Dispute Resolution in the Construction Industry in Ireland: A Move to Adjudication?

Abstract

Dispute resolution in the construction industry in Ireland is about to change radically with the introduction of the new Public Works forms of contract. Traditionally, Ireland has had an image of being able to resolve disputes by the use of informal channels and recourse to formal dispute resolution was seen as something to be avoided. Will this now change? This paper reviews the forms of dispute resolution which have traditionally been used in Ireland and details the new form of dispute resolution which is to be introduced. The new form of dispute resolution is unique and does not fit easily into any standard dispute resolution category. How will this dispute resolution procedure operate in practice and how will it affect the ability of parties to resolve disputes? This paper intends to provide an insight into the answers to these questions.