Tughans Solicitors

Wind, wildlife and the art of compensation: DAERA’s offshore wind consultation explained

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has recently opened a consultation on environmental compensatory measures for offshore wind projects in the Northern Ireland inshore region.   Proposed Amendment to Habitats Regulations It proposes amending the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 under Energy Act 2023 s.293 to enable wider and strategic... Read More

The sandwich generation: Caring for ageing parents while supporting adult children

This so-called ‘Sandwich generation’ refers to many people in their 40s, 50s and 60s who are balancing the increasingly difficult circumstances of having to support both their adult children and elderly parents, all whilst planning for and making provision for their own future and personal circumstances. One of the most common pressures facing this generation... Read More

Geothermal strategy in Northern Ireland: The emerging regulatory framework

The Department for the Economy (DfE) recently closed a consultation on proposals to introduce new legislation that would create a regulatory framework for geothermal developments in Northern Ireland (the Consultation). Geothermal heat refers to subsurface hot water that can be abstracted via borehole and piped into buildings to provide a low carbon heat source. Northern... Read More

AI in employment disputes: protecting legal privilege

The UK’s immigration tribunal has commented on the risk that documents covered by legal advice privilege could lose their privilege if uploaded into a generative AI tool. This decision raises several questions for employment tribunal litigation, with AI increasingly used by both sides in employment claims.   Legal professional privilege Legal professional privilege protects two... Read More

45 Degrees of separation: When planning reports come unstuck

In R (Manby) v Hackney EWHC 1543 (Admin), the High Court quashed a householder permission for a rear extension because of the way the council dealt with its Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD.   The 45-degree rule The SPD said rear extensions should not exceed a line taken at 45 degrees from the centre... Read More

The new RESS 6 Renewable Energy Support Scheme: What it could signal for renewable energy policy in Northern Ireland

Last month, the Government of Ireland released its terms and conditions for the sixth competition under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 6). RESS refers to the Republic of Ireland’s competitive auction-based scheme for providing financial support to renewable electricity projects. Developers apply to participate in RESS and bid into an auction, offering a price... Read More

Update on pay transparency reforms in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland 

On 14 July 2026, the UK Government published a consultation document on proposed reforms to equal pay and pay transparency requirements for employers in Great Britain (GB). This proposal does not directly impact employers in Northern Ireland, where the position on pay transparency is more complex. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland has committed to fully... Read More

The Digital estate: Getting to grips with the new era of estate planning  

When considering our Wills and other estate planning arrangements, most of us would not think twice about making provision regarding our home, savings or investments. Yet an increasing number of individuals now own assets that exist entirely online, ranging from cryptocurrency holdings and online investment accounts to valuable digital content stored in the cloud. Whilst... Read More

Apparent bias in planning decisions: A cautionary tale for councillors

A recent High Court decision, R (On the Application Of Perrin) v North Devon District Council EWHC 535 (Admin), concerning a planning permission granted by North Devon District Council provides an important and timely reminder of how Councillors can fall foul of allegations of apparent bias and the risks of departing from officer advice.... Read More

Temporary cost of living payments: Key considerations for employers

Employers are increasingly aware of the ongoing cost of living pressures facing employees and the impact these can have on wellbeing, morale and retention. In periods of economic uncertainty, many organisations look for practical ways to provide additional support to their workforce, whether through enhanced benefits, one-off payments or temporary financial assistance. While such initiatives... Read More