• Environmental law enforcement,
• Environmental liability – criminal and civil liability,
• Environmental directive and transposing directive,
• Trans-boundary environmental issues,
• Irish Water – an overview,
• Green energy and climate change.

Module 3: Litigation, enforcement, interface of environmental and planning law, and impact of transactions

• Environmental issues in corporate and property transactions,
• Impact of environmental law on planning,
• Role of the local authority,
• Environmental issues in corporate and property transactions,
• Judicial reviews of An Coimisiún Pleanála and EPA.

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