Volkswagen – One Size Fits All?

An interesting decision of the High Court followed an application by Volkswagen (Ireland) for judicial review of the conduct of civil proceedings in the Castlebar District Court. The judgment raises the question whether Volkswagen emission cases in Ireland should be centralised and heard in Dublin. 

The proceedings involve a claim by a customer seeking damages for breach of contract in connection with her purchase of a car affected by an emissions issue. The lady purchased a second hand Seat from a car dealership in Mayo. Nearly a year later, Volkswagen disclosed irregularities concerning particular software used in some of its vehicle engines resulting in worldwide litigation and controversy.