Ireland will be a new international arbitration hub that will support cross-border disputes involving businesses across Europe and beyond.
The announcement was made at the Irish Consulate in New York on St Patrick’s Day by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, Peter Burke, together with Bridget McCormack, president and CEO of the American Arbitration Association®- International Centre for Dispute Resolution® (AAA-ICDR).
The initiative will establish ICDR Ireland, serving international commercial arbitration matters across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), with an advisory board and a panel of Irish arbitrators available for international cases.
Minister Peter Burke said the Irish Government warmly welcomed the establishment of ICDR Ireland and sees international arbitration as a key element of Ireland’s global offering in attracting and retaining U.S. multinational investment.
“Ireland has built its reputation as a trusted, rules-based, and business-friendly location for international companies, and the development of ICDR Ireland further strengthens our position as a gateway for U.S. firms operating across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Government is keen to support the establishment of ICDR Ireland and to work with partners to develop Ireland as a leading international arbitration hub, complementing our strong legal system, pro-enterprise environment, and deep economic ties with the United States.”
Bridget McCormack, president and CEO of the AAA-ICDR, said: “We are pleased to establish ICDR Ireland to support businesses navigating cross-border disputes across EMEA and around the world. AAA-ICDR is uniquely suited to support the international business community, with deep practice area expertise and an expanding array of technologies to help scale ADR solutions.
With more than 970 U.S. companies operating in Ireland and a vibrant international business community, Ireland plays an increasingly important role in global commerce. We look forward to providing access to world-class ADR services that support innovation, investment, and durable commercial relationships.”
AAA-ICDR also announced that Irish barrister Cian P. Kelly has been appointed to the AAA-ICDR Council and Kelly will chair the ICDR Ireland Advisory Board.
The AAA-ICDR provides dispute resolution services to parties around the world, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to meeting users wherever they operate. Since 1996, over 22,000 international cases have been filed with the AAA-ICDR, underscoring the scale and breadth of its cross-border caseload.
About the American Arbitration Association
The American Arbitration Association is the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services in the world. Marking its centennial in 2026, the American Arbitration Association has transformed how legal issues are resolved for better since 1926, turning disputes worldwide into opportunities for understanding and progress. A not-for-profit organization, the American Arbitration Association’s mission is to deliver ADR services with integrity, transparency, and innovation. For more information, visit www.adr.org/.
About the International Centre for Dispute Resolution
The ICDR is the international division of the AAA and the largest international provider of dispute resolution services. Established in 1996, the ICDR serves parties from over 100 countries with multilingual staff experienced in international dispute resolution proceedings and a roster of over 850 arbitrators and mediators worldwide. For more information, visit www.icdr.org.