Kevin Harnett is a partner in the Byrne Wallace Shields LLP Infrastructure, Construction and Energy Group.
Kevin is a highly regarded construction practitioner who advises on all aspects of construction law, encompassing both transactional and contentious matters. He acts for various stakeholders, including public bodies, developers, main contractors, funders, owners, tenants, insolvency practitioners, specialist sub-contractors, sureties and materials suppliers.
His advisory work focuses on advising stakeholders on the negotiation and entry into the various forms of construction project documentation, including development agreements, standard form building contracts (RIAI, Public Works, JCT, NEC and FIDIC), bespoke building contracts, professional appointments and ancillary contracts.
Kevin also advises a range of domestic and international clients in high value and complex cases in ADR processes, including conciliation, mediation, adjudication, expert determination and arbitration. He is also an experienced litigator in traditional litigation in the High Court, in particular the Commercial Court.
He previously headed up the construction practice in a well-regarded law firm in Dublin. Prior to that he practised for a number of years with an international law firm, having trained with a top tier domestic firm.
Kevin lectures on the Law Society’s Diploma in Construction Law. He is also a qualified mediator and is a member of the Law Society’s ADR Committee.
Experience advising:
- Various top tier contractors in the negotiation of the contractual arrangements (including design and build) for large-scale residential developments, office accommodation, commercial and industrial units, educational and clinical facilities
- An EPC contractor on the construction of a bundle of five solar farm projects
- A state body on the development aspects of a clinical facility
- A construction materials provider on one of the largest ever product liability claims to come before the Irish High Court
- Bond providers on their exposure under bonds and contractors in respect of claims against bonds
- Insolvency practitioners on the completion of developments and related claims
- An international EPC contractor in respect of the construction of a large-scale gas power station, including claims in adjudication
- Various main contractors and specialist sub-contractors in making and defending claims in respect of payment disputes in adjudication, conciliation and arbitration
- Advising various claimants in High Court enforcement of adjudication decisions
- A wind farm owner in respect of a dispute arising under a power purchase agreement
- A contractor in a High Court procurement dispute with a local authority
- A developer in respect of judicial review proceedings against An Bord Pleanála in respect of a 350 unit development in County Wicklow
- An anchor tenant in respect of defects at one of Ireland’s premier shopping centres
- A tier one contractor in respect of defects claims at a 500 unit apartment development
- Employers and consultants in respect of professional negligence claims, including related insurance coverage issues
Qualifications
- LL.B (Ling. Germ.) (1st class honours), Trinity College, Dublin (2003)
- Qualified as a solicitor, Law Society of Ireland (2007)
- Qualified mediator, Mediation Foundation of Ireland (2022)
Memberships
- Law Society of Ireland
- Law Society ADR Committee
- Dublin Solicitors Bar Association
- Society of Construction Law
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Recommendations
Business Post Legal 100: recognised as one of Ireland’s top 100 lawyers in 2025, for his expertise in the construction sector and as “someone who possesses a lot of knowledge of his area”.
“Kevin Harnett is a pleasure to deal with” – Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Kevin is very approachable and has extensive construction knowledge. He has a fantastic outlook on issues and will always find a fair resolution” – Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Kevin has a sophisticated legal mind” – Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Kevin’s advice is always practical and timely” – Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Kevin Harnett is noted for his varied practice and advice to contractors, developers, designers and sub-contractors, among others” – Legal 500 Editorial commentary
