News & Insights
New Legislation to Extend Expiring Planning Permissions Amid Delays
Planning permissions that have expired or are on the verge of expiry due to delays from judicial review proceedings are set to receive a lifeline through new legislative measures. The proposed Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to address these issues and is currently being prioritised for enactment before the summer recess, according to […]
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High Court Rules Alterations to Dublin Property Will Invalid
The High Court has determined that modifications made to a will, intended to retract a gift of a significant property on South Circular Road, are invalid. These changes were likely attempted post-execution, failing to comply with section 86 of the Succession Act 1965. Delivering the judgment, Ms Justice Siobhn Stack underscored the critical importance of […]
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The Illusion of Fairness: Why It’s Time to Rethink the Injuries Resolution Board
When the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) was first established in Ireland, it was heralded as a progressive solution to the slow and costly machinery of litigation. It promised a streamlined, non-adversarial process for resolving personal injury claims, one that would ease pressure on the courts while delivering justice quickly and efficiently to injured parties. The […]
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High Court Dismisses Injury Claim Due to Lack of GP Witnesses
A personal injury claim stemming from a 2016 road traffic accident has been dismissed by the High Court. The case, Daly v Ryans Investments Limited T/A Hertz [2024] IEHC 703, centred on the decision not to present witnesses who were the plaintiff’s treating general practitioners, including the GP whose report was submitted to the Personal […]
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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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