Introduction
This course provides participants with a comprehensive practical knowledge of Planning and Environmental Law, which will be relevant to professionals who are involved in advising on planning and strategic infrastructure applications, enforcement issues, development plans and strategic planning, waste management and climate resilience and adaptation.
Application Deadline: Midnight (Irish time) on Sunday, September 28, 2025 (Date TBC)
Course Start Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
AIMS & OUTCOMES
This Advanced Diploma provides participants with a comprehensive practical knowledge of Planning and Environmental Law.
On completion of the course, you will be better able to:
Explain and apply relevant statutory, common law and other provisions;
Use relevant legal terminology competently and correctly;
Apply appropriate legal principles to a range of factual scenarios;
Solve problems within this area of law;
Communicate legal arguments based on relevant legal principles;
Conduct legal research independently and in groups;
Evaluate, criticise and defend legal arguments on matters of planning and environmental law.
Who is the course for?
This Advanced Diploma attracts planners, engineers, architects and construction managers, An Bord Pleanála inspectors, those working with NGOs, local authority professionals, consultants, barristers and solicitors in general practice who would like to diversify into the area of planning and environmental law, and anyone working in the planning and environmental area.
Having a diverse group of professionals studying this course together allows participants to learn from each other, especially during tutorials and Q&A sessions.
COURSE DESIGNER AND LEAD LECTURER
This course was designed by Dr David Browne SC. The course coordinator and lead lecturer / tutor is Cathal Lenaghan BL.
Cathal specialises in planning and environmental policy, and practices in the general practice and judicial review areas.
COURSE CONTENT
Course overview and introduction (live session, not recorded)
Introduction to planning and environmental law
Development plans
Strategic environmental assessment
Meaning of “development”
Planning applications
Grant of planning permission
Planning compensation
Compulsory acquisition
Planning appeals
Strategic development
Planning enforcement
Judicial review I + II
Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
Nature conservation
Substitute consent
Aarhus convention
Water management
Waste management
Environmental crime
Climate change and emissions
Two live online tutorials, one before Christmas and one toward the end of the course (live sessions, not recorded)
A view from the Bench – judicial speaker (live session, not recorded)
Please note the course content is subject to change in accordance with new developments in this area.
Previous Speakers
Alice Whittaker, Philip Lee
Alison Fanagan, A&L Goodbody
Aoife Carroll BL
Brendan Slattery, McCann Fitzgerald
Brian Foley SC
Conor Linehan, William Fry
Danielle Conaghan, Arthur Cox
David Browne BL
Deborah Spence, Arthur Cox
Dermot Flanagan SC
Eamon Galligan SC
Esmonde Keane SC
Fintan Valentine SC
James Connolly SC
Niall Handy BL
Jarlath Fitzsimons SC
Oisin Collins SC
Rachel Minch, Philip Lee
Rory Mulcahy SC
Shane Murphy SC
Suzanne Murray SC
Tom Flynn BL
Prof. Yvonne Scannell, TCD/Arthur Cox
ASSESSMENT & ACCREDITATION
This is a professional development course and it is accredited independently by The Honorable Society of King’s Inns. The skills and competence gained in studying at King’s Inns are transferable, portable and recognised internationally. It is a valuable qualification delivered by distinguished lawyers, members of the judiciary, legal and other practitioners specialising in legal education.
To be awarded the Advanced Diploma, a participant is required to successfully complete one assessment. The assessment methodology for this course is under review for 2025-2026 learners. It is possible that learners will be required to undertake an in-person examination at King’s Inns. We will update this webpage once arrangements are finalised.
COURSE DELIVERY
This course takes place in an online format only, live via Zoom, with recordings of lectures available after class is over. Interactive elements such as class discussions / tutorials will not be recorded and will be cast live only.
The course takes place over approx. 22 weeks from October to May, with lectures on Thursdays from 8.30 am to 10 am.
Classes are recorded using eLearning software and made available to students for streaming via our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). This means that, while all students are welcome to attend class live via Zoom, most of the sessions will be recorded so that students who are unable to attend can catch up on the material by streaming the video in their own time.
All class notes are available to read through our Virtual Learning Environment. Online tutorials and IT support are available to help students navigate their way through our library and legal resource databases.
King’s Inns is built on networking and engagement. Over the year, we invite students to attend and participate in various social events, fireside chats and talks. Events take place either online or in–person. All of this contributes to the learning experience that is King’s Inns.
APPLY HERE
apply here
In order to verify your personal details, you must first create an account on the Application Portal through the ‘register and apply here’ button below. Once you verify your email address in the Portal, you can then proceed with your application.
The application process is very short and your place on the course will not be secured until payment is received in full. Once payment is received, you are automatically accepted on the course.
Payment can be made through the Application Portal using your credit or debit card (please make sure your bank allows you to process the full payment in one go), or
If your employer is paying for your studies, you will require a valid PO number in advance of making the application, the name and email address for the person responsible for payment in your organisation.
The invoice will issue directly to the person whose details you enter. The participant will also be able to download a copy of the invoice through the Application Portal. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their employer has paid in full within the timeframe required in order to secure a place. King’s Inns cannot contact your employer for payment, we can only liaise with the applicant.
An automated payment receipt will be generated confirming your place on the course.
Subscribing members: You must apply your discount code upon application. It cannot be applied after the application is made.
