Brendan Curran is a partner in A&L Goodbody's Litigation department, specialising in Environmental & Planning. He has advised a wide range of project promoters on consenting, CPO and litigation strategy, from consent stage to financing through to development. His litigation experience allows him to put environmental, planning and health and safety risks in context and develop solutions that satisfy the needs of promoters and investors. He has also advised stakeholders on submissions in relation to legislation that affects them.
Areas of Expertise
Environmental & Planning/Climate action and the environment /ESG & Sustainability/Health & Safety/Disputes
Experience Advising:
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland on its application for a Railway Order and all compulsory purchase, planning and environmental aspects of the development of MetroLink
- Codling Wind Park, an EDF/Fred Olsen joint venture, on its application for Maritime Area Consent, planning permission and the consenting aspects of its successful ORESS bid
- Leading Irish renewable energy developers on large scale portfolio sales of operational, ready to build and under construction assets
- Statkraft on its successful judicial review in Coolglass Wind Farm v An Coimisiúin Pleanála, overturning a refusal of permission and clarifying the duties of public authorities in considering application for permission for renewable energy projects. (A Supreme Court Appeal is pending.)
- Gas Networks Ireland on all environmental and consenting aspects of its pipeline portfolio
- Fingal County Council in its capacity as Aircraft Noise Competent Authority in relation to the regulation of aircraft noise at Dublin Airport
- The lenders to several large residential developments on the implications of Residential Zoned Land Tax, development contribution waivers and the facility for an extension of the construction period under planning permissions
- A renewable energy developer on its bid for renewable energy support under ORESS 2.1 Tonn Nua
- A number of residential developers on successful appeals against the imposition of Residential Zoned Land Tax
- Several wind farm SPVs on opposing applications for access to information on the environment
Market Recommendations
'Key lawyer' (Legal 500 2025)
Highly Commended (FT Innovative Lawyers Awards, 2025)
“Rising Star, EMEA (Rising Star Awards, Euromoney Group, 2022)
Professional activities
Vice Chair, Environmental and Planning Committee, Law Society of Ireland
Member, Irish Environmental Lawyers Association
Member, Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association of Ireland
Member UK Environmental Law Association
Education
- Diploma, Commercial Litigation
- Diploma, Planning & Environmental Law
- Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland
- Diploma, Corporate Law & Governance
- Bachelor of Laws, Trinity College Dublin
Brendan Curran
Partner,
Environmental & Planning
Dublin