Liquidated Damages
As Gaeilge: Damáistí Réamhmheasta
Also known as: LDs, Liquidated and Ascertained Damages, LADs
Last reviewed April 2026
A pre-agreed daily or weekly sum the contractor pays for late completion — enforceable without proof of actual loss.
Liquidated damages (LDs) are a fixed sum specified in the contract that the supplier must pay for each day or week of delay beyond the agreed completion date. On Irish public works contracts (PW-CF series), LDs are set in the Schedule of Contract Particulars and apply automatically — the contracting authority does not need to prove actual loss. To be enforceable, LDs must be a genuine pre-estimate of likely loss; a punitive figure is unenforceable as a penalty. LDs are typically capped (often at 10% of the contract sum). Read the Special Conditions carefully — LD rates on Irish public contracts can be material to bid pricing.
Recent tenders mentioning Liquidated Damages
Related terms
PW-CF (Public Works Contract Form)
The standard Irish government construction contracts (PW-CF1–CF5) under the Capital Works Management Framework — fixed-price, non-negotiable.
Performance Bond
A guarantee from a surety (bank or insurer) that the contractor will complete the works — typically 12.5% of the contract sum on Irish public works.