Environmental groups say cap on recoverable legal costs would limit access to justice

Attracta Uí Bhroin of Environmental Law Ireland said a court could find a decision to be unlawful but those taking the case would end up with a huge legal bill. File picture

New Government rules on environmental legal fees will have a “chilling effect on ordinary people seeking access to justice,” campaigners have said.

Hitting out at new regulations signed last week, the group Environmental Pillar said imposing a yet-to-be-confirmed cap on recoverable legal costs in successful environmental judicial reviews would be catastrophic for environmental and climate protection.