Introduction:
At Phoenix Law Belfast, we understand the profound impact environmental law has on both the natural world and the legal constructs that govern it. Our dedicated team of environmental solicitors in Belfast is committed to providing top-tier legal advice, ensuring that our clients not only comply with environmental regulations but also lead the way in sustainable practices.
Our Team have appeared in some of the most high profile and contentious Environmental challenges in recent times including the Mullaghglass Landfill challenge, the Craigavon Lakes case and the Dalradian Goldmine. They have also advised as to the current challenges around emissions and numerous planning challenges and enforcement.
Expertise in Environmental Law:
Environmental issues touch nearly every aspect of life and business in today’s world. At Phoenix Law, our environmental solicitors specialise in a wide range of areas including:
- Compliance and Regulations: Navigating complex environmental laws and regulations can be challenging. Our team ensures your projects and business operations meet all legal requirements, helping avoid potential fines and legal actions.
- Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability: We help businesses integrate sustainable practices that meet environmental standards and foster long-term benefits, enhancing corporate responsibility profiles.
- Dispute Resolution and Litigation: When disputes arise, Phoenix Law’s solicitors possess the expertise to represent and protect your interests, whether in court or through alternative dispute resolution methods.
- Risk Management: Our proactive approach helps clients identify and manage risks associated with environmental law, ensuring they are addressed promptly to minimize impact.
Local Belfast Knowledge, Global Impact:
Environmental concerns are global, but Actions taken locally are often where significant change starts. Phoenix Law combines global insights with local expertise to provide tailored advice that resonates with the specific needs of the Belfast community and beyond.
Our Commitment to Environmental Advocacy:
In addition to providing legal services, Phoenix Law is deeply involved in environmental advocacy. We partner with local groups and policymakers to promote laws and policies that protect our natural resources, contribute to sustainable development, and ensure the health of our planet for future generations.
Why Choose Phoenix Law as Your Environmental Solicitors in Belfast?
Choosing the right solicitor is essential for navigating the complexities of environmental law. Here’s why Phoenix Law stands out:
- Expertise: Our solicitors are highly knowledgeable and experienced in environmental legislation having appeared in some of the most high profile challenges in recent times.
- Customised Approach: We understand that each client has unique needs and tailor our services to set your projects and business for success.
- Commitment to Sustainability: We don’t just practice environmental law; we are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future.
Contact Us:
Are you seeking legal guidance for environmental issues in Belfast? Contact Phoenix Law today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert environmental solicitors. Be proactive about your environmental responsibilities and partner with a team that is committed to making a difference. Email us directly on Environmental@phoenix-law.org or call us directly on +4428 90 328 383.
Conclusion:
At Phoenix Law Belfast, our team of expert environmental solicitors is prepared to assist you with all aspects of environmental law, from compliance to litigation. We are dedicated to providing outstanding legal service while promoting practices that can lead to a healthier planet. Let us help you meet your environmental goals effectively and efficiently.
Darragh Mackin
Harry Robinson
Claire McKeegan
Director
Darragh Mackin
Darragh Mackin has been described as ‘a rising star on the international legal scene’ (Irish Times), a ‘Champion of the Cause’ (The Parchment) and ‘a man for all seasons, needed for all sorts of reasons’ (Belfast Telegraph). In July 2016, Darragh was the first ever Ireland based Lawyer to be nominated, and in turn to win, an award at the prestigious London Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards. In 2025, he was one of the Partners that led the team to winning the LEAP ‘Special Recognition Award’ in Dublin and the LALY ‘Law Firm of the Year’ Award in London.
He has developed a specialist practice in Human Rights, Public Law, Litigation and International law. He has appeared in some of the most high profile cases in Ireland and Internationally. This includes acting for the Hooded Men in their victory in the London Supreme Court, for Sarah Ewart in her challenge to the law on Abortion in Northern Ireland, the families in the Stardust fire Inquest in which a verdict of Unlawful Killing was returned and acting for the Irish rap group Kneecap in their successful challenge to Kemi Badenoch and her decision to withhold funding for the group. He currently acts for the Summerland families in their campaign for a fresh investigation into the fire on the Isle of Man.
He regularly advises high profile individuals and companies both domestically and internationally, with a particular specialism in Reputation Management, Defamation and Data Protection. Given Darragh’s unique experience, he has become the go to lawyer for actions with a digital perspective, appearing in the landmark successful challenge to voice recognition technology and in the first domestic case relating to Cryptocurrency. His unique specialism in the field of digital evidence has resulted in him often being instructed in complex commercial litigation involving data protection principles, the use of AI (artificial intelligence) and the misuse of the internet and social media platforms.
