People don't report environmental crimes for fear of upsetting neighbours, research finds

'We also don't appear to have a culture of widespread public education about the nature of our environment, in particular protection needed for ecosystems and habitats.' File picture: Andy Gibson.

Cultural factors such as reluctance to confront neighbours, a lack of legal knowledge, and cumbersome procedures are just some of the barriers when it comes to enforcing environmental law in Ireland, research has shown.

Those were among the findings presented to the inaugural Climate Bar Association symposium, which featured a range of legal experts speaking on the future of environmental law as Ireland faces significant biodiversity and emissions-related challenges in the next decade and beyond.