New Report Reveals Faster Dispute Resolution for Tradesmen

If you’re a self-employed builder, subcontractor, or tradesman working in Ireland’s construction industry, you may have heard about statutory adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act 2013.

It’s a dispute resolution process that has gained real traction in recent years, and the latest report on its use shows that it’s becoming a powerful tool for getting paid and resolving contract disputes quickly.

What is Statutory Adjudication?

Statutory adjudication was introduced in July 2016 as part of the Construction Contracts Act 2013. It was designed to address financial imbalances in the construction sector, ensuring that smaller players—like subcontractors and tradesmen—aren’t left in the lurch when disputes arise over payment or contract terms.

At first, many in the industry were skeptical. Would it really help level the playing field? Would the courts even enforce it?

For a while, not much seemed to happen. But according to the latest annual report from Bernard Gogarty, Chairman of the Construction Contracts Adjudication Panel, that’s all changed.

Key Findings from the Latest Report (2019-2024)

Here are some key takeaways from the report that are particularly relevant for self-employed tradesmen and small construction firms:

• Use of adjudication is growing fast – The number of adjudications has nearly doubled in five years, from 54 cases in 2019 to 101 in 2024.
• More money is at stake – The total value of disputes referred in this period was a massive €227.7 million.
• Subcontractors are using it more – Around 43% of disputes were between subcontractors and main contractors, meaning tradespeople and smaller firms are turning to adjudication more frequently.
• Bigger firms are getting involved – Disputes between main contractors and employers now account for about 34% of cases.
• Cases are being resolved quickly – Over half (55%) of cases were settled within 42 days, and 25% were wrapped up in just 28 days.

Why This Matters for Small Builders and Tradesmen

For self-employed tradesmen and smaller construction firms, getting paid on time is critical to staying afloat. Before adjudication, chasing payments from larger contractors could take months or even years, leading to serious cash flow problems.

Now, with statutory adjudication proving to be fast and enforceable, there’s a clear path to resolving disputes without getting bogged down in costly court battles.

One major concern in the past was whether the High Court would support adjudication decisions. The latest report shows that the courts have taken a supportive stance, meaning decisions from adjudicators are being upheld and enforced.

This is good news for smaller businesses that might otherwise struggle to get fair treatment when disputes arise.

What You Should Do

If you work as a subcontractor or tradesman and find yourself in a payment dispute, statutory adjudication could be your best option. Here’s what you can do:

• Know Your Rights – Familiarise yourself with the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and how adjudication works.
• Keep Good Records – Always document agreements, work completed, and payment terms clearly.
• Act Fast – If a payment dispute arises, don’t wait. Statutory adjudication is designed to be quick and effective.
• Get Professional Help If Needed – While the process is straightforward, seeking advice from a legal or construction contracts expert can ensure you take the right steps.

Final Thoughts

For self-employed builders and tradesmen, statutory adjudication has become a real game-changer. The latest report confirms that the process is working, is being widely used, and is increasingly seen as the go-to method for resolving disputes in Ireland’s construction sector.

If you ever find yourself struggling to get paid, this could be the tool you need to protect your livelihood.

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