Team size: Five

Key team members: Patricia O’Shea (Group head of legal and secretariat), Marie Walshe, Conor Wyse, Aine Bambrick and Denis Cronin

What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

In 2022, the legal team was involved in several significant cases and transactions. We provided strategic legal advice on construction and infrastructure management for a capital investment programme worth €2bn. Our team worked with the Commission for Aviation Regulation on the determination of charges allowed to be levied by Dublin airport per passenger

The team also participated in the Valuation Tribunal, a unique complex appeal on the valuation of an airport in Ireland. Finally, we played a part in solidifying daa Group presence in the airport management space in the Middle East by participating in the contract formation between daa International Red Sea International Airport and Jeddah.

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

In 2022, we were involved in multiple significant transactions and cases. It was a challenge – one we successfully – to complete these projects while also carrying out other work duties.

Has the increasing consciousness of climate change and sustainability affected your company and the team’s priorities, and if so, how?

Our priorities have certainly been impacted as a company and team. Climate change is a major challenge, and we are acutely aware of the role we need to play to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable aviation model for Ireland and internationally.

As an airport operator, we provide the aviation industry with the necessary infrastructure to connect our passengers and are taking steps to do this in a more sustainable way. We have achieved the Airport Carbon Accreditation at both of our airports in Ireland and have set a 2050 Net Zero Commitment for our group. Our first ESG Strategy was published in 2021 and is currently being updated to reflect our achievements and increased ambition for 2024.

Sustainability is a key objective for all elements of our business. Training in this area is available across all levels in the organisation, and all colleagues can take action by joining the Sustainability Ambassadors programme to make sustainability real in their own function.