Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. To instruct a regulated practice, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
A debt collection letter before action in Ireland is a formal written demand from a solicitor asking a debtor to pay what they owe by a set deadline, before court proceedings are issued.
Before issuing proceedings, a creditor is generally expected to have made a clear written demand and given the debtor a reasonable opportunity to pay. A letter from a solicitor signals that you are serious and creates a paper trail if the matter later goes to court.
What’s included
- professionally drafted letter before action on the instructed solicitor firm’s letterhead, signed by an Irish solicitor
- Clear itemisation of the debt, interest and costs
- A defined compliance deadline (typically 14 or 21 days)
- Warning of the consequences if unpaid, such as court proceedings, judgment, costs and interest
- Signed copy for your records and a Word copy for any amendments
Who this is for
- Sole traders and small businesses with unpaid invoices
- Landlords, contractors or suppliers owed money for completed work or services
- Individuals who lent money to someone who has not repaid it
- Anyone who has sent reminders without success and wants to escalate before going to court
How it works
- Contact a solicitor of your choice.
- Complete a short questionnaire with details of the debt and the debtor.
- Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
- Your signed letter and Word copy are delivered by email.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a solicitor’s letter of demand cost in Ireland?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
Will a solicitor’s letter make the debtor pay?
No letter can guarantee payment. A formal letter from a solicitor shows the debtor that you are prepared to issue proceedings, and many debtors respond once they receive one.
What happens if the debtor still doesn’t pay?
Depending on the amount, you may be able to use the Small Claims procedure (claims up to €2,000, subject to its eligibility rules) or issue proceedings in the District Court (up to €15,000) or Circuit Court (up to €75,000). A solicitor of your choice can advise on next steps separately. Questions? Request a callback.
For more on recovering money and dealing with debt, see our debt and insolvency guide.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
