Local authorities across Ireland have settled an alarming €54 million in public liability claims in 2023, a sharp 15.7% increase from €46.8 million in 2022. The majority of these claims stem from slips, trips, and falls, highlighting the ongoing financial burden faced by councils in addressing personal injury claims.
The number of claims settled rose significantly, with 3,542 claims resolved in 2023 compared to 2,693 in 2022—a 31.7% increase.
Dublin City Council Tops the List
Dublin City Council alone accounted for over €19.4 million of the total payouts, handling 906 claims in 2023. Footpath-related incidents, particularly slips and falls, remained the primary cause of these claims. Meanwhile, South Dublin County Council followed with €3.4 million paid out for 175 claims, and Kilkenny County Council ranked third, paying €3.3 million for 44 claims.
Here’s a breakdown of the public liability claims by council in 2023:
| County | Number of Claims | Cost of Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin City | 906 | €19,490,572 |
| South Dublin | 175 | €3,397,401 |
| Kilkenny | 44 | €3,332,000 |
| Louth | 271 | €3,163,401 |
| Tipperary | 224 | €2,375,363 |
| Cork City | 90 | €2,302,174 |
| DLR | 121 | €2,219,372 |
| Limerick | 77 | €2,027,851 |
| Galway County | 178 | €1,995,817 |
| Donegal | 97 | €1,733,948 |
| Cork County | 49 | €1,375,741 |
| Wicklow | 105 | €1,264,572 |
| Waterford | 42 | €975,870 |
| Westmeath | 51 | €939,483 |
| Wexford | 55 | €790,265 |
| Offaly | 111 | €765,439 |
| Galway City | 33 | €733,958 |
| Kildare | 39 | €713,238 |
| Mayo | 115 | €669,562 |
| Monaghan | 98 | €612,893 |
| Longford | 50 | €596,919 |
| Cavan | 120 | €576,395 |
| Meath | 290 | €533,545 |
| Roscommon | 73 | €498,969 |
| Sligo | 59 | €446,516 |
| Clare | 30 | €412,768 |
| Leitrim | 25 | €200,348 |
| Fingal | 14 | €47,000 |
Note: Figures for Kerry, Carlow, and Laois councils were not provided.
Settlements and Legal Reforms
Many of the claims settled in 2023 predate the introduction of updated judicial guidelines for personal injuries, which aim to reduce awards for minor injuries. A backlog of cases from the COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to the high number of settlements.
The Irish Government has introduced reforms to duty of care legislation under the Occupiers’ Liability Act. These changes place greater emphasis on personal responsibility and are expected to lower the volume of minor claims in the coming years. A spokesperson from the Department of Finance expressed optimism that these reforms, combined with a cultural shift towards shared responsibility, will reduce claims and insurance premiums over time.
Calls for Change
Independent Councillor Mannix Flynn has criticised the millions being spent on liability claims, arguing that the funds could be better used to repair roads and footpaths. “Preventative measures are key,” Flynn said. “Investing in infrastructure can significantly reduce the occurrence of accidents.”
Campaigners have also urged councils to contest claims where negligence is not clearly established. Brian Hanley, CEO of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, has stressed the importance of resisting unwarranted settlements. “Short-term thinking, where claims are settled to avoid prolonged litigation, is not in the best interest of communities or insurers,” Hanley stated.
Key Observations from 2023 Data
- Some councils experienced dramatic increases in payouts. For example, Kilkenny County Council saw nearly double the payouts compared to the previous year, while the number of settled claims rose by 37%.
- A significant portion of the payouts relates to long-standing cases, further highlighting the need for more efficient claims processing and settlement procedures.
- Material damage claims, such as pothole damage to vehicles, formed a smaller portion of the payouts but still added to the overall burden.
Looking Ahead
As Ireland continues to implement legislative reforms and promote a culture of personal accountability, local authorities hope to see a decline in the number and value of claims. However, as the data from 2023 reveals, significant challenges remain in managing public liability risks and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.
Good & Murray Smith LLP advises individuals involved in public liability incidents to seek legal guidance to understand their rights and responsibilities. If you or a loved one has been affected by a slip, trip, or fall, contact our team of expert solicitors to discuss your case.