Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
207. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the scale of fees for environmental law judicial review cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8481/26]
View answer208. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to correspondence sent to his Department in relation to judicial review cases (details supplied); the actions he will take to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8482/26]
View answer209. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on whether the proposed increases in cost to take environmental law judicial review cases acts as a barrier to public participation in the planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8483/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 208 and 209 together.
My Department recently conducted a public consultation process inviting submissions on proposed measures required to implement the provision of a scale of costs in judicial reviews which was adopted by the Oireachtas in the Planning and Development Act, 2024. The objective of the proposed measures is to bring greater predictability and proportionality to the State's legal costs in judicial reviews under the Act.
The consultation was very successful, yielding more than 1,400 submissions. The large volume of submissions received indicates both the public interest in the proposal and the inclusiveness of the consultation process. The views expressed reflect a wide spectrum, spanning concerns, uncertainty and support from the public, as well as sectoral stakeholders.
All of the submissions received are currently in the process of being reviewed. A report of this review is also in preparation, which will inform policy development in this area and the final approach I take to making regulations in this area. I propose to publish the final report and also to publish all of the submissions received on the Gov.ie website, with personal information redacted.
