🇮🇪 Country guides

Debt collection and enforcing a judgment in Ireland

How creditors recover debts in Ireland: the demand and summary summons, summary judgment, court levels by amount, and enforcement options.

LG
The LawyerGo Team
· 6 min read
Debt collection and enforcing a judgment in Ireland

Ireland follows a common-law recovery path, with the court level set by the amount in dispute.

Demand and summary summons

Recovery typically begins with a solicitor’s letter of demand, then a summary summons for a liquidated (fixed) debt. Where the debtor has no real defence, the creditor can seek summary judgment relatively quickly.

Which court

Jurisdiction depends on value — broadly the District Court for smaller sums, the Circuit Court for mid-range, and the High Court above that.

Enforcement options

A judgment can be enforced by an execution order to the sheriff or county registrar, by registering a judgment mortgage against the debtor’s property, by an instalment order, or by examination of the debtor’s means.

Cross-border recovery

An EU judgment is recognised and enforced in Ireland under Brussels Ia.

For foreign creditors

A verified Irish colleague (solicitor) can issue the summons, obtain judgment, and choose the enforcement route that fits the debtor’s assets.

Court thresholds and procedure change — confirm with admitted Irish counsel.

LG
The LawyerGo Team
Editorial

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