Department profile
Carson McDowell

Planning & Environment

UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland

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Carson McDowell

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning & Environment - Northern Ireland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Carson McDowell continues to act for clients facing complex planning and environmental law challenges, including judicial reviews and appeals, as well as planning inquiries. The team can handle the planning aspects of sizeable infrastructure projects, such as port and airport developments, and it regularly advises both public and private sector groups. Recent work includes handling the planning aspects of renewable energy projects.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Carson McDowell LLP advised Northern Ireland Electricity Networks in relation to its planning applications for a proposed 33KV power line in County Tyrone.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Carson McDowell is very responsive in its ability to offer clear, commercially sound guidance.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • Carson McDowell is first-class.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gary McGhee
    Gary McGhee

    Gary McGhee

    Gary McGhee is head of the firm's planning and environmental team and has a broad range of expertise in the area, covering issues such as watercourse pollution, habitat preservation, planning appeals, and matters pertaining to large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. He is reputed as being one of the leading judicial review and enforcement experts in Northern Ireland.

    • Gary consistently delivers exceptional service, ensuring we receive precise and effective planning guidance at every stage of our projects' development.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Gary is a highly experienced planning and environmental lawyer who has successfully built a market leading planning team in the Irish market.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • He has assembled a serious team at all levels, and his advice is top-drawer.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Grant McBurney
    Grant McBurney

    Grant McBurney

    Grant McBurney regularly provides due diligence in relation to planning applications, including assisting with Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Directive compliance. He is equally adept at providing representation in enforcement appeals, public inquiries and judicial reviews.

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  • Faye Phillips
    Faye Phillips

    Faye Phillips

    Faye Phillips has a robust planning and environment practice that includes advising on judicial reviews as well as challenging decisions at the Planning Appeals Commission. She also assists with the environmental aspects of large-scale planning applications in the mining, renewable energy and waste disposal sectors.

    • Faye is a diligent, and highly effective lawyer.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Orla Kelly
    Orla Kelly

    Orla Kelly

    Orla Kelly acts for developers on judicial reviews of planning decisions. She has further experience advising on planning applications for leisure and residential projects.

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  • Sarah Dunlop
    Sarah Dunlop

    Sarah Dunlop

    Sarah Dunlop assists with a broad range of matters relating to planning applications for mixed-use development and energy infrastructure projects. She has experience advising on issues concerning contaminated land, waste management and protected species.

    • Sarah is a fantastic lawyer.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Carson McDowell (5)

Northern Ireland

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