Dispute Resolution Board

The Dispute Resolution Board deals with the processing of disputes concerning construction contracts between private companies or public bodies. Engineers Ireland plays a significant role in facilitating dispute resolution in Ireland.

Our 11-member Dispute Resolution Board consists of consulting engineers, contractors, public servants, solicitors and dispute resolution professionals. Their role is to review and develop Engineers Ireland’s policies and procedures relating to dispute resolution in the industry. The Board is also responsible for managing Engineers Ireland’s four dispute resolution panels (Arbitrators, Conciliators, Mediators and Adjudicators) and for organising seminars and events to support member-learning in this area.

Engineers Ireland maintains panels of Arbitrators, Conciliators, Mediators and Adjudicators. Details of the panel members are available to view via the links below.

It is the general policy of Engineers Ireland and the Board to make its documentation and services available free of charge. However, if neither party involved in a dispute can agree upon an Arbitrator, Conciliator, Mediator or Adjudicator, then the President of Engineers Ireland can make an appointment which will cost €500.

Similarly, there is a €500 charge for the appointment of an Expert for Expert Determination. Application forms for a Presidential Appointment or for an Expert are available in the relevant sections below. If you would like to apply for a Presidential Appointment or an Expert, please send your completed application form to: registers@engineersireland.ie

Low Value Dispute Procedure

The key objectives of the LVDP are to set out a streamlined adjudication procedure for low value disputes, to help ensure that the Adjudicator's fee is commensurate with the disputed amount, and where desired to offer certainty as to how much the Adjudicator will charge the parties for making an Adjudicator's Decision. Engineers Ireland participates in the LVDP process. 

As one of the overriding aims of the LVDP is to reduce costs in adjudicating low value disputes, all designated organisations have agreed a uniform fee for nominating an adjudicator in the amount €250 plus VAT. For more information, please click on the buttons below. 

Becoming an Engineers Ireland Arbitrator, Conciliator, Mediator or Adjudicator

The criteria for admission to each Panel and the application forms are available in the relevant sections below. 

Each January Panel members must submit an Annual Return for the previous calendar year, giving details of work carried out in dispute resolution processes, whether acting as Arbitrator/Conciliator/Mediator/Adjudicator, as party representative, or in any other capacity. Similarly, Panel members are required to notify the Board on an annual basis of any relevant training undertaken by them. 

Panel members are required to pay an annual fee to the running and maintenance of the Panels of which they are members:

  • Membership of 1 Panel - €200
  • Membership of 2 Panels - €300
  • Membership of 3 Panels - €400
  • Membership of 4 Panels - €500

There are four application deadlines for those interested in joining one of Engineers Ireland’s dispute resolution panels. Please submit your completed application form to: registers@engineersireland.ie

  • 31st March
  • 30th June
  • 30th September
  • 31st December

Pupillage

In an effort to facilitate the growth of expertise in dispute resolution through a mentoring approach, a pupillage scheme has been developed. The purpose of this scheme is to facilitate interested parties in gaining opportunities to observe and learn from working practitioners. This Procedure has been developed for use with the Engineers Ireland panels of arbitrators, conciliators mediators and adjudicators, whose members are actively encouraged to take on and mentor suitable candidates as the opportunity presents itself. The Pupillage Procedure may be used by third-party neutrals who are not members of the Engineers Ireland panels, and also by other institutions engaged in the dispute resolution area.

Join a Panel

If you are interested in joining a Dispute Resolution Panel or another specialist register, please communicate your interest via the button below.