Strengthening dispute resolution in Ireland through ICC Arbitration

Following an announcement by the Irish Office of Government Procurement (OGP) on 16 June, public works contracts exceeding €1 million will default to ICC Arbitration, unless the parties agree to apply an expedited domestic procedure. This development reflects the increasing use of established arbitration frameworks to address complex construction disputes.

The decision highlights the role that institutional arbitration can play as a structured, transparent and efficient mechanism for dispute resolution, including in predominantly domestic contexts.

Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, said:

“The adoption of ICC Arbitration as a default for higher-value construction contracts in Ireland gives parties confidence that their disputes will be resolved fairly and effectively. We are grateful for the trust that the Irish Office of Government Procurement has in ICC Arbitration.”

For many observers, the development represents more than a procedural shift. It demonstrates how ICC Arbitration can successfully operate beyond traditional cross-border disputes, supporting consistent processes and governance within a single jurisdiction.

In collaboration with ICC Ireland, ICC will support the implementation of the development by:

• providing training and capacity-building initiatives;
• promoting familiarity with ICC Arbitration procedures; and
• supporting practitioners and firms in navigating ICC processes.

This initiative aligns with ICC’s broader mission to facilitate access to effective and high-quality dispute resolution worldwide.