Tughans Solicitors

Employee Expression vs Business Reputation: Navigating Social Media Conduct

As online communication becomes more common, both in and outside the workplace, the boundary between personal views and professional responsibilities is increasingly important. For employers, especially those in regulated industries or with a strong public presence, comments made by employees on social media can affect the company’s reputation. This article outlines the legal issues surrounding... Read More

Short-term lets and planning: Drawing the line on ‘permanent use’

When is a short-term let not a short-term let? The answer is far from straightforward – at least in Northern Ireland.   Short-term lets have become a prominent part of the urban housing and tourism landscape. However, their growing prevalence has raised concerns about their impact on housing availability and community cohesion and has led... Read More

NI enforces vape ban: Disposal now a legal duty

Retailers and suppliers in Northern Ireland, take note –  as of 29 July 2025, it is now an offence to supply, offer to supply, or possess for supply any single-use vape under the Single Use Vapes (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025.   In a further move, on 14 August 2025, the Department for Agriculture, Environment... Read More

Emerging AI laws and regulations – Understanding the compliance requirements in Northern Ireland

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into business operations across Northern Ireland, it is essential for companies to understand the reach and impact of the regulations which may apply when they develop, incorporate, make available and use AI – both close to home and in other jurisdictions.     UK REGULATORY APPROACH   The... Read More

A turning point for infrastructure? The A5 judgment and the future of climate-aligned planning in Northern Ireland

The recent High Court decision on the A5  marks the first judicial interpretation of the Climate Change Act Northern Ireland 2022, with significant and emotive implications.   The A5 is often described as the most dangerous road in Northern Ireland. More than 50 deaths have occurred since 2006, making the quashing of the consents an emotive... Read More

Kirwan v. Connors – No more endless indulgence: A stricter approach to litigation delay in Ireland

The Supreme Court’s recent judgment in Kirwan v. Connors marks a significant recalibration of the principles governing the dismissal of civil proceedings due to undue delay, fundamentally adjusting the long-standing ‘Primor’ test. This decision aims to inject greater certainty and efficiency into civil litigation, reflecting a stricter judicial stance against prolonged inactivity.  ... Read More

Trusts as a form of succession planning: Lessons from the Murdoch family trust

Rupert Murdoch, 93 year old billionaire, whose holdings include huge media outlets Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post among others, has been attempting to alter a family trust created by him in circa 1999.   Like many business-minded parents, Mr Murdoch underwent a succession planning exercise, involving his four children... Read More

Update on the “Good Jobs” Employment Rights Bill

On 28 April 2025, the Minister for the Economy, Caoimhe Archibald, delivered an update on the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly. If implemented, they will represent the largest reform of Northern Ireland’s employment legislation in around 25 years.   The Minister outlined proposals across four main themes: Terms of employment... Read More

A step towards better clinical negligence case management – New high court practice directions introduced in Ireland

On April 9, 2025, the President of the High Court in Ireland, Mr Justice David Barniville, introduced two new Practice Directions for Clinical Negligence cases, designed to promote structured case management and encourage a timely resolution of claims.   Practice Direction HC132 Effective from 28th April 2025, Practice Direction HC132 establishes a ‘Clinical Negligence List’... Read More

Court awards Plaintiff €7,500 in “serious end of the scale” data breach case

A recent judgement in the Dublin Circuit Court in the matter of M.H. v the Child and Family Agency provides further insight on the assessment of claims for non-material damage concerning breaches of data under GDPR.   Facts of the case The case was brought against the Child and Family Agency for an unlawful disclosure... Read More