Essentials for Engineers on Environmental and Planning Law

Details

Half-day course

CPD Credit: 3.5 hours, C1

Course Aim

The purpose of this course is to give an overview of how environmental law is integrated into the planning system. Delegates will learn about the key legal requirements, how the Courts have interpreted these processes and the common pitfalls.

Course Overview

Environmental law is incorporated into different stages of the planning process. Starting with the planning application, environmental information may take the form of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Appropriate Assessment documentation, and Water Framework Directive assessments.

A failure to navigate these processes correctly has resulted in a significant number of planning permissions being determined as unlawful by the Courts. Delegates will learn about when the information is required, what information is required, how the Courts have interpreted the requirements and tips for reducing the risk of a successful legal challenge. Engineers may face other planning-related risks later on in the process such as enforcement resulting from unauthorised development. Delegates will be given an overview of different forms of enforcement, how it interacts with section 5 declarations, and what can be done to regularise the position. 

Course Programme

  • Environmental Impact Assessment;
  • Appropriate Assessment;
  • Water Framework Directive in the planning system;
  • Derogation licences in the planning system;
  • Retention Permission and Substitute Consents;
  • Planning Enforcement;
  • Section 5 Declarations and Exempted Development.

Who Should Attend?

This course would be of benefit to any engineer tasked with the delivery of engineering projects.

Trainer Profile

Grainne Tiernan Pic

Gráinne Tiernan, Senior Associate, Mason, Hayes & Curran LLP

Gráinne is a Senior Associate on the Planning and Environment Team at Mason Hayes and Curran LLP.  Gráinne advises extensively on planning and environment law regarding electrical infrastructure and renewable energy projects as well as on the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, the upcoming Planning and Development Bill and the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 as amended.

Gráinne acts in both contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental matters and regularly advises in relation to the preparation of applications for consents including reviewing stage reports, consultation reports, Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment including the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports and Natura Impact Statements. She also advises on planning and environmental litigation before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Sustainability Badge

Engineers Ireland supports the Sustainable Development Goals. This event contributes to Engineers Ireland's Sustainability Framework.

Please contact the Team for further information on scheduled course dates and In-Company options. You can reach us by phone: 01 665 1305 or email cpdtraining@engineersireland.ie