News & Insights
Understanding Force Majeure in Construction Contracts
In recent years, Ireland has experienced a series of significant weather events, prompting a renewed focus on the role of force majeure provisions in construction contracts. These clauses serve as a critical mechanism, allowing parties to suspend obligations when faced with extraordinary, unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Defining Force Majeure Force majeure, a term with […]
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Can Emojis and WhatsApp Create Legally Binding Contracts?
In today’s digital landscape, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, along with the use of emojis, have become integral to business communications. This shift raises intriguing questions about the potential for these informal methods to establish legally binding contracts. Recent legal cases have highlighted this evolving dynamic, with decisions that illustrate how modern communication tools are […]
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High Court Rules Proposed Injury Award Uplift Not Applicable Yet
On 12th May 2025, a High Court ruling in Cork by Mr Justice O’Higgins clarified that proposed increases to personal injury awards cannot be implemented without the necessary legislative backing. This decision arose from a case involving a member of An Garda Siochana who sustained injuries during her duties. The Plaintiff’s legal team argued for […]
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Student Wins Case Against School’s Gender Discrimination Policy
A 16-year-old student has been awarded €9,000 in a case of gender discrimination and victimisation, following disciplinary action taken against him for wearing an ear piercing to school. The incident occurred at the beginning of the previous academic year. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) determined that the school’s uniform policy was indirectly discriminatory based on […]
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Understanding Enforceability of Surcharge Interest Clauses in Ireland
Recent developments in Irish law have clarified the enforceability of surcharge interest clauses, particularly within loan agreements. The High Court has reinforced the principle that these clauses are only enforceable if they represent a “genuine pre-estimate” of the lender’s potential loss. This ensures that such clauses are not merely punitive measures intended to deter borrowers […]
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Enforcing UK Judgments in Ireland: Post-Brexit Developments
On 1 July 2025, the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters 2019 (the "HJC") will come into effect in the United Kingdom. This development is set to alleviate some of the uncertainty surrounding the enforcement of UK judgments in Ireland, which has been a concern since […]
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Irish Gambler Sues Bookmakers Over Unpaid €320,000 Winnings
A young man from Ireland is embroiled in a legal battle with a major bookmaker after winning a significant sum on a horse racing bet. With dreams of substantial winnings, many have placed hopeful bets only to face disappointment. However, sometimes fortune smiles, yielding life-altering amounts. For 25-year-old Dylan Phelan, the latter was true when […]
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Storm Éowyn Triggers Record Compensation Applications
Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc across Ireland and the UK, leaving over a million people without power and causing significant travel disruptions. In the aftermath, more than 92,000 individuals have sought help through the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to cope with the extensive damage. Reports indicate that this is the highest number of applications received for any […]
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Insurance Premium Hikes Questioned Amid Decline in Injury Claims
The latest figures from the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) reveal that personal injury claims have seen a modest increase of 1% to 20,318 in the past year. However, the number remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels, raising questions about the justification for rising insurance premiums for motor, home, and business policies. Insurance reform advocates argue that […]
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Rising Insurance Premiums Questioned Amidst Declining Injury Claims
Recent data from the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) indicates a slight increase of 1% in personal injury claims last year, totalling 20,318, yet these figures remain below pre-pandemic levels. This has sparked debate among insurance reform advocates who argue that the current rise in insurance premiums for motor, home, and business coverage is unwarranted. The […]
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Motor Liability Awards Drop by Over 40% in Five Years
The value of compensation for motor liability claims issued through the Injuries Resolution Board has seen a significant decline of over 40% in recent years. A new study reveals that €105.8 million was awarded last year, a stark contrast to the €178.85 million distributed in 2019. This reduction follows the implementation of revised injury guidelines […]
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Boy Receives €2m Settlement After Brain Injury Case
A young boy has reached a settlement of €2 million after a High Court case concerning a brain injury he allegedly suffered following septic shock. The settlement, which was made without any admission of liability, concluded on the fourth day of the hearing. Born with complex congenital heart disease, Evan McCurry underwent multiple surgeries shortly […]
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