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Environmental Law Conference: Litigation and Environmental Challenges
The Climate Bar Association in conjunction with the Southern Law Association
Keeping the Native Irish Honey Bee - Beekeepers and Lawyers Seminar
Senator Vincent P. Martin SC, Mema Byrne BL, Clíona Kimber SC, Kyle Petrie, Open Hive, Aoife Nic Giolla Coda and Dr Grace McCormack, NUI Galway
People don't report environmental crimes for fear of upsetting neighbours, research finds, Irish Examiner
Cultural factors such as reluctance to confront neighbours, a lack of legal knowledge, and cumbersome procedures are just some of the barriers when it comes to enforcing environmental law in Ireland, research has shown.
Lawyers call for dedicated Irish environmental court, Irish Legal News
Ireland should have a dedicated environmental court along the lines of the Workplace Relations Commission or the Labour Court, experts will tell the Climate Bar Association’s inaugural symposium this afternoon.
Urgent need for dedicated environment court in Ireland, symposium told
The Irish Times
Cliona Kimber: ‘Despite this vast body of law the environment is still routinely destroyed and despoiled.’
One-stop court proposed to tackle wildlife and pollution issues, Irish Examiner
The new court would be less formal than regular courts, and would be able to deal with disputes between neighbours over environmental matters, water pollution, wildlife offences, hedge cutting, or habitat destruction, at a much lower legal cost for all concerned.
The Climate Bar Association held its inaugural Symposium on Friday, 21 January 2022. With a theme focusing on a Model Environmental Law for Ireland, the online event saw expert views shared on the need for a dedicated environmental court in Ireland, improved mechanisms for reporting and accessing environmental justice. The event was opened by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.
Eleven experts spoke over the course of three sessions:
Session 1 – Chaired by The Hon. Ms. Justice Marie Baker, Supreme Court: This session saw new stakeholder research findings on access to environmental law and regulations. The session also shared a draft Model Environmental Code for Ireland.
Session 2 – Chaired by former Chief Justice, Mr Frank Clarke SC: This session discussed current issues in environmental litigation and standing orders. It also proposed remedies for effective enforcement of environmental sanctions.
Session 3 – Chaired by Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, RTÉ, entitled, “Towards an Environmental Court - Lessons from abroad”, saw legal and professional experts discuss the need for a dedicated environmental court in Ireland. Panellists included Clíona Kimber SC, Rose Wall, Community Law and Mediation Centre for Environmental Justice, Conor Linehan SC, William Fry, Shirley Clerkin Heritage Officer Monaghan Co. Co. and Kevin Keane, An Taisce.
Climate Bar Association pledges support to the COP26 Coalition Ireland March for Climate Justice
On the same day that Michael Martin addresses COP 26, the Climate Bar Association and 38 other Irish organisations have pledged their support to the COP26 Coalition Ireland March for Climate Justice.
On Wednesday 20 October 2021, member of the Climate Bar Association, Senator Vincent P Martin SC, introduced into the Seanad the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021. Vincent, and other members of the Climate Bar Association including our Chair, Clíona Kimber SC, Mema Byrne BL, Donnchadh Woulfe BL, Brendan Guildea BL, and Sara-Jane O’Brien BL, have been working with the Native Irish Honey Bee Society for a number of months to reach this important milestone, and Comhshaol – the Climate Bar Association looks forward to seeing this important Bill progress through the Oireachtas.
Senator ’s plan bee, The Irish Times
Senator Vincent P Martin (or Vincent B Martin) introduces “The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill” to the Seanad on 20th October 2021.
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