As the impact of COVID-19 unfolds, in Ireland there has been
widespread support for Government measures taken to slow the spread
of the virus, including enactment of emergency
powers.1
It is clear that the construction sector is affected in a number
of ways and, in these circumstances, companies operating in Ireland
are considering management of their contracts. Where inability to
carry on with business as normal impacts a party's ability to
perform its obligations, companies need to examine the terms of
their contracts to determine their rights and responsibilities and
to prevent disputes further down the line.
This briefing summarises principles underlying some of the types
of clause you may encounter, and provides practical points which
may assist when considering them. In each case, determining the
position requires review of the specific terms of your individual
contract.
