Burns McGrath O'Sullivan Pierce LLP

24/08/2026

New ‘Right to Repair’ rules now in force 🔧

New EU “Right to Repair” rules have come into effect, giving Irish consumers greater rights and support when choosing to repair household goods rather than replace them.

The rules are designed to make repairs easier and more accessible for products such as washing machines, phones and vacuum cleaners, helping consumers extend the lifespan of everyday household goods.

The legislation also introduces new obligations for manufacturers and aims to encourage repair as a practical alternative to replacement.

📰 Read more in The Irish Times:

EU directive also aims to tackle waste mountain that grows by million of tonnes each year

03/07/2026

A new equity partner, a new name for the practice. Welcome Sarah - a long respected colleague and friend.

29/06/2026

New retirement rules come into effect today.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2026/06/29/how-will-new-retirement-rules-affect-workers-and-employers/ xx

Under the new legislation – the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill – most employees whose retirement, as specified in their contract of employment, is below 66, will be able to tell their employer they do not want to leave on the scheduled date.

Under the new legislation, employees have a right to decline to leave work before age 66

29/05/2026

We are proud to support June Fest and in particular the Kildare Yarn Bombers. All the best for the festival.

26/04/2026

Featured in the Sunday Times 📰

We are currently advising in a significant employment law case, supporting employees in a complex redundancy dispute.

If you have questions about your own situation, our team can provide clear, practical guidance.

02/03/2026

Jaguar Diesel Particulate Filter claims 🚗

In the UK, up to 39,000 claimants who owned allegedly defective diesel Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) vehicles have brought legal proceedings against the manufacturer.

These claims are separate from the NOx emissions “defeat device” litigation. The current cases relate specifically to Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), which are designed to reduce harmful particulate emissions. It is alleged that defects in these systems have exposed vehicles to risks including engine damage, increased oil dilution, higher fuel consumption, engine wear, reduced service intervals and other operational issues.

In some instances, faults within the DPF system are said to trigger “limp home mode”, restricting the vehicle’s speed significantly or shutting the engine down entirely.

If you have experienced difficulties with a Jaguar Land Rover diesel vehicle, please contact:

📧 Sarah Pierce – [email protected]

25/02/2026

Why mediation should not be overlooked ⚖️

Section 16 of the Mediation Act 2017 allows the Courts to invite parties to consider mediation. An unreasonable refusal to engage in mediation may be taken into account when the Court is deciding on legal costs.

In a recent High Court decision, a successful plaintiff was penalised on costs due to their solicitor's failure to comply with the statutory obligation to advise on mediation, provide information about mediation services, and explain its benefits.

The Courts continue to support Alternative Dispute Resolution ( ADR) as an effective way to resolve disputes. Mediation can reduce costs and help to avoid delays often experienced in bringing matters to hearing.

If you require advice or guidance on mediation or ADR, please contact:

📧 Sarah Pierce - [email protected]
📧 Jennifer O’Sullivan - [email protected]

02/12/2025

We are delighted to welcome Sarah Pierce to Burns McGrath O'Sullivan LLP. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in the areas of personal injuries, litigation and conveyancing and will add to the growth and development of our firm. Contact Sarah at 045-432382

25/10/2025

Diesel Gate trial involving Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, Peugeot/Citroën and Ford.
A High Court trial in the UK which commenced during October 2025 is expected to last around three months, will examine whether a selection of diesel vehicles made by Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, Peugeot/Citroën and Ford contained prohibited defeat devices.

The High Court has ruled car manufacturers must reveal information in hundreds of documents that they claimed were confidential

20/10/2025

For licence plate offences Gardaí will be able to issue fixed charge notices from this week.
The 2023 Road Safety Act included penalties for drivers who do not comply with the law on appropriate front and back licence registration plates, including colour, shape, design and font.
Effectively the fines are being imposed for interfering with automatic number plate recognition and speed camera vans.