How To Object
Here are 10 valuable links tailored for accidental activists, grassroots campaigners working on planning, environmental, and governance issues in Northern Ireland. Each one is selected to offer support, knowledge, or tools to empower your advocacy:
1. Public Interest Litigation Support (PILS) Project
Link: https://www.pilsni.org
Why: PILS provides legal support for NGOs and community groups in Northern Ireland involved in public interest litigation, especially where human rights or environmental concerns are at stake. You can apply for legal advice, training, or be referred to supportive lawyers.
2. Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
Link: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/northern-ireland
Why: FoE NI supports campaigns on climate, biodiversity, and planning. This is a central hub for resources, petitions, event listings, and collaboration.
3. WhatDoTheyKnow – FOI Request Portal
Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com
Why: This free site helps you make Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to public bodies in the UK and Northern Ireland. Requests and responses are published for transparency. A brilliant way to learn how others phrase their requests and that’s critical to not having your questions avoided – learn the language.
4. How to Write a Good FOI Request – from mySociety
Link: https://www.mysociety.org/2021/09/28/how-to-make-a-successful-freedom-of-information-request/
Why: Practical tips on crafting clear, precise, and effective FOI requests. Essential if you’re seeking access to planning or environmental documents.
5. Environmental Justice Network Ireland (EJNI)
Link: https://ejni.net
Why: EJNI connects campaigners, academics, lawyers, and community groups working for environmental justice on the island of Ireland. It has fantastic reports and tools, including cross-border insights.
6. The Detail – Investigative Journalism in NI
Link: https://www.thedetail.tv
Why: Deep reporting on public accountability, planning, and environmental issues in NI. Great source for evidence and precedent in your campaigns. Their articles are often FOI-based themselves.
7. NI Ombudsman – Complaints Against Public Bodies
Link: https://www.nipso.org.uk
Why: If you’ve hit a wall with a public authority (e.g. council, planning office), the Ombudsman investigates maladministration. This is your escalation route after exhausting internal complaints processes.
8. Planning Portal Northern Ireland
Link: https://www.planningni.gov.uk
Why: Direct access to applications, policy, and guidance. Even if you’re already familiar with this, it’s useful for official references in letters and FOIs.
9. The Good Law Project
Link: https://goodlawproject.org
Why: Though GB-based, their strategic litigation and campaigning approaches are inspiring for accidental activists. They show how to turn public concern into legally enforceable pressure on authorities.
10. Community Places – Planning Support for Communities in NI
Link: https://www.communityplaces.info
Why: Offers free independent planning advice to community groups in Northern Ireland. They also run training and workshops and can help you respond effectively to planning proposals.
We are happy to add more if you have further suggestions send them through.
Quarterlands Toolkit – a quick guide to what we wish we’d known. Resources for grassroots campaigners and accidental activists in Northern Ireland, including legal support, FOI guidance, environmental justice tools, and planning advice.
