An Overview of Planning Law
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Overview of Environmental Law
For local authority & public sector staff
350
Online
9:30am - 4:30pm
1 day
About this course
Local authorities have increasing legal obligations across waste, noise, air, habitats and climate-action planning. This course gives you the legal foundations you need to ensure your authority meets its statutory duties, avoids enforcement risk and improves environmental outcomes.
This training course is delivered virtually by an experienced lawyer during an interactive session. This programme is particularly suited to those new to environmental departments and for those engaged in administrative roles.
For delegates working within the areas of waste management and litter, this course will assist with the practicalities of file management and the serving of notices and documents.
Why choose this course
This course is specifically designed for local authority staff in Ireland responsible for environmental regulation, waste & litter enforcement, noise & air monitoring.
It will be of benefit to: Enforcement Officers, Environmental/Planning Officers, Waste & Litter Teams, Senior Managers, Councillors with regulatory oversight.
Ensure your authority avoids costly enforcement fines by understanding your legal obligations. Improve effectiveness of your inspections by knowing which statutes govern your area.
The course will cover the following points:
The EPA
Planning
Air
Natural Habitats
Noise
Water
Climate Change
Course syllabus
1. Introduction to environmental law
- What is environmental law?
- Key themes in environmental law
- Environmental governance- key players-who does what?
- Different dimensions- international law, EU law, national law
- Core environmental Principles
- Role of the courts
- Core challenges- Climate change
2. The EPA
- What is the role of the EPA?
- How is it made up?
- Relationship between the EPA and other Agencies
3. Planning
- An examination of the role of planning and its interaction with environmental law
- EIA
- Housing
4. Air
- Dealing with air pollution
- Who does what
- How is air pollution managed?
5. Natural Habitats
- The Role of the NPWS
- Enforcement of Wildlife Law
- Biodiversity
- Appropriate Assessment and The Habitats Directive
6. Noise
- Noise pollution
- Enforcement
7. Water
- The role of Irish Water
- Other agencies managing water resources
8. Climate Change
- Key legislation in relation to climate change
- Future plans
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand how Irish, EU, and international environmental laws interact and affect local authority duties.
- Identify key legislation and enforcement powers relevant to waste, water, air, noise, habitats, and planning.
- Apply correct legal procedures for serving notices, managing files, and ensuring statutory compliance.
- Recognise the respective roles of local authorities, the EPA, and other agencies in environmental regulation.
- Confidently address environmental compliance issues and support lawful, effective decision-making within their organisation.
This one-day online course offers excellent value for money by covering a broad range of environmental law topics in a single session. It minimises time away from work and removes travel costs, making it a practical choice for local authority and public-sector staff.
Register or enquire today.
Want to go further? Consider our ‘Investigations & Enforcement for Environmental Officers’ 4 day course.
Meet the trainer – Judy Peters
Solicitor and Training Consultant
Judy Peters is a highly experienced lawyer and legal trainer with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. She was admitted as a solicitor in England in 1979, in Northern Ireland in 1983 and...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Register to attend:
Please contact us for details.
Overview of Environmental Law
FAQs
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the Irish environmental legal framework. It explains how environmental law operates in practice, including key legislation, regulatory bodies, and enforcement mechanisms.
The course is suitable for local authority staff, environmental officers, compliance professionals, and anyone involved in implementing or enforcing environmental legislation in Ireland.
Environmental law in Ireland is derived from both domestic legislation and European Union law. Key statutes include the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and the Waste Management Act 1996, along with numerous EU directives transposed into Irish law.
EU directives and regulations form a significant part of Irish environmental law. These are implemented through national legislation, meaning compliance often requires understanding both EU obligations and Irish statutory provisions.
Local authorities are responsible for enforcing many aspects of environmental law, including waste management, pollution control, and licensing. They conduct inspections, investigate breaches, and may take enforcement action.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates licensed industrial activities, monitors environmental quality, and provides guidance on environmental protection.
Yes. It explains enforcement powers, investigation processes, and how cases may proceed to prosecution where breaches occur.
Breaches can result in fines, prosecution, licence revocation, and reputational damage. Serious offences may carry significant legal and financial penalties.
Yes. The course is designed to explain complex legal principles in a clear and practical way, making it accessible for those without a legal background.
It helps participants interpret legislation, understand their legal powers, and apply environmental law effectively in inspections, compliance, and enforcement scenarios.
