Protecting Commercial Margins and Resolving High-Stakes Construction Disputes Across Ireland

Statutory adjudication is an accelerated dispute resolution mechanism established under Ireland’s Construction Contracts Act 2013. Either party to a construction contract has a statutory right to refer a payment-related dispute to an independent adjudicator at any time. The adjudicator delivers a legally binding and enforceable determination within 28 days of referral (which may be extended to 42 days with the referring party’s consent). This allows contractors and employers to enforce interim payments and resolve variations without waiting years for court dates.

While both are Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes, their mechanics differ fundamentally. In mediation, a neutral third-party expert facilitates negotiations to help the parties craft their own voluntary commercial settlement; the mediator cannot impose a decision. Once drafted and signed, the mediated settlement forms a legally binding and enforceable commercial contract. In arbitration, the arbitrator acts as a private judge, receives formal pleadings and evidence, and issues a final, legally binding award that can be enforced through the High Court.

Under the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BCAR), the Assigned Certifier is a registered professional (Architect, Chartered Engineer, or Chartered Building Surveyor) legally assigned to inspect and certify that the works comply with Irish Building Regulations. PM Project Management coordinates all Inspection Plans, tracks critical milestone inspections, and collects, audits, and formats Ancillary Certificates from all specialist sub-contractors so the final Certificate of Compliance on Completion (CCC) is accepted by the local Building Control Authority without delay.

Yes. Under Section 7 of the Construction Contracts Act 2013, if an amount due under an interim payment claim is not paid in full by the due date and no valid response notice was served, the executing party has the statutory right to suspend works upon giving 14 days' written notice. We guide contractors and sub-contractors through the strict statutory notice protocols to ensure suspension rights are exercised lawfully and without risking termination claims.

We offer three flexible engagement models tailored to contractor and developer requirements: 1. SME Retainer Plans: A fixed monthly fee providing ongoing contract administration, payment claim monitoring, and variation protection throughout the build. 2. Corporate SLAs: Comprehensive governance packages for tier-1 contractors and major commercial developers managing high-risk packages. 3. Pay-As-You-Go Service: Hourly or milestone-based advisory specifically designed for trade sub-contractors facing acute, unexpected contractual friction.