Sectoral Regulation

The continuing liberalisation of regulated industries over a range of sectors in Ireland and across Europe presents opportunities and challenges for business, often involving complex legal issues of regulatory, competition and administrative law.

We advise on all aspects of sectoral and utilities regulation, including:

  • Telecommunications – licensing and reporting obligations; significant market power; enforcement of regulatory obligations
  • Broadcasting (including the Audio Visual Media Services Directive) – licensing conditions and approvals for change of control
  • Energy – gas and electricity licensing; regulatory aspects of commercial transactions
  • Transport – ticketing systems; bus licensing; road haulage
  • Postal Services
  • Other Utilities

Claire Waterson contributed the Irish chapters of "Telecommunication Laws in Europe" (Baker and McKenzie, 2005) and "The International Comparative Legal Guide to Telecommunication Laws and Regulations 2010" (GLG).

Our experience includes advising / acting for:

ComReg (the Irish Communications Regulator) in relation to a number of regulatory enforcement matters, including representing ComReg in High Court proceedings designed to enforce eircom’s compliance with obligations as an operator with significant market power and eircom’s cross-appeal.

Aughinish Alumina in relation to challenging European Commission Decisions finding a hydrocarbon tax exemption to be unlawful State aid. We successfully represented Aughinish in an application before the General Court for annulment of one Decision and before the European Court of Justice in a subsequent appeal.

Railway Procurement Agency on the EU and Irish competition and public procurement aspects of the establishment of an integrated ticketing system for transport for the Greater Dublin Area (similar to London’s Oyster card).

Private clients on licensing and notification requirements for the provision of electronic communications services in Ireland and on related compliance issues.

A private client on the regulatory and merger control aspects of the acquisition of an energy business. 


We are consistently ranked as one of the leading Competition & Regulation law firms in Ireland.

Department

Sources say: “The advice is practical and comprehensive, and the team includes tough negotiators. The lawyers are among the best in their field.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Competition & European Law

William Fry provides ‘top-quality service’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2013 - EU & Competition

Sources say: 'William Fry is an important resource for me and my company – we regard it as a crucial part of our team.'
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Competition/European Law

William Fry is applauded for its 'extensive knowledge' and 'client-focused advice'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - EU & Competition

William Fry offers 'prompt responses and practical advice'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - Competition/European Law

William Fry wins praise for 'in-depth industry knowledge' which ensures 'lawyers hit the ground running, providing valuable input from the outset'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – EU & Competition

Clients are unanimously delighted with the service they receive from William Fry: 'We get a fantastic response from the firm, and the advice is beautifully tailored to our needs.'  The team has genuine strength in depth, housing as it does senior, highly respected lawyers and up-and-coming associates...the trio have worked together for six years, and have formed one of the most cohesive competition teams in the Irish market. According to commentators, 'the group's method, timing, ability and pragmatism place it easily among the top Irish competition law practices.'
Chambers Europe, 2010 – Competition/European Law

Team

Cormac Little

Cormac Little is "great at dealing with clients and other firms – it is a real pleasure to work with him.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Competition & European Law

Cormac Little ‘consistently gives precise and business-savvy advice’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2013 - EU & Competition

Cormac Little is held in high regard by sources. He 'literally wrote the book on public procurement' and has expertise in merger control and antitrust.
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Competition/European Law

Cormac Little is 'business-friendly yet meticulous'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - EU & Competition

Cormac Little is ‘technically excellent’ and ‘user friendly’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - EU & Competition

Cormac Little is prasied for 'his responsive and businesslike attitude and his ability to turn work around quickly'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - Competition/European Law

Cormac Little is another valued member of the group, and clients say he is an ‘unassuming, low-key lawyer, who quietly gets the work done with great efficiency.’
Chambers Europe, 2010 – Competition/European Law

Cormac is listed in the 'International Who’s Who of Competition Lawyers' (2010) and the 'International Who’s Who of Public Procurement Lawyers' (2010).

Claire Waterson
According to a source, Claire Waterson is "tremendous: responsive, clear and pragmatic. She is the reason I keep going back to the firm.”
Chambers Europe, 2013 - Competition & European Law

Claire Waterson 'is fabulous: she's responsive, on the ball, pleasant and incredibly knowledgeable on procurement and EU law issues,' sources report.
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Competition/European Law

According to sources 'her advice is cogent and thorough and her drafting is excellent'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - Competition/European Law

Claire Waterson is considered ‘totally on the ball.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – EU & Competition

Clients describe Waterson as ‘100% reliable.’
Chambers Europe, 2010 – Competition/European Law