ByrneWallace LLP appoints Head of Infrastructure, Construction and Energy (ICE) Group

ByrneWallace LLP is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Cooney as Head of the firm’s Infrastructure, Construction and Energy (ICE) Group.

Martin has been a partner and head of the firm’s construction law practice since joining ByrneWallace LLP in November 2017. With over 13 years' experience advising on all aspects of construction law, both contentious and non-contentious, Martin has wide ranging expertise advising on standard form contracts (including RIAI, Public Works, NEC and FIDIC) as well as negotiating and drafting bespoke contracts, professional appointments and ancillary contracts. He is also experienced in all forms of dispute resolution, having represented employers, consultants and contractors in mediations, conciliations, adjudications, expert determinations, arbitration and in the Commercial Court.  

The Infrastructure, Construction and Energy (ICE) Group is one of the largest specialist practices in Ireland, providing innovative solutions and expert advice through every stage of the construction cycle, from project inception, procurement strategy, PFI/PPP project agreements, sustainable finance, project execution, project completion, building regulations, health and safety and the resolution of disputes. The Group combines the strength of the firm’s well-established expertise advising on infrastructure & projects, which is led by Fergal Ruane, energy & natural resources, led by Gavin Blake, and construction law, led by Martin Cooney.  

Commenting on the announcement, ByrneWallace LLP Managing Partner Feargal Brennan said, “We would like to congratulate Martin on his appointment as Head of the firm’s ICE Group.

“Over the years, ByrneWallace LLP has established a strong practice advising clients on construction, infrastructure, and energy law.

“These sectors have experienced significant growth and we have seen an increasing level of projects arise which call upon our teams, advising across these specialist areas, to work collaboratively, combining their individual knowledge and experience to offer clients the best legal service and advice.  

“Consolidating these practice areas under one group creates significant synergies and enables us to further enhance the quality of our services to clients.”    

Martin Cooney, Head of the ICE Group commented, ”ByrneWallace LLP has taken a number of steps in recent years to position itself to avail of the opportunities arising in the infrastructure, construction and energy sector. The focus on public sector clients, along with the firm's strong tradition of advising on property and development in the private sector, provide an ideal platform to focus on this sector and become a market leader in this area in the next 10 years. 

“It is an exciting time for the industry as the 2020 Programme for Government and Project Ireland 2040 identify significant plans for infrastructure spending. Furthermore, the Government’s Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets for renewable energy which will require the infrastructure to achieve them. We are also witnessing increased private sector investment in growth areas such as PRS, Data Centres, ICT, Pharmaceutical and logistics. Our ICE Group aims to provide our clients with a dynamic and integrated service that takes a long term view of relationships and opportunities.”

Feargal added, “Since joining the firm, Martin has made a considerable contribution to the development of our construction practice. Working in partnership with Fergal and Gavin, I am confident that Martin and his team will firmly establish ByrneWallace LLP as one of Ireland's leading infrastructure, construction and energy legal advisers.”   

Pictured (left - right) Feargal Brennan (Managing Partner), Gavin Blake (Head of Energy and Natural Resources), Martin Cooney (Head of Construction and Head of the firm’s new Infrastructure Construction and Energy (ICE) Group), Fergal Ruane (Head of Projects and Infrastructure) and Michael Walsh (Head of Property).