News & Events

With water quality in Ireland declining, it is heartening to know that existing legislation seems to provide an opportunity for individuals and organisations to take civil action against polluters writes Lorna Madden BL

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.

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

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.

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.