He has acted in cases at all levels including in the Supreme Courts in London and Dublin, The European Court of Human Rights, the African Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations Special Procedures.
He has acted for some of the most well known non-governmental organisations including Amnesty International, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, and Extinction Rebellion. He has been instructed and advised on cases all around the World, including the USA, Spain, France, Italy, Sri Lanka, Malawi, the Cayman Islands and St Helena. His unique international law experience has resulted in him often being instructed to advise Irish and British Citizens overseas on issues of international law.
Darragh has also successfully secured some of the largest settlements in the jurisdiction including the payment of £16.7million to NI Taxi Drivers arising of the NI Covid Pandemic and €24million to the families of the Stardust fire. He is currently retained in a high value claim on behalf of a Chinese based company initiating action in Belfast, and in a multi million euro claim in Dublin, arising out of insurance contracts to hoteliers during the covid pandemic.
In addition to practice, Darragh is an associate lecturer of Public and Administrative Law at the University of Ulster and has delivered a number of guest lectures at Cambridge University, Trinity University, Queens University Belfast, and Dublin City University.
NOTABLE CASES
HUMAN RIGHTS & PUBLIC LAW
Sarah Ewart & Amnesty International (The Abortion Litigation)
Darragh has appeared in many of the seminal human rights cases in recent times in Ireland. He acted for Sarah Ewart and Amnesty International to which saw the law changed in respect of abortion in Northern Ireland. Darragh was also labelled The Times ‘Lawyer of the Week’ for his work on this case.
The Hooded Men (Ireland v UK)
Darragh was instructed in the landmark torture case of the Hooded Men in the application for revision of the Ireland v United Kingdom 1978 decision by the European Court of Human Rights. Following Darragh’s success before the UK Supreme Court that the decision not to investigate was unlawful, the Chief Constable formally apologised to the Hooded Men.
The relevant media footage can be accessed here: CNN, RTE, BBC, and the Journal.
JR87 – Challenge to Religious Education in Northern Ireland
JR87 was the landmark legal case on behalf of a child who challenged the nature of religious education (RE) and collective worship in Northern Ireland schools. In 2025, the London Supreme Court found that the exclusively Christian-focused RE and collective worship, as delivered under the existing core syllabus in NI schools, breaches the human rights of children and parents. The case has far-reaching implications for education law across the UK.
The relevant media footage can be accessed here and here.
Aidan McAnespie
Darragh was instructed by the family of Aidan McAnespie who was killed by a British Soldier having been shot in the back whilst walking to a football game 1988. On June 2018, on foot of an application lodged on behalf of the family, a decision was taken to prosecute David Holden for the killing. In February 2023, this resulted in the first prosecution of a British Soldier post the Good Friday Agreement.
The relevant media footage can be accessed here and here.
The Judgment can be accessed here.
The Brexit Case – Gina Miller No.1
In 2016, Gina Miller initiated legal action arising out of the controversial use of the then Government’s prerogative to execute Brexit, and to leave the EU. A group of individuals including two British citizens living in France, a Gibraltarian national, a Welsh citizen and Fergal McFerran, president of NUS-USI formed the ‘peoples challenge’. Darragh was instructed as part of the legal team compiled to represent the peoples challenge in the Brexit Supreme Court case. This case has been dubbed by legal commentators as one of the most significant constitutional cases of the decade.
The relevant media footage can be viewed here and here.
The Legacy Act – Martina Dillon & Others
Darragh was instructed as part of the team on behalf of the lead applicants in the seminal case which challenged the British Government’s contentious ‘Legacy Act’ which sought to enact legislation to grant amnesties and immunity to perpetrators for acts committed during the period known as a ‘the Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. The NI Court of Appeal found that certain provisions of the legislation were unlawful and incompatible with human rights.
The relevant media footage can be accessed here.
Other Cases:
The Glenanne Series: Re Edward Barnard judicial review successfully compelled the PSNI to investigate the murders of more than 120 people arising out of allegations of state collusion. The Court found it was unlawful not to investigate, and as a result, an independent police force was tasked to investigate (Op Denton).
Loughgall (Re Brigid Hughes): Instructed by the Loughgall Truth & Justice Campaign and the families bereaved as a result of the shootings at Loughgall on 8th May 1987. Darragh successfully secured a fresh inquest following a judicial review challenge to the decision by the Secretary of State to issue a ‘National Security Sensitive’ Certificate. Following this, Darragh appeared in the landmark case of Re Brigid Hughes which found that the then former first Minister Arlene Foster MLA had acted unlawfully in failing to release the funding for Legacy Inquests. The relevant media footage can be accessed here:
Legacy Victims Pensions: Re Brian Turley was the successful judicial review against the Government to implement and fund the Legacy Victims Pension Scheme. The relevant media footage can be accessed here and here.
