Office for Environmental Protection

Overview

OEP’s Powers and Actions in NI

Elaine Keenan is a principal lawyer in Northern Ireland for the OEP. After several years in private practice, Elaine made the move to local government, specialising in planning and environmental law. She was appointed on the establishment of the OEP in Northern Ireland and has been involved in setting up its NI functions. Elaine has advised the OEP on a range of matters including enforcement and advice to government. She was named by ENDS as one of the most impactful environmental lawyers in the UK in May 2025.

Ben Matson is a qualified solicitor who lives and works in Northern Ireland as a Principal Lawyer at the Office for Environmental Protection. He previously worked in private practice and in-house within the banking sector before working at the OEP. Ben completed a masters degree in Environmental Law at Queen’s University Belfast and previously volunteered as a trustee of the Ulster Wildlife Trust for eight years.

Responses by 18th July please.