A report analysing the impact of proposed fee scales was prepared on behalf of an interdepartmental group on environmental legal costs. The draft fees model for successful court applicants provides for total fees ranging from about €41,000 to €80,500. The draft fees contrast with an average €180,000 paid to successful applicants following full hearings in some of the 45 cases examined by Fieldfisher. His proposed fee structure is based on “trigger points” during a hearing and identifies separate fees for solicitors and senior and junior counsel. A trial judge will decide the level of legal complexity in cases and will have discretion to allow higher costs in certain cases.

Source: The Irish Times January 06, 2026 13:34 UTC