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 […]

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 […]

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.

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.