District And Circuit Court Limits Increased From 3 February 2014

The Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 changed the monetary limits on the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court and District Court in civil proceedings to €75,000 and €15,000 respectively.  In personal injury actions, the revised monetary jurisdiction limit of the Circuit Court will be €60,000.  The new limits came into effect on 31 July 2013. 

The purpose of the increased limits is to reduce the number of cases in the High Court and to reduce legal costs for parties in relevant actions.  Insurance Ireland opposed the increased limits, cautioning that they would increase the case load of the District and Circuit Courts without the necessary supports being put in place.  It remains to be seen whether costs will be reduced in practice.