Covid School Closure: Re JR105 was the judicial review taken by the parent of the child at the inception of the Covid Pandemic arguing for their immediate closure to protect life. The case was widely reported here, here and here.
INTERNATIONAL
Kneecap
Acted for the Irish Rap Band Kneecap in their challenge to the decision by the British Government to charge Mo Chara with terrorist offences following a concert in London. Instructed by the band to lead their International legal team which involved proceedings in London, USA and Canada.
Ibrahim Halawa
Darragh acted for the Irish Teenager, Ibrahim Halawa, who was detained whilst on holiday in Cairo, Egypt and who was put on mass trial at risk of the death penalty. Darragh acted for Ibrahim in seeking his return to Ireland, making submissions before the EU Parliament, the African Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations. In October 2017 Ibrahim Halawa was acquitted of all charges before the Egyptian Courts and repatriated to Ireland.
Media coverage of the UN Intervention is available here. The relevant media footage can be accessed here and here.
Carles Puigdemont
In 2018, Darragh was one of the lawyers who travelled to Brussels to meet the then president of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont and provided advice and assistance in respect of his ongoing bid against the extradition proceedings issued by the state of Spain.
Private Sean Rooney
Instructed on behalf of the Irish Soldier Private Seán Rooney who was murdered whilst on peacekeeping duty in Lebanon on behalf of the United Nations. Darragh appears domestically before the Coroner’s Court in Dublin for the family, and is retained to advise on the criminal proceedings currently ongoing in Lebanon.
The Tamil Community
Darragh was retained on behalf of a number of individuals from the Tamil Community in a variety of actions arising out of the conflict in Sri Lanka. He acted in a ground-breaking case in for a Tamil widow against the PSNI in seeking damages for their role in providing training to the Sri Lankan police in 1986. In addition, he was retained to act on behalf of an individual who challenged his conviction for involvement with the Tamil Tigers, on the basis that the trial process was contrary to international law, and the confession was obtained by torture.
The relevant media footage can be viewed here and here. The Tamil Guardian also covered the story here. In addition, the latter case can be accessed here.
Lisa Smith
Lisa Smith was a former Irish army soldier who travelled to Syria, and was eventually detained by the Turkish authorities as a suspected ISIS fighter. Darragh acted for Lisa in successfully securing her and her daughter’s repatriation to Ireland. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights & Counter Terrorism intervened in Lisa’s case. Lisa was the first alleged ISIS bride ever to be returned to Ireland.
The relevant media footage can be accessed here and here.
Encrochat – French Court of Cassation
Instructed with Binsard Martine in the landmark challenge on behalf of Sam McCaughey before the French Court of Cassation regarding the admissibility of the Encrochat evidence in Courts in Northern Ireland. This is the first challenge of its kind launched on the international sphere challenging the admissibility domestically in NI.
The media coverage of the case is available here.
Other Cases:
Keyu & Others (UK Supreme Court) case relating to the massacre at Batang Kali, Malaysia. Acted for the interveners the Pat Finucane Centre and Rights Watch UK.
Bilal Abdul Kareem v Gina Cheri Haspel et al (USA Court of Appeal District of Columbia) – Proceedings against the American State policy on the use of drones in the taking of life.
REPUTATION MANAGEMENT AND DEFAMATION
Bob Vylan v RTE
Instructed on behalf of the musician Bob Vlyan in his defamation proceedings against the Irish National Broadcaster RTÉ arising out of his performance at Glastonbury.
Kneecap v Vince Gasparro
Instructed on behalf of the Irish Rap Group Kneecap in their defamation proceedings against the Canadian MP Vince Gasparro arising out of a video to which he published on the social media site X (formerly known as Twitter).
Actions against Big Tech
Darragh has been instructed on a number of occasions to sue big tech in which social media, the internet, or AI has been misused. This has included bringing proceedings having data deleted from the internet under the principles of the right to be forgotten (OH v Google), injunctions seeking the removal of content published online (the case of ZXY) and suing for damages in which Big Tech or the Social Media giants have acted improperly or unlawfully (the Facebook moderator case and EH v Meta).
Other Cases:
Re Fine Point Films – Darragh acted for the International media organisations, Index on Censorship and the English PEN who intervened in the successful judicial review challenge to a search warrant imposed on two investigative journalists, Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey.
Phil Miller – acted for the renowned investigative journalist Phil Miller in an appeal against the Information Commissioner relating to a report withheld by the PSNI regarding the structure of MI5 in 1973.
