An oral hearing can form part of the consenting process in Ireland. This is a hearing that gives the Consenting Authority the opportunity to hear evidence on various aspects of an application, both from the proponent and objectors. An Bord Pleanála has the discretion to hold an oral hearing as part of its process in assessing a planning application, while the Environmental Protection Agency can similarly hold an oral hearing as part of its licencing process.

BEC Consultants can provide expert witnesses to give evidence in relation to reports we have submitted as part of a development application. Oral hearings are often part of the planning process for larger developments that require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report, and particularly for those that are potentially contentious.