An Coimisiún Pleanála refused Statkraft permission to build in Laois, arguing the Climate Act is one consideration among many. Ireland's highest court took the case because of its "systemic importance". Here are the arguments it will consider.
The first day of the Supreme Court hearing that will decide on the sharpness of Ireland's climate laws featured both practical and philosophical questions from the bench.
The case met the constitutional criteria to go straight to the Supreme Court as the question of what obligations climate law imposes on the board affects its daily decision-making functions.
Statkraft said 30% of new wind developments were approved in the first nine months of 2024, An Bord Pleanála countered with its own stats. It depends how you split the data but either way, Ireland is not on track to meet its targets.
The intention to appeal was expected given the far-reaching nature of the judgment. Planning experts are now considering the implications of the dispute for industries far beyond wind.
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