The planning and environment team at Carson McDowell is known for handling planning permissions and advising on environmental law requirements across a wide spectrum of industries, such as energy, industrial, and hospitality. Gary McGhee leads the team and is a go-to for major developers for securing planning permission for projects that involve complex environmental considerations. Grant McBurney is highlighted for his expertise defending clients in judicial review proceedings. Faye Phillips and Sarah Dunlop regularly advise on planning applications in the energy sector.
Planning and environment in Northern Ireland
Carson McDowell
Responsables de la pratique:
Gary McGhee
Autres avocats clés:
Grant McBurney; Faye Phillips; Sarah Dunlop
Les références
‘Excellent knowledge of legal system and current legislation.’
‘Grant McBurney is exceptional. His understanding of complex legal issues is the best I have worked with in over 35 years of industry experience. The entire team are approachable and makes complex issues easy to understand.’
‘The council is very impressed by the team assigned to us. The knowledge and commitment to giving us the best service and advice is paramount to their delivery.’
Principaux clients
Islandmagee Energy Limited
The Port of Belfast
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited
Belfast International Airport
System Operator Northern Ireland
Tesco
Renewable Energy Systems (UK & Ireland) Limited
Royal Belfast Golf Club
Henderson Group
J H Turkington & Sons Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Islandmagee Energy Limited on its applications to obtain marine licence consents to construct 7 large gas storage caverns in the seabed off the coast of Northern Ireland.
- Advising System Operator for Northern Ireland on the planning and environmental law requirements surrounding the implementation of the planning permissions authorising the construction of the £140 million North-South electricity interconnector.
- Advising Breedon Group in its defence of two sets of judicial review proceedings taken by individual residents against the alleged failure of multiple local councils, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP’s planning and environment offering spans a range of sectors including energy, manufacturing, and retail. Practice head Micaela Diver has a strong track record on the contentious front, supporting clients with appeals and planning inquiries. Stephen Geoghan acts for both public and private sector clients and focuses on energy mandates, while Martha Campbell is recommended for her non-contentious work.
Responsables de la pratique:
Micaela Diver
Autres avocats clés:
Stephen Geoghan; Martha Campbell
Les références
‘The team is young but very good.’
‘Micaela Diver is excellent.’
‘Micaela Diver has unusually keen litigation skills, coupled with a pragmatic understanding of how litigation practice integrates with planning, environmental and public law.’
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s planning and environment team has extensive experience acting for clients on significant infrastructure developments. Team lead Brendan Martyn is a go-to for public bodies, including local councils, and has deep knowledge of the transport and renewables sectors. Consultant Karen Blair also stands out, having been notably instructed to advise Dalradian Gold in relation to a proposed gold mine. Regulatory and enforcement matters are key to Stephen Masterson‘s work, while Lauren Agnew and Caitlin McPeake are highlighted for supporting the team on judicial review challenges.
Responsables de la pratique:
Brendan Martyn
Autres avocats clés:
Stephen Masterson; Lauren Agnew; Caitlin McPeake
Les références
‘Great depth and breadth of experience over a variety of sectors. Extremely capable and pleasant team.’
‘Brendan Martyn is knowledgeable and makes everything seem effortless. Nothing is problematic.’
‘Brendan Martyn has taken over from Karen Blair, ensuring continuity of the excellence that has been CFR’s hallmark for many years.’
Principaux clients
Ards & North Down Borough Council
Dalradian Gold Limited
John Andrews & Co Limited
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Belfast City Airport Limited
Assured Energy LLP
C&V Developments Limited
Mid Ulster District Council
Choice Housing Ireland Limited
Ards & North Down Borough Council
Dalradian Gold Limited
John Andrews & Co Limited
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Belfast City Airport Limited
Assured Energy LLP
C&V Developments Limited
Mid Ulster District Council
Choice Housing Ireland Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Dalradian Gold Limited on all consenting and operational aspects of its proposed gold mine development in Co Tyrone, representing an investment to date of over £160 million, including the commencement in 2025 of the Public Inquiry before the Planning Appeals Commission.
- Acting for Mid-Ulster District Council in relation to a Section 76 Planning Agreement regarding a planning application which had been called in by the Department for Infrastructure for the redevelopment of a former school site and adjacent wetlands open space provision.
- Advising Assured Energy LLP in relation to an enforcement appeal regarding an anaerobic digestion site involving radical new nitrate reducing technology.
TLT
The TLT planning and environment team is particularly active in the energy sector, advising a diverse clientele from individuals to major developers. Andrew Ryan leads the team and is an expert in renewable energy development. Ryan is well-versed in defending regulatory enforcement proceedings in court. Sarah Mulholland acts on the full breadth of environmental enforcement prosecutions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andrew Ryan
Autres avocats clés:
Sarah Mulholland
Les références
‘Very diligent in approach. Breadth of knowledge is above other legal practices I’ve worked with.’
‘Andrew Ryan on planning and environmental law is exceptional. In addition to his professional approach and knowledge, he is a thoroughly nice person to work with.’
‘Excellent team that goes above and beyond when instructed.’
Principaux dossiers
- Advising EP UK Investments, the new owners of Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations, on a series of major upgrade projects.
- Advising Cloghan Point Holdings Ltd on its environmental impact– as a subsidiary of LCC which owns the Ireland-wide petrol supplier “Go” – on its plans to invest £15 million in order to redevelop the existing import, storage and distribution facility at the Cloghan Point oil terminal.
- Instigating judicial review proceedings on behalf of local authority, Derry City and Strabane District Council who are challenging the Department for Infrastructure’s decision to grant mineral prospecting licences to Flintridge Resources and Dalradian Gold because of environmental concerns.
Tughans
Tughans’ planning and environmental law team places an emphasis on matters in the energy sector and waste projects across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Great Britain. Of Counsel Maria O’Loan covers licensing issues and regulatory matters and represents clients in judicial review proceedings. Aoife Murray, who is praised for her ‘deep understanding of public law duties, vesting powers, and environmental regulations’, is also a key practitioner within the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Maria O’Loan
Autres avocats clés:
Aoife Murray; Emma McKee; Nadine Brennan
Les références
‘Tughans’ deep knowledge of the Habitats Regulations sets them apart, ensuring that clients receive expert advice tailored to complex legal landscapes. The team, including Maria O’Loan, Emma McKee, and Aoife Murray, provides exceptional client service. ’
‘Maria O’Loan’s advice is consistently clear, strategic, and pragmatic—she has a unique knack for simplifying complex legal issues and making them accessible. Maria’s proactive approach to legal and policy developments sets her apart as a leader in her field.’
‘Aoife Murray brings unparalleled knowledge of the legal implications of planning policy to her work, offering expert advice on a range of complex planning issues, while Emma McKee is an invaluable asset when it comes to environmental litigation. ’
Principaux clients
Northern Ireland Water
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company T/A Translink
Friends of the Earth and No Gas Caverns Limited
Indaver Limited
Ardagh Metal Packaging
Greencoat Capital
Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association
System Operator of Northern Ireland (SONI)
Electric Ireland
Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Adman Civil Engineering
WEEV EV Solutions
Woodside Homes