An Bord Pleanála’s objective is to hold Oral Hearings without ‘undue formality’. While An Bord Pleanála determines a scheme on its merits, it is increasingly important that parties to Oral Hearings conduct themselves in a professional manner in order to present the best case for their Client.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that it is not just what someone says, but how it is said and presented that has an effect on the listener. Having regard to the concept that ‘first impressions last’, the case for certain projects is unduly affected when the promoting Project Team does not operate as a cohesive unit. It is not just a matter of leadership, but of individual responsibility within a team.

Tom Phillips + Associates and Lally & Associates have worked together in coaching a number of teams through holding Mock Oral Hearings. Ms Geraldine Lally has now teamed up with Tom Phillips + Associates as Communications’ Partner, and we are using that expertise to coach other teams and prepare them for Oral Hearings.

Tom Phillips + Associates can undertake this coaching for generic (i.e. theoretical) projects or for actual cases. In the latter instance, we can peer-review presentations. As the co-ordinators of numerous Environmental Impact Statements, the Practice is used to briefing, co-ordinating, proof-reading, project-managing and collating the inputs of multi-disciplinary teams.

See also www.advocateoralhearing.ie.