Public Sector

Public Sector Legal Advice

Holmes advises public sector bodies across Ireland on the legal and regulatory frameworks governing public administration. With over 50 years’ experience, we deliver clear, practical advice that helps public bodies meet statutory obligations, manage risk and make defensible decisions in complex and high-scrutiny environments.

Working closely with senior officials, in-house legal teams and decision-makers, we support public bodies in navigating Irish and EU law with confidence, from policy development through to litigation and review.

Public Sector Legal Services

Our public and administrative law team combines deep sector knowledge with extensive experience across governance, legislation, compliance and dispute resolution. We advise on:

Statutory Interpretation & Legislative Compliance

We ensure public bodies act within their legal powers and discharge statutory duties lawfully and proportionately. Our advice covers:

• Irish constitutional and administrative law

• EU directives and transposed legislation

• Freedom of Information (FOI) and AIE obligations

• GDPR and public-sector data protection

• Public procurement and regulatory compliance

Governance, Policy & Public Law Advisory

Holmes supports public bodies on governance, policy development and legislative frameworks, including:

• Drafting legislation and statutory instruments

• Designing governance structures and compliance frameworks

• Developing risk management policies and codes of conduct

• Advising on decision-making protocols and statutory processes

• FOI, DSARs and statutory complaints handling

Public Law Litigation & Dispute Resolution

We represent public bodies in a wide range of contentious matters, providing strategic and proportionate litigation support, including:

• Judicial review proceedings

• Statutory appeals and tribunal hearings

• Public inquiries and investigations

• Planning, environmental and infrastructure disputes

• Procurement challenges

Our approach balances legal risk, public accountability and cost efficiency.

Public Sector Experience

Our team has advised on many of Ireland’s most complex and high-profile public sector matters, including:

• Procurement & Infrastructure

Advising Limerick Twenty Thirty DAC on procurement for the Opera Site (Project Opera Square) and acting in the first case before the High Court Strategic Infrastructure Development List.

• Healthcare & Education

Advising during the Covid-19 response on healthcare staffing arrangements; resolving an accreditation dispute for a third-level institution; and representing a university in a complex High Court defamation action.

• Regulatory & Litigation

Assisting the Private Security Authority in securing a conviction following the Roscommon eviction case and defending judicial review proceedings for Greyhound Racing Ireland before the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Trusted Public Sector Legal Advisors

Holmes is a trusted advisor to government departments, local authorities, regulators and state bodies. Clients value our deep understanding of public law, responsiveness in time-sensitive matters and practical approach to complex legal frameworks.

We combine legal rigour with an appreciation of how public bodies operate, ensuring advice is workable, defensible and aligned with public-interest objectives.

If you would like advice on governance, statutory compliance or public law litigation, speak with a member of our Public Sector team for a confidential discussion.