Matheson LLP's practice stands out for its vast expertise in advising foreign and domestic clients on all areas of the energy sector, including electricity projects. The team has in-depth knowledge of the renewable energy regulatory framework, onshore and offshore wind projects, and corporate PPA and data centre operations. The practice is headed by Garret Farrelly, who has extensive experience handling renewable energy innovation and compliance, having worked on wind, solar, and hydro energy projects. Nicola Dunleavy is particularly adept at handling energy and utility disputes, along with infrastructure and PPP projects. Conor Blennerhassett is active on project financing transactions. Seán Scally left the firm in early 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Exceptional team, extremely capable and always results orientated.’
- ‘Our experience with Matheson has been excellent. Their availability, engagement, and quality of partners and associates are fantastic. We will work with Matheson in any future project for renewable energy in Ireland.’
- ‘The Matheson team was able to deliver fast and top-notch work in a challenging deal environment for a competitive international bidding process involving offshore wind assets. They worked closely with our teams and provided seamless input as part of the broader legal team covering multiple jurisdictions. The team knows and abides by high international standards of quality and service. ’
- ‘We worked closely with Garret Farrelly and his team, who provided outstanding work and a genuinely enjoyable collaboration, showcasing not only strong legal knowledge relating to Ireland and the specific sector at hand but also a deep embeddedness in the business environment and regulatory context.’
- ‘Matheson's energy and natural resources team is characterised by their commercial awareness, excellent technical knowledge, and responsiveness. They consistently provide valuable legal advice and support promptly and have an unrivalled understanding of their clients' needs.’
- ‘Garret Farrelly and Owen Collins are our go-to solicitors for all matters relating to the energy sector. They are market leaders as regards policy and regulatory knowledge, and are always prompt with their commercially-focused advice.’
- ‘Team working with a mix of capabilities that makes them very efficient in problem-solving.’
- ‘Technical profile, flexible in adapting their strategy depending on the counterparty.’
Key clients
- Allianz Capital Partners
- Amarenco
- AMP Capital Investors
- An Post
- Antin Infrastructure
- Aramark Corporation
- Aviva Investors
- AXA Master Partners in Infrastructure Equity 1 SA
- Axpo
- BASF
- BBVA
- BL Energy Ventures Ltd
- Bord na Móna
- Boston Scientific
- Brookfield Multiplex Construction
- Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor A/S
- Capital Dynamics
- Caterpillar Inc
- Cenergise
- CGN Europe Energy
- Close Brothers
- CNOOC Petroleum
- Coillte Teoranta
- Commission for Regulation of Utilities
- Credit Agricole
- Crowley Carbon
- Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
- DNB Bank ASA
- Dragados
- Drogheda Port Company
- Dublin Waste to Energy
- DZ Bank
- e|net
- Ecopower Limited
- EDF Renewables Ireland Limited
- EirGrid Interconnector DAC
- EirGrid plc
- ElectroRoute
- Encavis
- Energia Renewables ROI Limited
- EngineNode Limited
- Equinix
- Erova Energy
- Export Development Canada
- First Quantum Minerals Limited
- First Reserve (part of Blackrock)
- Flogas
- Fred Olsen Renewables
- FuturEnergy Ireland
- GE Capital
- General Electric Company
- GLIL Infrastructure LLP
- GMC Utilities Group Limited
- Hamburg Commercial Bank
- Hanwha Corporation
- Helios Technology Ltd
- Hess LNG
- Hewlett-Packard
- Highfield Solar
- IB Vogt GmbH
- Iberdrola
- Indaver Ireland Limited
- ING Bank
- Inis Offshore
- Intesa Sanpaolo
- Iridium Concesiones de Infrastructuras, S.A.
- Irving Oil Ltd
- JCD Group
- JJ Rhatigan Unlimited Company
- John Laing
- John Sisk & Son Limited
- Kajima Partnerships
- KFW IPEX-Bank
- Landis + Gyr
- Liffey Meats
- Lufthansa Cargo AG
- Macquarie
- Mainstream Renewable Power Limited
- Metka-Egn Limited
- Microsoft Corporation
- MUFG Bank
- Natwest Markets PLC
- Nexen Energy ULC
- Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd
- NFE Management LLC
- NGET/SPT Upgrades Limited (part of National Grid)
- Ocean Winds Ireland Limited
- Octopus Renewables
- OHLA
- Ørsted (formerly Brookfield Renewable Ireland Limited)
- Partners Group (UK) Ltd
- Pat Smith Engineering Limited t/a PSE Power
- Rabobank
- Ratio Petroleum Ltd
- Real Assets Investment Management
- Roche Diagnostics Limited
- Roscommon County Council
- Rubicon Capital Advisors
- Sacyr
- Saorgus Energy Limited
- Shannon LNG
- Sisk Group
- Smart Wires, Inc
- Smartest Energy Ltd
- SMBC
- SSE plc
- Statkraft Ireland
- STEAG Solar Energy Solutions
- Storm Management NV
- Terraform Power Inc
- Tetra Communications Ireland
- The Go-Ahead Group plc
- The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund
- TotalEnergies Renewables SAS
- Tynagh Energy Limited
- Ulster Bank
- Vermilion Energy Inc
- Warburg Pincus
- Woodside Energy
- Zenith Energy
Work highlights
- Advised Microsoft on the drafting and negotiation of corporate power purchase agreements with developers Energia, Statkraft and Power Capital.
- Advised Bord na Móna on all aspects of their flagship energy developments in Ireland.
- Advised DECC on the implementation of the first renewable electricity support scheme (RESS 1), including the drafting of the terms and conditions for RESS 1.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Garret Farrelly