Led by Martin Cooney, the growing team forming Byrne Wallace Shields LLP’s construction practice is a key port of call for private and public sector clients. Though the team provides advice along every stage of the construction cycle, the team is particularly active across contentious mandates, regularly acting in court proceedings and a range of alternative dispute resolution processes. In particular, Cooney maintains a strong and varied docket, having recently represented employers, consultants and contractors in adjudications, conciliation, mediations and arbitrations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The construction team offers depth of expertise, commercial acumen and a hands-on approach to complex projects across the built environment. They also advise on every stage of the construction life cycle—from procurement strategy and contract negotiation to dispute resolution and project close-out.’
- ‘A wealth of experience and deep knowledge of the Irish construction market lies in the department.’
- ‘Martin Cooney is particularly strong and offers solution focused advice that supports successful project delivery.’
- ‘Martin Cooney is a star of the construction disputes market, leading a formidable and highly motivated team of experienced lawyers. Martin's advice is comprehensive and clear.'
- ‘Personal service. Can grasp the issue at hand quickly. Excellent knowledge and well organised.’
- ‘The team is approachable and highly client-focused, consistently demonstrating a willingness to go the extra mile. They provide pragmatic support across both straightforward asset transactions and complex development projects.'
Key clients
- Environmental Protection Agency B&C Contractors Limited Clúid Housing Evara Keppel REIT Datacentres Circle Voluntary Housing Association Dublin City Council Collen EQT Exeter Hibernia Real Estate Group
Work highlights
Advising Clúid Housing in relation to the acquisition of approx. 400 units in a residential housing development and ancillary works in Clarehall, Dublin, offering a full range of legal advice including negotiating the Development Agreement, full suite of construction documentation and related deliverables and engagement with the Housing Finance Agency, in a deal worth in excess of €100m.
Advising Dublin City Council on a Housing Land Initiative with the objective of developing three sites in Dublin city (valued at €300m), providing strategic advice on public procurement strategy, project procurement, the competitive dialogue process and drafting a suite of documents for the process.
Advising Fingal County Council on three projects with deal value in excess of €350m, including on the procurement aspects of the transaction as well as drafting and negotiating the construction documents including the development agreement and design team consultant appointments.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Martin Cooney
Other key lawyers
Fergal Ruane; Andrew McVea; Jamie Ritchie