Philip Lee’s Energy Projects and Construction team has advised some of the largest infrastructural works ever undertaken in Ireland. The technical expertise gained from working on over 400 projects for both public and private sector clients means our team stays exceptionally skilled. The is particularly applicable in this pragmatically-minded sector, as our firm’s commercial focus means we can find practical, lasting solutions.

We work with our clients through the full life cycle of project delivery from the initial conceptual and planning consents phase right through to the procurement, contract negotiation, financial close, construction and completion stage. Our clients also benefit from our negotiating experience if any disputes arise out of each phase of project delivery.

Our service has expanded to offer a broad range of expertise on statutory functions and powers as well as regulatory and compliance issues. This includes specialist advice on public procurement, planning and environmental law, state aid and other competition related issues, as well as on administrative law and all aspects of legal risk management.

In essence, our practice offers clients strategic and commercial advice from project inception through to project commissioning and close; advice that inspires real confidence because it is backed by our long history of success with major strategic and large scale projects.

Energy

Our Energy team advises clients in the electricity, oil, LPG and gas sectors, as well as those involved in innovative renewable energy development including:

• onshore and offshore wind;
• geothermal energy;
• district heating;
• bio-ethanol;
• bio mass;
• off and onshore wind;
• marine and ocean renewable energy; and
• energy regulation and policy.

We have also developed a strong practice in sustainable energy and are legal advisors to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

Our expertise in competition, green procurement, planning and environmental, construction, project finance, commercial and EU law enhances our deep and broad knowledge of the energy sector to deliver first class advice and strategic guidance to project developers, financial institutions and regulatory authorities. Our clients have included the Commissioner for Energy Regulation, EirGrid, major lenders, turbine manufacturers and developers.

Projects

We have been appointed as legal advisors to some of the largest infrastructural projects in the state because we offer a comprehensive service ranging from specialist planning, environmental and project finance advice, procurement and project documentation, advice on project administration and, finally, dispute resolution. The firm advises clients in all aspects of project and development work including consultants, contractors, sponsors and procuring bodies. We have particular experience with advising public sector clients on large, medium and small scale public infrastructure projects.

The firm has an enviable reputation for guiding PPP/PFI projects through to completion. We advise local authorities, sponsors, sub-contractors and bidders on a variety of roads, infrastructure and accommodation PPPs. Some examples include:

• Dublin Waste to Energy Project;
• Fingal Landfill PPP; 
• Greystones Harbour and Marina PPP; 
• Thornton Hall Prison; 
• Schools Bundles 1, 2 and 3; and 
• the N17/N18 Tuam to Gort road.

Construction

Much of our work on legal issues surrounding energy and projects draws on our acknowledged expertise in construction law – both contentious and non-contentious.

On the non-contentious side, the team’s experience covers drafting and advising on contracts for building and engineering works at all tiers, contracts for design consultancy services, construction management services, FM/OM services, collateral warranty documentation and agreements for all facets of PPP project work, property development, energy and infrastructure provision.

On the contentious side, we have acted for clients in complex disputes arising out of some of the most significant construction projects in the country’s history including the Dublin Port Tunnel, the M50 Road Widening Contract and the Dublin Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade.