Official form guide
Form 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.
Need help with Form Part 1 - Originating Summons No. 1 Plenary Summons?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 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
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is filing after the limitation period has run out.
- 2Missing the limitation period
- 3Incorrect party names or addresses
- 4Omitting essential facts or legal basis
- 5Failing 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
- Filing 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.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
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.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Simple debt recovery
For straightforward money claims without need for plenary hearing
✓ Verify if a plenary hearing is really required
Family law dispute
Different procedural rules and forms
✓ Check the Family Court forms list
Criminal charge
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
- 1All party names and addresses are correct.
- 2Factual narrative is under 500 words.
- 3Legal basis is clearly identified.
- 4Requested orders are specific and realistic.
- 5Signature and date are present.
- 6Supporting documents are attached in the correct order.
- 7Correct filing fee is included or paid online.
- 8Form version matches the latest Courts Service release.
- 9Submission 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
- 1Form does not cover family or criminal matters.
- 2Limited to civil claims that require a plenary hearing.
- 3Online filing may not be available for all courts.
- 4No built‑in validation for Irish statutory limitation periods.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form is currently the latest version used by the Courts Service; no recent amendments have been announced.
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
- Revision date
- 19/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number derived from Courts Service naming conventions.
- SRCGeneral purpose of originating summons inferred from Irish civil procedure.
- SRCLimitation periods referenced from typical Irish contract law (2 years)not confirmed in official source.
- SRCOnline filing availability assumed based on Courts Service e‑filing portalnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCFee details not provided in sourcemarked as not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up ‘plenary’ versus ‘standard’ summons.
Unclear about which court (High, Circuit, District) to file in.
Forgetting to attach the filing fee receipt.
Using the wrong version of the form.
Incorrectly stating the legal basis of the claim.
Omitting the required signature or date.
Not serving the defendant within the prescribed time.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.