University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This course provides engineering students a basic knowledge of the Irish legal system, the legal regime regulating planning and development and the environment in Irish Law and some legal topics in an engineering context. The course looks at: the Irish legal system, the institutions of planning control; the application for planning permission; participation by objectors; the appeal process and judicial review of planning decisions; and compensation for refusal of development; the common law relating to the environment; environmental legislation including the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 as amended; and contract law relating to engineering projects. At the end of the module, engineering students will have knowledge of the central principles of Irish law, in particular those areas that they are likely to encounter while working as engineers. A key element of the course is an interactive group project with Law and Environmental Science students working together on practical application of a planning case study including taking part in a mock oral hearing. This will include drafting submissions related to the case study and presenting those submissions to the oral hearing.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Be familiar with the Irish legal system and sources of law
  2. familiar with the Irish planning code
  3. familiar with the institutional framework of planning law
  4. Critically discuss the planning process
  5. Capable of researching planning & environmental law issues
  6. Familiar with key elements of contract law
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Berna Grist, An Introduction to Irish Planning Law, 2nd Ed., (Dublin, Irish Planning Institute, 2013)" by n/a
The above information outlines module LW361: "Planning And Law I" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.