Department profile
McCann FitzGerald LLP

Energy & Natural Resources

Europe Guide 2026 : Ireland


McCann FitzGerald LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by McCann FitzGerald LLP

The energy sector is defined by complexity: climate change, security of supply, digitalisation, geopolitics, regulation, sustainable finance and scientific innovation are reshaping markets. These forces create both challenge and opportunity. Our team helps clients anticipate and adapt to evolving market dynamics, delivering expert, commercially focused advice to government, regulators, market operators, financiers, generators and suppliers.

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in energy, environmental, planning, procurement, construction and finance law who provide seamless support across the full lifecycle of energy projects: development, financing, construction, operation and regulation. We have particular strength in regulatory and advisory work, guiding clients through complex market design, reform and compliance frameworks.

We advise on energy regulation and price control; generation, network and storage projects; power purchase and trading arrangements; supply and consumer issues; acquisition and leveraged finance; asset finance and debt capital markets; and petroleum and minerals licensing, transactions and upstream activities.

Our experience includes advising Brookfield Renewables, Bord Gáis Éireann, Bord na Móna, Coillte, Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, Ervia, Equitix and Baltic Cable, Greencoat Capital, Greenlink, Gore Street Capital, and PSE Kinsale Energy on landmark acquisitions, financings, regulatory reforms and major energy projects.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources - Ireland

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

McCann FitzGerald provides a leading full-service offering that frequently advises domestic and international clients on joint ventures and transactions in the energy sector. The lawyers have particular experience in wind farm transactions. The department also advises on a broad range of regulatory challenges affecting energy projects, including planning and environmental issues. Team members often act for clients on judicial reviews.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • McCann FitzGerald acted for Equitix GP 7 and Baltic Cable Aktibolag on the acquisition of the Greenlink Interconnector.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team at McCann FitzGerald provides clear, comprehensive and pragmatic advice.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
  • The speed and accuracy of the firm's advice is so impressive.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
  • The team is made up of outstanding professionals with excellent commercial knowledge, who are easy to deal with and responsive.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
  • The firm genuinely feels like part of the business. The lawyers ask questions to uncover key risks for clients and spot things that clients may not even have contemplated.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
  • In my view the team is Ireland's top firm on planning and environmental law matters, thanks to its excellent client management and responsiveness and its good understanding of client needs.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Brendan Slattery
    Band 1Brendan Slattery

    Brendan Slattery

    Brendan Slattery assists with a range of regulatory and licensing mandates, including judicial reviews and redevelopment projects. He represents financial institutions and energy companies.

    • Brendan Slattery understands the issues at hand incredibly quickly and is incredibly knowledgeable about his area of expertise. His advice is always based on solid knowledge.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • He really cares about achieving his client's business outcomes and adapts to their needs.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • Brendan Slattery is just a fantastic lawyer, a real leader in planning and projects work. He is approachable and a fantastic resource for clients.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
  • Band 1Valerie Lawlor
    Band 1Valerie Lawlor

    Valerie Lawlor

    Valerie Lawlor is a top-tier practitioner who advises on transactions and joint ventures in the renewable energy sphere, with experience acting on the acquisition of wind farms. She has additional experience representing clients in judicial reviews.

    • She cuts through key issues and makes them understandable and tangible for the business.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • Valerie Lawlor has such a deep understanding of the energy industry in Ireland and she makes our lives so much easier.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • She has excellent industry and commercial knowledge coupled with first-class legal insights, advice and responsiveness.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • In my opinion, Valerie Lawlor stands head and shoulders above her peers in Dublin as the leading energy lawyer in the country.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • She is very responsive to client needs and has a deep understanding of our industry.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
  • Band 2Michelle Doyle
    Band 2Michelle Doyle

    Michelle Doyle

    Michelle Doyle is particularly experienced advising clients on planning elements relating to infrastructure and transport projects, including environmental impact assessments. She frequently acts for local councils and national procurement bodies. She also has experience representing clients in judicial reviews.

    • She provides exceptional depth of knowledge, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to delivering results with clarity and confidence.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • Michelle Doyle is always well prepared, and is really able to simplify complex issues.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • Her commitment to the programme and willingness to assist wherever necessary has given enormous support to this organisation.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
    • Michelle Doyle is knowledgeable, diligent and extremely personable.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentEurope
  • Band 3Peter McLay
    Band 3Peter McLay

    Peter McLay

    Peter McLay often acts on renewable energy transactions and development projects. He is adept at handling cross-border and domestic mandates. He joined McCann FitzGerald in September 2025.

Ranked Individuals at McCann FitzGerald LLP (4)

Ireland

Members

Provided by McCann FitzGerald LLP

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