On Friday, 4 July, the Planning, Environment & Local Government Bar Association (PELGBA) will hold its 2025 annual conference, bringing together leading legal professionals and experts from Ireland and the UK to explore the most pressing issues in environmental and planning law.
The 2025 annual conference will hear from members of PELGBA in addition to Ger Deering, Commissioner for Environmental Information.
The conference will be chaired by Mr. Justice Richard Humphreys, the judge in charge of the Planning and Environmental List of the High Court.
Speakers and Topics
Attendees will hear from a panel of speakers and members of the Law Library. Fintan Valentine SC will provide an update on recent developments in the enforcement of planning and environmental law while David Browne SC will discuss the increasingly significant issue of standing and public participation in planning cases, offering insights into how these principles are evolving in Irish jurisprudence.
From the UK, Gregory Jones KC, a leading figure at the English planning bar, will share the UK’s experience with offshore windfarm development, highlighting regulatory and legal challenges encountered across the Irish Sea. Gráinne Gilmore BL will examine the impact of recent High Court decisions concerning nuisance claims arising from windfarms.
Emily Egan McGrath SC will explore the courts’ growing tendency to exercise discretion in refusing relief in judicial review proceedings, a trend that has significant implications for environmental litigation.
Mr. Ger Deering, Commissioner for Environmental Information, will conclude the conference, providing an update on the role and recent work of his office in promoting transparency and access to environmental information.
Evolving Landscape of Planning Law
Speaking ahead of the conference, Chair of PELGBA Tom Flynn SC said:
Our annual conference continues to be a vital platform for legal professionals to engage with the evolving landscape of planning and environmental law.
This year’s programme reflects the urgency and complexity of the challenges we face—from offshore energy development to environmental transparency. We look forward to welcoming a renowned panel of speakers and look forward to a day of insightful discussion and networking opportunities.
Event Details
- Date: Friday 4 July 2025
- Time: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (Lunch included)
- Where: Room 1&2, DDRC, Distillery Building, 145-151 Church St
- CPD: 4.5 points available
A drinks reception will be held in the Sheds for all delegates straight after the conference.
The PELGBA Conference is currently sold out but a waiting list is in operation.