COMMERCIAL AND LITIGATION
High Value Commercial Litigation
Darragh has been instructed in some of the highest value commercial claims before the Courts in Ireland and the UK, to include:
- Instructed in a seven figure claim on behalf of a number of Hotel Owners arising out of business interruption insurance during the covid pandemic in Dublin.
- Has acted for a Chinese Pharmaceutical Company involved in litigation based in Belfast arising out of events in China.
- Secured a payout of £16.7million on behalf of all NI Taxi Drivers following the failure to compensate them during the Covid 19 Pandemic.
- Instructed on behalf of a high profile Irish Businessman against the Irish Government for breach of contract which resulted in a seven figure payout.
- Six Figure Resolution for a New York company who were involved in Litigation in both London and Belfast.
- Instructed in the first ever High Court litigation in Belfast arising out of Cryptocurrency and Cryptocurrency fraud.
Negotiation and Mediation
Given his experience, Darragh is regularly involved in negotiating and mediating disputes between Commercial and Corporate entities whereby disputes have arisen between Shareholders or Company Officers. This experience has resulted in Darragh being retained in various disputes both locally and internationally.
Email:darragh@phoenix-law.org
Phone:+4428 9032 8383
Solicitor
Harry Robinson
Harry is a Solicitor at Phoenix Law who supports the public law, inquests and inquiries department with a specific focus on environmental actions and mental health challenges.
Harry has been involved in a number of judicial review challenges to decisions made by public authorities regarding the environment, and in particular, challenges involving the human rights act in the context of protecting the environment.
Harry has appeared in some of the most high-profile environmental law challenges in this jurisdiction, including the Mullaghglass Landfill challenge, the challenge to the Dalradian Goldmine planning permission, and a potential challenge against the Government for their failure to reduce harmful emissions within Belfast City Centre.
He has been involved in an extensive number of challenges of decisions which permit environmentally harmful development or activity, including activity which directly harms the health of local populations. These cases involve complex legal matters including principles derived from European Union law and often technical scientific evidence.
Harry also appears in a number of high-profile Inquests and related judicial review challenges. He has a particular focus on state responsibility inquests, which include deaths in custody and mental health institutions. He is part of the Team that represents the Stardust Families who were bereaved as a result of the Stardust Fire in Dublin on Valentine’s Day in 1981.
With a background in volunteering in the charity sector on issues regarding mental health, Harry regularly appears in representing victims before the Mental Health Tribunal.
Notable Cases
Re McCarthy & McAleenon – Challenge to emissions produced from Mullaghglass Landfill (Belfast High Court)
The Stardust Inquest – Dublin Coroner’s Court
Re McGuigan – Challenge to the refusal to perform an exhumation (Belfast High Court)
Re Tracey – Challenge to Dalradian Goldmine (Belfast High Court)
Re Kevin Loughran – Environmental Challenge (Court of Appeal, Belfast)
Email:harry@phoenix-law.org
Director
Claire McKeegan
Claire McKeegan has been described as one of Northern Ireland’s leading human rights lawyers and a tireless advocate for justice.
She has developed a specialist practice in Human Rights, Public Law, and Litigation, becoming a notable figure in high-profile legal battles. She is recognised by Chambers and Partners as being among the leaders in her area of expertise.
Claire campaigned for and represented survivors and victims throughout the HIA Inquiry which reported in 2017. Claire’s is recognised for her specialist practise representing victims and survivors of Historical and clerical abuse. She was instrumental in securing over £100 million in compensation for victims of Historical institutional abuse following the JR80 Court of Appeal case. This landmark case, which found that the Executive acted unlawfully in failing to provide a compensation scheme, led directly to the passage of the HIA Redress Bill in Parliament, resulting in compensation payment to hundreds of victims of abuse.
In addition, Claire’s campaign work on behalf of patients and their families resulted in the Department of Health announcing a public inquiry into Muckamore Abbey Hospital, where she continues to advocate for answers and justice for the majority of the affected patients families affected by institutional abuse in a hospital setting in NI.
She represented the patients families at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in relation to a Challenge brought by one of the former staff at the hospital currently before the Crown Court to seek to suspend the Muckamore Inquiry.
Claire’s notable achievements include her work over the last decade in some of the most grave and serious sexual abuse cases against the Catholic Church. She lead the case on behalf of Gerard Gorman against the Diocese of Dromore and St Colmans College which ultimately resulted in the resignation of Bishop John McAreavey over his and Bishop Gerard Brooks handling of the Malachy Finegan abuse scandal. This case is documented in BBC Spotlight Documentary “Buried Secrets” and “So young: The taking of my life by the Catholic Church ~ Gerard Gorman.”
