Mullaghglass Landfill Case to be heard by the Supreme Court

The UK Supreme Court has granted permission to appeal in a pivotal pollution case that carries significant implications for environmental protection and human rights. This decision underscores the wider public importance of legal challenges related to pollution and the responsibility of public authorities.

The Appellant, Ms. Noeleen McAleenon, is a local resident in the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council district, where residents have complained about an odour attributed to emissions from the Mullaghglass Landfill Site. The appellant contends that the Court of Appeal misjudged her situation by suggesting alternative remedies were available to address the regulatory oversight of the Council and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in response to pollution. Instead, she asserts that her human rights require immediate protection from the various public authorities. 

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This is the first such environmental case of its kind arising from Northern Ireland to go to the London Supreme Court.  The case has wide ranging and unprecedented implications for individuals who seek to bring public authorities to Court seeking enviormental protections, through the prism of their human rights. 

Ms. McAleenon said: “My appeal is not just a legal matter; it’s about addressing pollution, upholding human rights, and ensuring accountability in environmental regulation.”.

Harry Robinson of Phoenix Law who acts for the residents said:

“This case goes beyond legal technicalities. It’s about local people affected by pollution who are seeking justice; and it raises broader questions about environmental protection, public decision-making, and the rights of individuals impacted by harmful emissions.

We hope that this will be the first of many steps toward achieving some assurance for ordinary people that they can count on public authorities to honour their commitments to protecting the environment.”

Any queries should be directed to the legal representative Harry Robinson of Phoenix Law, at info@phoenix-law.org Phoenix Law, 92 High Street, 3rd & 4th Floor, Belfast, BT1 2BG T: 028 90 32 83 83