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Jurisdiction: Republic of Ireland
Commencement: 12th November 2024
Amends: Companies Act 2014
The Companies Act 2014 sets out that company directors must comply with requirements when forming, operating and restructuring companies, including reporting on environmental sustainability. The Act consolidates previous laws, providing a single piece of primary legislation governing company law in Ireland.
Various duties apply and are available to view on the Legislation Update Service.
Amendment
Procedural and technical changes are made, including:
This update has no direct relevance to environmental matters.
Jurisdiction: EU
Commencement: 10th December 2024
Amends: New Legislation
Air quality provisions for Member States aiming to achieve a zero-pollution objective by 2050 are set out in this Directive. Objectives for ambient air* quality designed to avoid, prevent or reduce harmful effects on human and environmental health are defined.
*Ambient air refers to outdoor air in the atmosphere, excluding workplaces.
Jurisdiction: Republic of Ireland
Commencement: 8th November 2024
Amends: Derelict Sites Act 1990
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 sets out a list of areas that are classed as urban areas.
This includes areas in the following counties.
There are no duties for organisations under these Regulations.
Amendment
A range of new locations are designated as urban areas under the Derelict Sites Act 1990. The full list of new locations can be found in the Schedule and are situated in the following counties:
• County Clare
• County Cork
• County Kilkenny
• County Mayo
• County Monaghan
• County Sligo
• County Waterford
Our charity, Newground Together, is funded by your support and was founded with the mission to create positive change and empower communities.
With this in mind our charity understands that thriving communities are built on the dedication and passion of remarkable individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference. That’s why Newground Together was honoured to sponsor the Community Volunteer Awards, an event that shines a spotlight on the invaluable efforts of volunteers across our region.
The Community Volunteer Awards, hosted by Community CVS, honour the often-overlooked individuals whose dedication transforms lives and strengthens communities. This event highlights their remarkable efforts, celebrating the profound difference they make to those they support and the places they call home. By showcasing their achievements, it not only recognises their selflessness but also fosters a broader appreciation for the impact of volunteering, inspiring others to get involved and contribute to meaningful change.
Sponsoring the Community Volunteer Awards perfectly reflects Newground Together’s core values. As a charity dedicated to strengthening communities and enhancing lives, Newground Together recognises the profound impact that volunteers have every day. Supporting this event is a way to honour their contributions and highlight the vital role community spirit plays in creating lasting change.
Newground Together takes great pride in working alongside dedicated volunteers who play a crucial role in delivering their services and initiatives. From environmental projects to youth programmes and community wellbeing efforts, volunteers are the driving force behind their impact. Their passion and commitment inspire Newground Together to strive for even greater achievements for the communities they serve.
Sponsoring the Community Volunteer Awards is a way for Newground Together to celebrate this spirit of generosity and teamwork. It’s a chance to honour volunteers, inspire others to get involved, and emphasise that through collective effort, thriving and connected communities can flourish.
To all the volunteers honoured at this year’s awards and beyond—thank you. Your dedication transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates a brighter future for everyone.
The Compliance People are immensely proud to contribute 100% of our profits to our parent charity, Newground Together, helping to support their vital work in empowering communities and making a lasting impact.
Jurisdiction: Republic of Ireland
Commencement: 25th October 2024
Amends: New Legislation
Jurisdiction: Republic of Ireland
Commencement: 17th October 2024
Amends: Road Traffic Acts 1961 – 2024
The exemptions applicable to members of Garda Síochána for vehicles and requirements, restrictions and prohibitions relating to the driving and use of vehicles, are extended to include trainees and their instructors.
This amendment has no direct relevance to occupational health and safety matters
Jurisdiction: Republic of Ireland
Commencement: 16th October 2024
Amends: Building Control Regulations 1997 to 2024
Various duties apply and are available to view on the Legislation Update Service.
Amendment
Exemptions from the requirements for commencement notices and fire safety certificates are introduced for works on Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings.*.
*Tier 1 and 2 buildings include apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013 for which Tier 1 or 2 fire safety remediation options are considered appropriate in accordance with the “Code of Practice for the Remediation of Fire Safety Defects”.
This amendment has no direct relevance to environmental matters.
At The Compliance People, we’re committed to giving back. Our profits go straight to our parent charity, Newground Together, whose programmes create real, positive change in communities.
Every interaction you have with us directly supports our charity’s objectives, such as supporting Children and Young People. Take Jane’s story as an example—a young girl whose life took a brighter turn thanks to the support she received through Newground Together’s initiatives.
Jane is a 12-year-old student from Darwen who came to one of Newground Together’s programmes aimed at helping young people build social skills and confidence. Recently, she’d faced significant change: a new family setup, the loss of her mother, and a move to a new area. For Jane, building a circle of supportive friends was more important than ever, and her family knew she needed encouragement and a safe space to grow.
Newground Together’s team designed sessions to give Jane and other young people a welcoming, comfortable space. Often working with groups of 50 participants, they created smaller, age-focused groups to make it easier for Jane to connect. With her coordinator, RT, supporting her, Jane soon found herself joining the social action group, where she thrived and took on more responsibility.
After the family’s move, Jane’s parents found it challenging to arrange transport to the sessions, especially as they were adjusting to a new area. But rather than let that stop her, Jane joined in mixed-age activities with younger children, including her younger sisters. This didn’t hold her back; in fact, she adapted with ease, becoming a positive influence in these groups. One memorable moment was during a water activity when Jane encouraged a younger participant to keep going. Her words of motivation—“Don’t give up; we’re getting closer”—showed her strength and kindness.
Outside of these activities, Jane also embraced the creative sessions offered by Newground Together, excelling in arts and crafts. Here, she built a meaningful friendship with another girl her age, giving her a sense of connection and belonging. This bond became a great support for Jane, helping her to feel more at ease and valued within the group.
Jane’s story is just one example of the impact Newground Together’s programmes are making every day. When you work with The Compliance People, you’re not only helping your organisation meet its compliance goals—you’re also investing in programmes that help young people overcome challenges and gain confidence. Your support means young people like Jane can find the encouragement and opportunities they need to flourish.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for choosing a partnership that extends beyond compliance, reaching into communities and helping build better futures.
Smoking has been banned in virtually all enclosed work and public places across the UK since 2007. Whilst each country applies similar restrictions to prohibit smoking to tackle preventable morbidity and death, the requirements for signage vary.
England
The Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2012 have relaxed requirements around no-smoking signs.
N.B. the requirement for a sign to be placed at the entrance to a premises no longer applies.
Wales
The requirements remain stricter under the Smoke-free Premises and Vehicles (Wales) Regulations 2020.
Scotland
Under The Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006, signs must:
Northern Ireland
The Smoke-Free (Signs) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 require signs in smoke free buildings to:
Entrances to smoke-free premises from other smoke-free premises, or secondary entrances to smoke-free premises used only by workers, may display the ‘no smoking’ symbol without wording.
Vehicles
A no-smoking sign is still required in all smoke free work vehicles in all jurisdictions.
Jurisdiction: EU
Commencement: 1st May 2026
Amends: Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures
Various duties apply and are available to view on the Legislation Update Service.
Amendment
Annex VI – harmonised classification and labelling for certain hazardous substances is updated. The modifications include harmonised classification and labelling for a significant number of substances being introduced, updated or removed.
To allow sufficient time for suppliers to adapt, the changes will apply from 1st May 2026.
Stay up-to-date with topical news and legislation from The Compliance People. Selected updates direct to your inbox.
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