As the Planning and Development Act 2024 rolls out, professionals across the sector are asking whether the new legal framework truly delivers on efficiency, environmental protection, and judicial review. 

Today, we dive into the tensions between reform and reality, and explore the implications for planners, developers, communities, and legal practitioners alike. We explore the challenges posed by limited resources in implementing the reforms, along with looking at how the legislation aligns with broader climate and environmental goals, identifying areas of progress as well as aspects that may require further attention or amendment.

Our expert guest is an experienced litigator with particular expertise in planning, environment and public law. It’s a pleasure to welcome Partner at Philip Lee and Chairperson of the Law Society’s Environmental and Planning Law Committee, Rachel Minch, to the podcast. 

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Where the new legislation fits within Ireland’s evolving planning framework
• Streamlined consent processes and land use planning 
• A critical look at the Act’s failure to address key judicial review issues
• Implementation challenges and resourcing gaps
•  How the Act aligns (or doesn’t) with environmental protection and climate change goals

GUEST DETAILS

Rachel Minch is an experienced litigator with particular expertise in planning, environment and public law. She also advises public and private sector clients on non-contentious issues in these areas.

Rachel has handled the defence of numerous judicial reviews of decisions relating to the planning and licensing of development including strategic transport, waste and energy infrastructure.

She is Chairperson of the Law Society Environmental and Planning Law Practice Committee and a Council member of the Irish Environmental Law Association.

https://ie.linkedin.com/in/rachel-minch-b274424 

MORE INFORMATION
Find out more at ipi.ie

QUOTES

One of the main concerns across the board is the new judicial review provisions, and in particular, those relating to standing and costs. - Rachel Minch 

I think we're seeing an interesting evolution in case law. - Rachel Minch

It's very difficult to see how developers would take the risk of having to commence their development, but then also being drawn into this very complex process with an uncertain outcome. - Rachel Minch

I think in circumstances where the scope of it's been broadened, it's important that there should be some ability for the public to be involved in the process. - Rachel Minch

Climate change hasn't been taken fully by the horns yet in relation to the act. - Rachel Minch

KEYWORDS
#PlanningandDevelopmentAct2024 #judicialreview #environmentallaw #climatechange #development #landuse #infrastructure