She has secured the largest settlements for survivors of abuse in Northern Ireland including a recent case against the Congregation of the Order of the Vincentians for £1,000,000.000.
Claire also acted for multiple vulnerable individuals denied medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic and acted for a group of front line NHS doctors who were exposed during the pandemic without adequate Personal Protection Equipment to attempt to secure adequate provision of protective gear. https://www.irishnews.com/coronavirus/2020/03/26/news/-fearful-frontline-nurses-seek-legal-advice-over-mask-shortages-and-testing-1878959/
Another passion of Claires, where she is developing a growing caseload is in in environmental law. She has advanced cases that ensure the protection of green spaces in deprived communities, such as the high profile Judicial Review proceedings which were successful at the Court of Appeal in saving the Craigavon Park and Lake from construction.
More recently she successfully led the Judicial Review challenge against brought by an affected former patient, concerning the deregistration of Dr. Michael Watt, ensuring that clinical failings would be exposed in a public fitness-to-practise hearing.
Claire continues to work with and on behalf of survivors of Mother and Baby Homes in Northern Ireland and their efforts culminated in the launch of a Public Inquiry and Independent Panel into this appalling chapter of history. Her involvement in these complex and emotional cases spans the last decade.
Claire acted for the leading Legacy Civil Litigation case, John Flynn in the High Court and Court of Appeal. This cited case set the parameters for discovery in troubles related legacy litigation in Northern Ireland. The PSNI admitted liability in the course of the litigation in a case which alleges collusion between state agents and PSNI resulting in two attempts on our clients life.
Claire represents the family of murdered German backpacker, Inga Maria Hauser. Inga was an 18-year-old student on holiday from her native Munich, interrailing round the UK, for a spring break in April 1988 when she was callously murdered and dumped in Ballypatrick Forest in North Antrim. The family had endured 36 years of waiting for Justice and truth about the death of Inga, when Claire secured an Inquest into her death in 2024. This ongoing case is in its preliminary stages before the Coroners Court in Belfast.
Claire a regular contributor on Human Rights law issues in both traditional and online media. She has made many appearances on UK and international news services including Sky news, BBC, RTE, ITV.
She has delivered a number of guest lectures at QUB, UU and the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland.
NOTABLE CASES
- John Flynn -v- PSNI https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/Flynn%2C%20John%20and%20The%20Chief%20Constable%20of%20the%20Police%20Services%20of%20Northern%20Ireland.pdf
- JR80 Court of Appeal: Secured over £100 million in compensation for victims of institutional abuse. https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/JR80%27s%20Application_1.pdf
- Muckamore Abbey Hospital Public Inquiry: Achieved inquiry into institutional abuse in a modern healthcare setting. https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2020/09/09/news/public-inquiry-major-victory-for-families-2060565/
- Clare McCann JR Court of Appeal. This case quashed the decision of the ABC Council to grant planning to a Regional College in the Craigavon Park and Lake. https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/McCann%27s%20%28Clare%29%20Application.pdf
- Malachy Finegan Abuse Scandal: Claire represented the lead survivor in his action. The case Led to the resignation of Bishop John McAreavey and secured one of the largest settlements for abuse survivors. The case also set out guidelines in relation to 3rd Party Disclosure in Personal Injury cases. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09rjqlt
- COVID-19 Judicial Reviews: Represented vulnerable individuals and healthcare workers to obtain life-saving care and PPE during the pandemic. https://www.phoenix-law.org/spotlight-inside-the-pandemic/
- Mother and Baby Homes Public Inquiry: Secured justice for survivors after an eight-year campaign for a public inquiry.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/27/opinion/pope-visit-ireland.html
- Dr. Michael Watt Case: Successfully challenged his deregistration, ensuring a public hearing into clinical failings by Judicial Review https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/%5B2023%5DNIKB46Final%20-%20Typed.pdf
- McClarnon McGuinness -v- The Sisters of Nazareth https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/decisions/Patricia%20McClarnon%20v%20The%20Sisters%20of%20Nazareth%20and%20Lindsay%20O%27Neill.pdf
- HIA Data Breach – largest class Action in NI. Interim advocate email data breach, so far she has secured compensation for 10 of the 89 plaintiffs. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj65nn13n8jo
- Inga Maria Hauser link to murder in Badlands
Memberships and Recognition
- Claire is on the committee and currently the Treasurer of the Belfast Solicitors Association
- She is a Trustee of the Old Church Centre in Cushendun (Arts Centre)
- She is Ranked by Chambers and Partners in Administrative and Public Law
Email:claire@phoenix-law.org
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