AIMS & OUTCOMES

This course primarily focuses on knowledge (breadth and kind), know-how and skill (range and selectivity) and competence (context) sub-strands. On completion of the Diploma, participants should be better able to:

Knowledge – Breadth / Knowledge – Kind

Analyse and, where appropriate, compare relevant international and EU Law provisions, Irish domestic primary and secondary legislation, common law principles and other sources of law.

Knowledge – Kind / Know-how and Skill - Selectivity

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the planning and environmental law issues arising from a complex factual scenario and their implications for the parties concerned.

Knowledge – Kind / Know-how and Skill – Range / Know-how and Skill - Selectivity

Formulate and present legal arguments based on evolving planning and environmental law principles, underpinned by ethical, independent legal research.

Knowledge - Breadth / Know-how and Skill – Selectivity / Competence – Context

Identify and develop reasoned conclusions in respect of complex situations which may potentially constitute breaches of planning and environmental law requirements, and which may give rise to associated legal liabilities.

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?

This programme is suitable for people with a legal and non-legal background, attracting 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.

The assessment methodology for this course is an individual research and problem-solving assessment.

COURSE DELIVERY

Mode of Delivery:

Primarily online (via Zoom) synchronous delivery, with the option to attend a small number of in person, face-to-face delivery sessions.

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 online 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. Interactive elements such as class discussions / tutorials will not be recorded and will be cast online live only.

Volume of Learning:

• Direct contact hours: 33 hours

• Self-directed learning: 66 hours

• Assessment work: 50 hours

• Total number of hours = 149 hours

The course takes place over approx.. twenty-two weeks, from October to May, with lectures on Thursday mornings (8.30am to 10.00am):

Provisional start date: Tuesday, 15 October 2026

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.

HOW TO APPLY

• 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.