Sean O’Driscoll Criticizes Ireland’s Legal Profession Over 2008 Crash Reforms
Ireland’s legal profession “got away scot-free” from reforms after the 2008 economic crisis and still requires change, according to infrastructure taskforce member Sean O’Driscoll. Speaking at an event hosted by the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce, O’Driscoll argued that there are areas in the profession that “need a bit of cutting up,” though he acknowledged that new fast-track legislation has overcome many concerns about the threat of legal blockages to major projects.
Judicial Review Costs and Project Withdrawals
The number of judicial reviews being taken to challenge major projects dominated debate a year ago, but a cap has now been imposed on the legal costs that claimants are able to recoup. Prior to this, cost arrangements stood uncapped, according to O’Driscoll, the former chief executive of Glen Dimplex. The change led to a significant reduction in the number of judicial reviews brought through, with some being withdrawn.
Three of the four outstanding judicial reviews concerning the Galway bypass were withdrawn, alongside challenges directed at Dublin’s MetroLink and the north Dublin drainage system. This legislative adjustment arrived via the Critical Infrastructure Act, which brings major projects to the top of the planning and courts queue following passage by Dáil TDs on a 132-15 vote.
North-South Electricity Interconnector Test
The first major test of the new critical infrastructure list involves plans to construct the north/south 400kV electricity interconnector. The transmission line runs from Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, into Armagh and Tyrone. O’Driscoll noted that while the project enhances security in the country and will enable the single market, it faces local political opposition from farmers and householders along the route. Utilities on both sides of the Border are ready to go.
Political Support and Local Authority Consistency
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers backed the fast-tracking framework, putting his political reputation and career on the line alongside Cabinet colleagues and civil servants, according to O’Driscoll’s remarks during a conversation with Marc Lowry, head of growth at Azets Ireland. Beyond court delays, O’Driscoll pointed to the need for local authorities to operate more consistently by similar rules, citing instances where a road engineer in one county takes a completely different view on issues to a neighbouring authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific legislative change reduced the number of judicial reviews?
The Critical Infrastructure Act brings major projects to the top of the planning and courts queue and a cap has been imposed on the legal costs that claimants are able to recoup.
Which major infrastructure projects saw recent legal challenges dropped?
Three of the four outstanding judicial reviews targeting the Galway bypass were withdrawn, alongside challenges directed at Dublin’s MetroLink and the north Dublin drainage system.
Where will the upcoming 400kV electricity interconnector be built?
The transmission line is planned to run from Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, into Armagh and Tyrone.
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