A curated set of recent Irish planning and environmental cases showing how the courts apply key EU environmental directives in practice. Each case study briefly explains the facts, the relevant EU law (including Habitats and EIA Directives), and the court’s ultimate decision and remedy. Designed as a practical reference for understanding current trends in Planning and Environmental Court litigation and judicial review.
Case Summaries
- EIA Directive (2011/92/EU)
Requires an environmental impact assessment for public and private projects likely to have significant environmental effects before development consent is granted.
- Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)
Aims to conserve natural habitats and wild fauna and flora by establishing a network of protected sites (Natura 2000) and ensuring favourable conservation status across the EU.
- Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)
Establishes a framework for the protection and sustainable management of all EU surface waters and groundwater, aiming to achieve good ecological and chemical status.
- SEA Directive (2001/42/EC)
Requires environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes to ensure environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making at an early stage.
