National Development Plan: Legal Service Office
Our dedicated multi-disciplinary office supports the delivery of Ireland's National Development Plan. With €275.4 billion allocated across a broad range of sectors, the updated National Development Plan 2026–2035 represents one of the most significant public investment programmes in the history of the State.
Delivering projects of this scale requires coordination between public bodies, developers, contractors, investors, lenders and regulators, all operating within an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment.
Byrne Wallace Shields LLP advises clients involved in the planning, financing, procurement, development and delivery of projects across these sectors. Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in planning and environment, construction, finance, corporate, employment, public procurement, regulation and dispute resolution to provide coordinated legal support throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Whether acting for a government body, state agency, developer, approved housing body, contractor, lender or investor, we work closely with clients to help navigate the legal and commercial issues that arise at every stage.
Who We Advise
Public Sector and Semi-State Bodies
We advise government departments, local authorities, state agencies, regulatory bodies and semi-state organisations involved in the planning, procurement and delivery of publicly funded projects and infrastructure programmes.
Private Sector Organisations
Our clients include developers, housebuilders, contractors, energy and utilities providers, telecommunications operators, construction businesses and professional services firms participating in projects associated with the National Development Plan.
Financial Institutions and Investors
We act for banks, infrastructure and investment funds, approved housing bodies, institutional investors and other providers of capital supporting the delivery of major infrastructure, housing and energy projects.
Our Services
Planning, Environment and Development
Successful delivery of National Development Plan projects begins with effective planning and development. We advise public bodies, developers, investors and infrastructure providers on planning strategy, development agreements, environmental and regulatory compliance, and engagement with planning authorities. Our team supports clients throughout the project lifecycle, including in relation to planning appeals, judicial reviews and other planning-related disputes.
Infrastructure Procurement and Construction
Major infrastructure projects require careful procurement, robust contractual arrangements and effective risk management. We advise contracting authorities, developers, contractors and funders on procurement processes, construction contracts and project delivery structures. Our experience also extends to the resolution of construction and procurement disputes, helping clients manage challenges that may arise during project delivery.
Energy, Utilities and Climate Transition
Investment in renewable energy, utilities and climate-related infrastructure will play a significant role in delivering Ireland's long-term development objectives. We advise developers, utilities, investors, lenders and public bodies on energy projects, environmental regulation, grid infrastructure, commercial arrangements and financing structures. We also support clients in navigating regulatory matters, planning challenges and sector-specific disputes.
Housing and Social Infrastructure
Housing delivery remains a key priority under the National Development Plan, alongside investment in healthcare, education and other essential public services. We advise developers, approved housing bodies, local authorities, healthcare providers and institutional investors on the acquisition, funding, development and operation of housing and social infrastructure projects. Our team provides practical legal support across planning, procurement, governance and project delivery matters.
Finance, Investment and Corporate Structuring
The delivery of large-scale projects increasingly depends on a combination of public and private investment. We advise lenders, borrowers, sponsors and investors on project finance, infrastructure finance, investment structures and joint venture arrangements. We also assist clients with corporate structuring, governance and transactional matters that support the successful delivery and long-term operation of major projects.
Public Sector Governance, Employment and Regulation
Large-scale investment programmes bring complex governance, regulatory and workforce considerations. We advise public bodies, semi-state organisations and private sector participants on public law, regulatory compliance, employment matters and organisational governance. Our multidisciplinary team helps clients manage legal risk, implement change programmes and address disputes efficiently where they arise.
How We Can Help
Byrne Wallace Shields brings together specialists from across our firm to provide coordinated, sector-focused advice tailored to the needs of each project. By combining expertise across planning, construction, finance, employment, regulation and dispute resolution, we help clients navigate the opportunities and challenges that arise throughout the lifecycle of major infrastructure and development projects.
To discuss how we can support your organisation, please contact a member of our team.
