Legislative Training Programme

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The Programme

The Legislative Training Programme addresses key legislation areas of: Governance and Reform, Housing, Planning, Environment, Water and Roads & Transportation Services in Irish Local Authorities.  It looks at how legislation shapes Local Government structures and is suitable for middle to senior management levels.

The programme combines theory and practice with case studies and bespoke resources for each local authority. This is a modular learning programme, where participants will attend interactive sessions and have access to the course material and additional resources on Moodle. The course can be delivered in person or online.

This modular programme, delivered over five x one day modules, delves into legislation pertaining to the Local Government areas of Housing, Planning, Environment and Water Pollution and control and Roads & Transportation Services. It also looks at Local Government structures and the history of reform. In addition,  the programme will examine some general law issues such as injunctions, judicial review and court cases and the implications of these for Local Government from the perspective of an experienced legal professional.

Who is this for?

The Legislative Training Programme is suitable for:

• Middle to senior managers in local government
• Staff who have completed A-Z of Irish Local Government or Policy to Practice courses
• Committee Members (CPGs, SPCs, LCDCs)
• Anyone seeking a deeper legal and governance understanding of local authority responsibilities

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Interpret the legislative foundations of Irish local government structures
2. Explain the governance responsibilities of elected members and officials
3. Analyse legal obligations in housing, planning, environment, and roads
4. Understand the implications of legal action involving local authorities
5. Apply legal reasoning to real-world local government scenarios

Course Content

This training programme provides a legal lens on how legislation shapes the structures, responsibilities, and services of Irish local government. Combining legal theory with case-based learning, participants will develop a practical understanding of local authority powers and obligations

Module One: Reform, Governance & General Law

Topics Covered

• Key reforms (2001 & 2014 Local Government Acts)
• Elected members' governance powers and reserved functions
• Oversight: NOAC, LGAS, audit committees
• 2024 Local Government Code of Corporate Governance

General Law Section

• Structure of the Irish legal system
• Common legal issues in local government (injunctions, judicial review, negligence)
• Role of witnesses, discovery, documentary evidence
• Best practices for local authority officials in litigation

Learning Outcomes

• Describe core governance structures and their legal basis
• Understand litigation processes and the council's role
• Prepare confidently to contribute to legal proceedings

Module Two: Housing Law and Practice

Topics Covered

• Housing for All 2021–2030, Housing Action Delivery Plans
• Allocation Schemes and Housing Needs Assessments
• Differential Rent and Anti-Social Behaviour legislation
• HAP, RAS, leasing schemes, tenant purchase
• Traveller Accommodation and Homelessness legislation
• Legal framework for housing standards and AHBs

Legal Focus

• Negligence, nuisance, injunctions in housing contexts
• Anti-social behaviour and powers of enforcement
• Case law illustrating council liability or legal success

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the legislative frameworks underpinning housing functions
• Assess risks and legal exposure in housing-related services
• Apply legislation through practical housing case studies

Module Three: Planning and Development Law

Topics Covered

• Planning system structure under 2000 Act and amendments
• Development Management: applications, appeals, enforcement
• Part 8 process for LA developments
• Strategic Infrastructure and Development Zones
• Appropriate Assessment and SEA obligations

Legal Focus

• Judicial review in planning decisions
• Administrative law: fairness, legitimate expectation
• Risks of losing planning-related legal cases
• Good practice examples and key rulings

Learning Outcomes

• Navigate the legal planning framework effectively
• Understand the implications of poor planning compliance
• Minimise risk through procedural fairness and consistency

Module Four: Environmental Law

Topics Covered

• Environmental policy: UN, EU, Irish legislation
• Climate Action Plans (2024–2029)
• Waste, air, noise, and water legislation
• River Basin Management Plans

Legal Focus

• Environmental law principles and EU obligations
• Environment Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs), permits, enforcement, and liability for damage
• Contaminated land, remediation
• Case studies

Water Law Subsection

• Local authority and Uisce Eireann responsibilities
• Discharge licenses and pollution control
• Legal consequences of infrastructure failures

Learning Outcomes

• Identify key pieces of environmental and water legislation
• Understand Local Authority duties and liabilities under EU and domestic law
• Understand enforcement strategies and compliance monitoring

Module Five: Roads and Transport

Topics Covered

• 1994 Roads Act and amendments, Roads and Safety Acts
• Local authority functions in road categories
• Road safety and traffic management
• Role of elected members in transportation policy

Legal Focus

• Health and Safety responsibilities at worksites
• Vicarious liability and managing contractor risks
• Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs)
• Real case studies on legal claims and defences

Learning Outcomes

• Understand how roads policy intersects with legal obligations
• Apply health and safety law to local authority operations
• Assess risk exposure in road development projects

Assessment

Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion upon:

• Attending all modules
• Participation in case study exercises

Course Leader

The programme will be delivered by:

• Dr. Philip Byrne, an IPA Associate, Senior Local Government Specialist and Trainer, with over 30 years’ experience of the Local Government sector in Ireland.
• Alexandra Cowzer-Byrne LLB, BL, Dip Construction Law is a practising Barrister and an IPA Associate, Specialist and Trainer, delivering programmes in Courtroom Skills and Employment Law with the IPA, in addition to contributing to the Local Government Legislative Programme.

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