Construction Contracts & Claims Conference 2026

Practical Claims Management, Enforcement Risk and Dispute Resolution

Date: 14^th May 2026

STREAMED LIVE FROM CMG STUDIOS

The Construction Contracts & Claims Conference 2026 focuses on how construction contracts are being applied, enforced and challenged on Irish projects today. With continued pressure on delivery, increased scrutiny of compliance under Public Works Contracts, and the growing use of alternative contract forms on major projects, this event provides practical insight into managing contractual risk, protecting entitlement and navigating disputes in 2026 and beyond.

See below event programme for a full list of key topics to be covered on the day!

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Conference Chairperson & Opening Remarks

Jamie Ritchie, Director, Caldwell Ritchie Berry

Public Works Contracts in 2026: Enforcement Trends and Pressure Points

Speaker: Gerry O’Sullivan, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Barrister-at-Law & legal consultant with Mulcahy McDonagh & Partners (MMP)

• How claims under PWC are currently being assessed by Employers’ Representatives
• Areas of increased scrutiny across CF1–CF5 and PW-CF6 contracts
• Common procedural and substantiation failures undermining claims
• Shifts in how contracting authorities are applying strict compliance
• Practical lessons emerging from recent Irish disputes

Clause 10.3 Revisited: Notices, Timelines and Proportionality

Speaker: Fiona Egan, Partner, Beauchamps LLP

• What triggers a valid Clause 10.3 notice under PWC in practice
• Common errors in timing, content and sequencing of notices
• How time-bar arguments are being treated in conciliation and adjudication
• The practical effect of proposed amendments to time-bar provisions and the introduction of dispute avoidance mechanisms

Variations and Change Orders: Valuing Disruption Without Delay

Speaker: Conor Ahern, Solicitor, Ahern Law

• Distinguishing disruption from delay under the PWC framework
• Valuing staff, prelims and indirect costs where no EOT is granted
• Addressing ER positions that link cost entitlement solely to delay
• Evidential standards typically expected in Irish conciliations
• Presenting variation valuations that withstand technical scrutiny

Delay Costs and Extensions of Time under PWC

Speaker: Padraig Godfrey, Senior Associate, McCann Fitzgerald LLP

• Delay cost claims where the contractor priced a €0 daily delay rate
• Programme contingency: how it is treated once exhausted
• Concurrency and dominant cause in current Irish dispute practice
• Managing exposure to liquidated damages pending EOT decisions
• Practical approaches to substantiating delay impact

Constructive Acceleration and Mitigation Strategies

Speaker: David McNeice, Partner, Global Co-Head of Infrastructure, Construction & Energy, DWF LLP

• Acceleration where no formal instruction is issued by the ER
• Managing progress while EOT entitlement remains disputed
• Positioning acceleration costs without waiving contractual rights
• Interaction between mitigation obligations and entitlement
• Records and correspondence critical to recovery

Termination, Insolvency and Examinership Issues

Speaker: Chris Wheeler, In-House Solicitor, Elgin

• Performance-based termination under PWC and consultant engagements
• Insolvency versus examinership as termination events—which is clearer?
• Valuation of termination where BOQs are front-loaded
• Payment, evidence and site access issues following termination
• Managing commercial and legal risk post-termination

Adjudication and Dispute Resolution in Ireland

Speaker: Robert Rooney, Partner, Mason Hayes and Curran

• Key procedural risks under the Construction Contracts Act 2013
• Service, timing and notice defects in adjudication referrals
• Enforcement challenges and lessons from recent Irish cases
• Re-running claims following enforcement failure
• Choosing adjudication, conciliation or mediation strategically

NEC4 Contracts – What Are They All About, And Will They Take Off in Ireland

Speaker: William Brown, Director, Fortfield Brown

Who Should Attend:

This conference will be of interest to contractors, subcontractors, Employers’ Representatives, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, consultants and legal advisors involved in the administration, management and resolution of construction contracts on Irish projects. It will also be relevant to contracting authorities, local authorities, semi-state bodies and private sector employers responsible for contract oversight, claims assessment and dispute resolution across public and private works.

Pricing:

Early Bird Rate – €475 + Vat 

Normal Rate – €575 + Vat

Please note the early bird discount can close sooner than expected once a certain number of places fill up, therefore your prompt booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

CMG Events Conference Discount

• 10% discount for the third delegate booked or subsequent bookings thereafter from the same company.

Why Should I Attend?

There are many reasons why you should attend this event, but here’s a few for you to consider.

• Gain practical, up-to-date insight into how construction contracts and claims are being managed and resolved on Irish projects in 2026, understand where enforcement and procedural risk is increasing, and leave with clear actions to protect entitlement and manage disputes effectively.
• Benefit from the opportunity to put your questions directly to experienced construction law and claims practitioners with real-world Irish project experience.
• Attend the conference from the comfort of your home or office while still engaging and interacting with fellow professionals.
• Earn valuable CPD hours to support your annual professional requirements.
• Gain access to all conference presentations and materials, providing a practical resource you can refer back to throughout the year.
• Watch and re-watch all video presentations in 4K for up to 72 hours after the event.

CPD Points:

There will be a certificate of attendance given to attendees after the conference. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many CPD points they will award.

Book Your Place:

To request the conference agenda details with further information on schedule, timings, etc.- Click Here

To secure your place please – Click Here

Alternatively call The CMG Events team on 00353 (0)1 293 3650 or email bookings@cmgevents.ie