Our People
Patrick was named as the exclusive winner of the Commercial Property category for Ireland in the International Law Office Client Choice Awards for 2011.
Patrick Sweetman is an “exceptional lawyer” who has “a fountain of knowledge on Irish property law”.
Real Estate: European Legal 500 2011
Patrick Sweetman is described as “an extremely good lawyer and a true gentleman.”
Real Estate: Chambers Europe 2010
Patrick Sweetman is “the authority on planning and development law in Dublin,” according to several sources.
Real Estate: Chambers Europe 2009
Patrick Sweetman is “a very good guy and a good operator,” according to interviewees.
Chambers Europe 2008
Patrick Sweetman is highly regarded.
European Legal 500 2008
Patrick Sweetman is “a walking textbook on all aspects of land law and conveyancing.” Clients praised him as “a good all-rounder with exceptional knowledge of the law.”
Real Estate: Chambers Global 2007
Patrick is also recognised as a leading lawyer by international legal directories PLC Which Lawyer and Chambers Global.
Expertise
Patrick is a lead partner in the Commercial Property Department at Matheson Ormsby Prentice. He is also head of the firm's Development Land Group and joint head of the Environmental and Planning Law Group. He practises property development law and negotiates related sale and purchase contracts. He advises on all areas of property, with particular expertise in the design of privately managed schemes. He has prepared innovative structures for joint ventures both with public bodies and in the private sector, particularly in the provision of housing. Patrick has also built up a considerable expertise in all areas of planning and environmental law.
Patrick has, for the last 30 years, acted for a number of leading developers in Ireland. He has wide experience in the acquisition of development land and the planning issues, easements and wayleaves, and other property issues that arise in those transactions. He is familiar with various structures to maximise tax efficiency, and has advised extensively in relation to social and affordable housing issues. Patrick has also advised on planning applications and appeals, and environmental issues arising on the acquisition and disposal of land.
Patrick is working with all the leading receivers and banks in Ireland in relation to their development land portfolios.
Patrick is a member of the Law Society of Ireland, a longstanding member and former vice-chairman of the Conveyancing Committee of The Law Society of Ireland and a former secretary and council member of the Irish Environmental Law Association. Patrick has lectured regularly on property, planning and environmental matters for The Law Society of Ireland, as part of its Continuing Professional Development programme, and has lectured at the University Industry Centre, Dublin on environmental issues. He has contributed a regular feature to the Irish Planning and Environmental Law Journal and has contributed a chapter to 'Irish Planning Law and Procedure' by Eamon Galligan, a leading text in this area.
Education
University College Dublin, Bachelor of Civil Law
Highlights
Patrick has advised on:
- the acquisition of lands and development and sale of in excess of 2000 residential units at Tyrrelstown, Dublin
- the acquisition of sites in Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin for mixed residential and commercial developments, including in excess of a thousand residential units
- joint ventures with Dublin City Council for the provision of in excess of a thousand affordable housing units
- development of sites in the Dublin Docklands Development Authority area of Dublin for both office and residential schemes
- the receivership of Manor Park Homebuilders Limited including the disposal of a range of assets
- the management and disposal by a receiver of a portfolio in excess of 50 pharmacies nationwide, some held freehold, others subject to occupational leases
- the development of a flagship retail park at Carrickmines, County Dublin; negotiating commercial leases with retail and office tenants; sales of reversionary interests for in excess of €200 million; seeking re-designation as a District Centre from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to increase the scale and range of retail sales, ultimately obtaining such designation following judicial review; negotiating terms with Tesco as anchor tenant; and addressing all relevant planning and development issues
- the disposal by the receiver of Astondale Homes Limited (in receivership) of a substantial portfolio of retail, investment and development properties, including large offices let to government agencies, retail schemes, residential developments and undeveloped lands
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