Legal Updates

Google Reviews, the rule of Law, and Big Tech having a laugh

We note that today the office of the Irish Data Protection Commission levied a fine of €225m on Whatsapp, a messaging arm of Facebook. This was done in the context of outrage from a number of other European Data Protection Commissioners. They felt quite rightfully that the original proposed fine of €30m was far too low given the revenues of Facebook. It was not a sufficient incentive to obey the law.

Overall, it looks very bad for Ireland that the Irish DPC had to be dragged kicking a screaming to levy a sensible fine for egregious breaches of European law. None […]

By |2021-09-02T15:07:47+01:00September 2nd, 2021|

Covid 19, Data Protection and the Workplace. An explosive mix?

It appears that many solicitors have expressed their views on the legal issues that will arise from people returning to the workplace post Covid. The only common ground shared is that “there are legal issues!” The following should not be taken as legal advice, and has no basis more reliable than our own meandering experience (to misquote Baz Luhrmann).

Can an employees pay be cut if they do not return to the workplace?

Almost certainly yes. The following is an extract from a tech company’s contract:

Your place of work will be [Office address]. You may be required to undertake normal business […]

By |2021-08-18T18:01:23+01:00August 17th, 2021|

HSE Cyber Attack – July Update

It remains something of a surprise to us that there has been so little media coverage of late of the HSE Cyber Attack. Almost two months has now passed since the hacking incident and it appears that health services are still greatly affected and the Health Service Executive remains remarkably reticent to say what happened. They are even slower to say what is being done to remediate matters. We have spoken to a great many people about their experiences since the Cyber attack, and the following seems to be current position:

Health Services

From a health care point of view it seems […]

By |2021-07-08T23:07:32+01:00July 8th, 2021|

The Wildlife Act & Cutting Hedges

We have had a number of queries from clients with developmental and agricultural holdings in respect of the legality (or illegality) of cutting hedges during the “closed season”. The Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) provides that it is illegal to cut hedges from the 1st March to the 31st August. This is for the very good reason that birds and wildlife tend to be nesting and active in the hedgerows during that time of the year.

Farmers and developers often note that it is very difficult, or even impossible to maintain hedges in fields during the winter. It is however worth […]

By |2021-03-09T11:53:36+00:00March 9th, 2021|

Welcome to our new offices

We have recently completed the acquisition and complete refurbishment of an adjoining premises. We now have additional space for meeting rooms and offices. There is also easy ground floor access, and we have ample space for social distancing. As always there is free parking outside the door, but most importantly your legal affairs will be looked after in an honest, professional and prompt manner.

 

 

 

 

By |2020-12-13T22:16:33+00:00December 9th, 2020|

Legal.ie launched by O’Dowd Solicitors

Legal.ie is a new service launched by the litigation department at O’Dowd Solicitors. Available at www.legal.ie it provides a the same traditional values of a law firm, but in a wholly online setting. We can provide online consultations, collaborative workspaces and simply straightforward communications.

By |2020-07-18T20:57:44+01:00July 11th, 2020|

Personal Injuries Register

Read some of the views of Solicitor Mícheál O’Dowd on the Personal Injuries Register that never happened over at thejournal.ie. We advise extensively on both Personal Injuries matters and on the GDPR, so it is great to get the opportunity to speak on both:

Read more here

By |2019-08-28T14:27:53+01:00August 28th, 2019|

Making a Will Guide

Every so often we update our guide to making a will in Ireland. The October 2017 update takes into account the (lack of) changes made to the CAT thresholds for 2018; and has an updated questionnaire to make it even easier for you to make your will with O’Dowd Solicitors. Download the guide here.

By |2018-06-22T11:29:11+01:00October 24th, 2017|

Power outage in Glanmire

Due to Storm Ophelia, the offices in Glanmire are currently without power. While we take our quills, parchment and typewriters out of storage you may contact us on 0863293138.

By |2017-10-17T09:06:08+01:00October 17th, 2017|

2017 Conveyancing Guide Launched

We are delighted to offer the 2017 edition of our conveyancing guide for download. Conveyancing GuideThis guide sets out the steps and pitfalls associated with buying a property and sets out a roadmap for the buyer. The guide can be downloaded free here. If you need any further information on buying, selling or remortgaging, please don’t forget to request a quote through our helpful web form.

By |2018-06-22T11:29:26+01:00March 7th, 2017|
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