On Wednesday 17 June 2026, 22 new members were appointed to the Ministerial Panel of Adjudicators in Ireland, including HF Directors Edward Quigg and Dermot Durack.

The effectiveness of adjudication has sometimes been called into question, particularly in light of recent caselaw.  At HF, we continue to support it as a highly practical and efficient mechanism for resolving payment disputes in construction.

It’s designed to deliver timely, interim decisions that maintain cash flow and keep projects moving and with the increased clarity from case law in recent years, adjudication has evolved into a more robust and reliable forum of dispute resolution. We strongly encourage its use as a prompt and commercially sensible means of dispute resolution.

Key advantages of choosing adjudication to settle a construction dispute, particularly if the other party won’t engage:

Speed

Adjudicationis designed to fast-track dispute resolution in construction projects, typically taking 28 days to decide the outcome.  In an industry where time is everything, it stops construction projects coming to a halt.

Maintaining Cash Flow

By resolving payment disputes quickly, adjudication prevents contractors and subcontractors from experiencing financial difficulties due to unpaid money.

Cost Effective

Adjudication is very cost-effective compared to litigation or arbitration due to the streamlined process, shorter timelines, and reduced procedural complexity.

Works Can Continue

Adjudication allows construction projects to continue without interruption while a dispute is being resolved – a major practical advantage in the construction industry. Remaining contractually obliged to carry on working helps protect project timelines, avoiding costly delays and preserving cash flow.

Expert Decision Makers

A key advantage of adjudication is the ability to appoint appropriately qualified decision‑makers with expertise relevant to the dispute. For example, a quantity surveyor determining a complex quantum assessment or a legally qualified adjudicator addressing points of contractual interpretation. This flexibility improves the quality and credibility of the decision-making process with disputes resolved by those best placed to evaluate them, ultimately leading to more informed, practical, and commercially sensible outcomes.

Less Procedural Format

The adjudication process eliminates the need for extensive discovery and disclosure obligations and lengthy and costly hearings. Adjudications are often conducted on a documents‑only basis, reducing both time and expense.

Overall, adjudication offers the key benefits of resolving conflicts quickly and allowing construction projects to progress, making it an essential mechanism within the modern construction sector.

Our Construction and Procurement Department specialise in construction law and procurement in England & Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. For specialist advice and support, contact us here

Or contact our departments be region directly:

England & Wales – Edward Quigg – Edward.Quigg@hf.law

Northern Ireland – Claire McCarry – Claire.McCarry@hf.law

Ireland: Dermot Durack – Dermot.Durack@hf.law