Can I take a case to the Small Claims Court in Ireland?
Yes, for qualifying claims of €2,000 or less — a cheap route designed to avoid solicitors. The Small Claims Procedure handles claims up to €2,000, and the fee to lodge is €25 (non-refundable, and not recoverable even if you win). Both you and the respondent must be based in the Republic of Ireland (cross-border EU claims use the separate European Small Claims Procedure). You apply online via the Courts Service Online (CSOL) website with an email address and card, and the Small Claims Registrar usually responds within about 5 days. It covers faulty or undelivered goods or services bought as a consumer (and now also business-to-business claims), and minor property damage — but not debts, money lent, personal injury, or hire-purchase disputes. In short: yes for small consumer and property claims, online for €25.
📋 The rules
- Handles claims of €2,000 or less
- Lodging fee is €25 (non-refundable)
- Apply online via Courts Service Online
- Both parties must be in the Republic of Ireland
- No solicitor needed
🔓 Exceptions
- Covers faulty goods/services and minor property damage
- Can't be used for debts, money lent or personal injury
- Can't claim for your time, distress or the €25 fee
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This is a low-cost route designed to avoid solicitors, with a flat €25 fee. If the respondent disputes the claim and no settlement is reached, it goes to a District Court hearing, where you may have to attend in person and present your evidence. You can claim only your actual loss — not your time, distress, or even the €25 fee. The limit is €2,000, and both parties must be in the Republic of Ireland. Beware a myth: "I can use Small Claims to recover money I lent someone" is false — straightforward debt recovery and money lent are not covered by the Small Claims Procedure, nor are personal injury or hire-purchase disputes. To use it: apply on Courts Service Online, set out your claim and evidence, and prepare to attend a District Court hearing if it's disputed.
📎 Official sources
- Citizens Information — Small Claims Court →
- Courts Service — apply for a small claim →
- CCPC — Small Claims Procedure →
❓ Frequently asked
What can I claim for in the Small Claims Court?
The Small Claims Procedure handles claims of €2,000 or less. You can use it for faulty or undelivered goods or services bought as a consumer, business-to-business claims, and minor property damage. You can't use it for debts, money you lent someone, personal injury, or breaches of leasing and hire-purchase agreements.
How much does it cost?
The fee to lodge a small claim is €25. It's non-refundable, and you can't recover it from the other side even if you win, nor can you add it to your claim. The procedure is designed to be low-cost and accessible, so you don't need a solicitor to bring a small claim.
How do I make a small claim?
You apply online through the Courts Service Online website, using an email address and a debit or credit card to pay the €25 fee. The Small Claims Registrar reviews your application and usually notifies you of the outcome within about five days. The registrar may also try to help the parties reach a settlement.
What if the other side disputes it?
If the respondent disputes your claim and no settlement is reached through the registrar, the matter goes to a hearing in the District Court. You may have to attend in person and present your evidence to the judge. The process is still relatively informal, and you don't need legal representation.
Can I use it to recover money I'm owed?
Not for straightforward debts or money lent — those aren't covered by the Small Claims Procedure. It's designed for consumer and business disputes over faulty goods and services and minor property damage. To recover a simple debt, you'd generally need to use a different court procedure, depending on the amount involved.
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