Planning and environment

Philip Lee LLP

Philip Lee LLP‘s environment and climate team has recently been increasingly focused on climate action, renewable energy, and biodiversity enhancement work. Alice Whittaker has an extensive background in litigation, and at present focuses her practice on advising project developers on complex environmental consent procedures. The renowned Rachel Minch SC is highly regarded for her expertise in handling judicial reviews of decisions related to the planning and licensing of environmentally significant development projects. Her work spans key sectors, including strategic transport initiatives and energy infrastructure, focusing on projects that have a substantial environmental impact. Leonora Mullett has broad experience of advising across a range of environmental matters, specifically relating to wildlife and water quality law. Another key individual is Maeve Delargy, who often acts for key clients in environmental transactional and regulatory work, and stands out for her expertise in significant judicial review proceedings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Very well informed and have a wealth of knowledge on planning and environmental matters.’
‘Alice Whittaker is well versed in E&P matters. Rachel Minch is such a pleasant person to have on your team - informed, knowledgeable and steady!’
‘Alice Whittaker and Alison Hardiman are two individuals I would particularly commend to anyone looking for legal advice and support. They have an encyclopedic knowledge of Irish planning and environmental law which is coupled with an exemplary dedication to their clients.’

Key clients

An Bord Pleanála
Aqua Comms
RWE Renewables Ireland Limited
Premier Periclase Limited
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
ScottishPower Renewables / Iberdrola
Commissioner for Environmental Information
Emerging Markets Power (EM Power)
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Marine Institute
Commissioners for Irish Lights
Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board
Coillte
Doyle Shipping Group
Heygaz
Corrib Oil
Port of Cork Company
Hines
Power Capital Renewable Energy

Work highlights

Advising RWE Renewables Ireland Limited on the development of the Dublin Array offshore wind project, one of the four ‘phase one’ projects that were successful in Ireland’s first offshore auction (ORESS 1).
Supporting the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) in the preparation of Ireland’s first Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for the South Coast of Ireland (SC-DMAP), identifying areas for future offshore wind projects.
Advising Premier Periclase Limited on a significant green transition project to transform an operational industrial facility located on a large brownfield site into a clean energy centre serving a new campus for industrial and commercial uses, requiring sustainable heat and power.

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