Multinational corporates, public bodies and local authorities regularly turn to the environment and planning team at William Fry LLP for assistance with planning applications, oral hearings, judicial reviews and regulatory enforcement. The group has significant experience in high-profile litigation and projects relating to climate obligations, and energy, data and other infrastructure developments, with particular strength in offshore planning mandates. Jason Milne, who joined in 2025 to lead the team, adds to the depth of expertise provided by Michelle Martin.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The planning team is excellent within William Fry. They provide practical, digestible in-time advice on complex planning matters. They coordinate their inputs across relevant teams to ensure comprehensive advice.’
- ‘Michelle Martin is extremely capable and provides us with expert and practical advice. Her inputs and support provide us with certainty and comfort in an complex and ever-changing area of law.’
- ‘The team is highly responsive and have consistently demonstrated the ability to break down complex issues and provide sound legal advice on matters ranging from planning matters, real estate, tax and litigation. The team is highly integrated, identifying key issues and bringing in the appropriate resources to effectively deal with matters.’
- 'They are extremely well prepared, work collaboratively with lawyers and expert witnesses and are highly regarded by the judges who staff the Planning and Environment List. I would consider them a go-to team for complex disputes.’
- ‘Kate Abell is a rising star, she is thorough, thinks in a clear and practical manner. She is wise beyond the years of her experience.’
- ‘Michelle Martin is our go to adviser for all things planning & dispute resolution. Her advice is always practical, relevant and aligned with our overall goals.’
Key clients
- Aughinish Alumina Limited
- EirGrid Plc
- Fingal County Council
- DCC plc
- Diageo
- Tirlán (formerly Glanbia)
- Tesco Ireland Limited
- Uniphar Plc
- Poundland Limited t/a Dealz
- Towercom Limited
- EngineNode Limited
- Digital Realty Trust
Work highlights
Representing Art Data Centres in the successful defence by a developer of a ground of challenge to a planning permission that had been conceded by Ireland's Planning Commission (Doyle v An Bord Pleanála and Art Data Centres Limited).
Appointed to advise EirGrid on the planning and environmental aspects of Tonn Nua.
Acting for Tesco Ireland in a successful defence of a judicial review challenge concerning climate obligations under the 2015 Act, with the Court affirming that public bodies can comply with climate duties without explicit reference to policy documents such as the Climate Action Plan 2024.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Jason Milne
Other key lawyers
Michelle Martin; Kate Abell; Aoife Garvey