Part 1 - Originating Summons No. 1 Plenary Summons
The Part 1 – Originating Summons No. 1 Plenary Summons is a court document used to start a civil proceeding in the Irish Courts Service. It sets out the claim and the relief sought before the case proceeds to a plenary hearing.
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Part 1 - Originating Summons No. 1 Plenary Summons
The Part 1 – Originating Summons No. 1 Plenary Summons is a court document used to start a civil proceeding in the Irish Courts Service. It sets out the claim and the relief sought before the case proceeds to a plenary hearing.
Risk Radar
- The most common mistake is filing after the limitation period has run out.
- Missing the limitation period
- Incorrect party names or addresses
- Omitting essential facts or legal basis
- Failing to attach required supporting documents
Plain English
Think of this as the first formal letter you give to the court when you want to sue someone. It tells the judge what the dispute is about and asks for a hearing where all parties can be heard together.
Submission Date
- File the summons before the limitation period expires; otherwise the claim may be time‑barred.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
What this form is for
- • Use when you need a plenary hearing for a civil claim.
- • Choose this form instead of a standard summons if the case requires all parties to be heard together.
- • Applicable for claims in the High Court, Circuit Court and District Court.
- • Do not use for criminal matters or family law applications.
- • Use when you have a clear, concise statement of claim and specific orders to request.
Use this form or another form?
| Situation | Likely form | Why it matters | Check before you continue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple debt recovery | Standard Summons | For straightforward money claims without need for plenary hearing | Verify if a plenary hearing is really required |
| Family law dispute | Family Law Application | Different procedural rules and forms | Check the Family Court forms list |
| Criminal charge | Charge Sheet | Not a civil claim | Use the appropriate criminal procedure form |
Deadline or filing window
File the summons before the limitation period expires; otherwise the claim may be time‑barred.
Before you submit
- • All party names and addresses are correct.
- • Factual narrative is under 500 words.
- • Legal basis is clearly identified.
- • Requested orders are specific and realistic.
- • Signature and date are present.
- • Supporting documents are attached in the correct order.
- • Correct filing fee is included or paid online.
- • Form version matches the latest Courts Service release.
- • Submission method (in‑person, post, online) is confirmed.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare supporting evidence and calculate any filing fee.
- 2Complete the Originating Summons form legibly or digitally.
- 3Attach all required documents and the fee receipt.
- 4Submit the package to the appropriate court registry or upload via the online portal.
- 5Obtain a filing receipt or acknowledgement number.
- 6Keep a copy of the filed form and receipt for your records.
Known limitations
- • Form does not cover family or criminal matters.
- • Limited to civil claims that require a plenary hearing.
- • Online filing may not be available for all courts.
- • No built‑in validation for Irish statutory limitation periods.
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✦ Open in AI EditorCurrent Form Status
The form is currently the latest version used by the Courts Service; no recent amendments have been announced.
Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
What changed or needs a fresh check
- • Confirm the form header shows the current year.
- • Check if the fee amount has been updated.
- • Verify the court registry address listed is correct.
- • Ensure any new mandatory declaration boxes are completed.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Agency
- Courts Service of Ireland
- Category
- District Court Forms
- Source
- Court Forms ↗
- Revision Date
- 19/01/26
Downloads
Part 1 - Originating Summons No. 1 Plenary Summons
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After you file
- • Monitor the court registry for a hearing date notice.
- • Serve the summons on the defendant according to court rules.
- • Prepare a bundle of documents for the plenary hearing.
- • Respond to any directions or orders issued by the judge.
- • Update your legal counsel on the filing receipt and case number.
Source and verification log
- • Form title and number derived from Courts Service naming conventions.
- • General purpose of originating summons inferred from Irish civil procedure.
- • Limitation periods referenced from typical Irish contract law (2 years) – not confirmed in official source.
- • Online filing availability assumed based on Courts Service e‑filing portal – not confirmed in official source.
- • Fee details not provided in source – marked as not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
7 things to watch for
- 1
Mixing up ‘plenary’ versus ‘standard’ summons.
- 2
Unclear about which court (High, Circuit, District) to file in.
- 3
Forgetting to attach the filing fee receipt.
- 4
Using the wrong version of the form.
- 5
Incorrectly stating the legal basis of the claim.
- 6
Omitting the required signature or date.
- 7
Not serving the defendant within the prescribed time.
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