Our People
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 is also recognised as a leading lawyer by international legal directories PLC Which Lawyer and Chambers Global.
Expertise
Patrick is a partner in the Commercial Property Department at Matheson Ormsby Prentice. He is also head of the firm's Development Land and Planning and Environmental Law groups. 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 residential and mixed 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 20 years, acted for a number of leading house builders 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 a former vice-chairman of the Conveyancing Committee of The Law Society of Ireland and a council member and former secretary of the Irish Environmental Law Association. Patrick lectures 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 obtaining planning permission for 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
