The High Court in Belfast has granted leave for a judicial review of the planning approval granted for a proposed civic hub in Newry, allowing a legal challenge to move to a full hearing.

Solicitor Ciarán O’Hare of McIvor Farrell, acting for Newry resident Paul Lennon, filed the application which questions whether the council met its duties under the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 and the Climate Change (Reporting Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024.

The court ruled that there is a serious issue to be tried over the legal effect of Northern Ireland’s climate legislation and how public authorities must factor climate obligations into major planning decisions.

The challenge is expected to test whether public bodies can simply acknowledge climate duties in principle, or whether they must actively assess and account for carbon emissions and climate impacts when granting large-scale planning permissions. Its outcome could provide guidance for councils and other authorities across Northern Ireland on future decision-making.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Planning Committee approved the Abbey Way civic hub, with an estimated cost of £17 million, in August 2025. The project drew over 2,600 objections, many raising concerns about its proximity to Newry Cathedral.