Two timelines govern every judicial review, and they run at opposite speeds. The front end — assessment, pleading, leave — is a sprint measured in days against statutory limits. The middle — exchanges, listing, hearing — is a queue measured in months. Understanding both prevents the two classic client shocks: how fast it must start, and how long it then takes.
Phase by Phase
- Assessment and pre-action (days to ~2 weeks): limit identified, routes mapped, grounds assessed, pre-action letter sent where time allows — all inside limits as short as 28 days;
- Leave (days to weeks from instruction): pleadings drafted, application moved ex parte; the deadline governs everything here — see the leave stage;
- Pleadings and exchanges (roughly 2–6 months): service, statement of opposition, affidavits, any discovery skirmishes — the respondent’s pace enters the equation;
- Hearing and judgment (list-dependent; months): most judicial reviews are heard in days on affidavit; judgment follows immediately or is reserved for weeks to months.
What Accelerates
Genuine urgency commands speed: interim injunctions restraining removal or demolition are moved and heard in days or hours; expedited hearings can be sought where delay would destroy the subject-matter; specialised list management moves immigration and commercial-adjacent matters efficiently; and Part 9 of the 2024 Act imposes a statutory duty to determine planning reviews as expeditiously as possible. Where the harm cannot wait for the queue, say so in the first call — the system has gears for it.
The Early-Resolution Discount
A substantial share of judicial review work never reaches judgment — and that is usually success, not failure. Pre-action letters produce decisions, reasons and re-considerations. Granted leave concentrates respondent minds: conceding and re-deciding is frequently cheaper for a public body than defending a loser and paying costs. Cases end at every stage, which means realistic timeline advice is a range with off-ramps — and we treat every off-ramp as a live strategic decision, made on current costs arithmetic.
The Only Deadline You Control
Court pace is the court’s; the instruction date is yours. Every week between decision and consultation is spent from a budget of eight or twelve weeks — or 28 days. The single largest determinant of how long your judicial review takes, and whether it happens at all, is how quickly it begins. The limits in full: time limits explained.
Judicial review time limits are strict, are sometimes much shorter than three months, and can run from an earlier date than you expect. The courts can refuse late applications even within the stated period if you have not acted promptly. Nothing on this page calculates your deadline. If you believe a decision affecting you may be unlawful, contact a solicitor immediately.
Start the Only Clock You Control
One call this week: limit, route, grounds, realistic timeline - and whether interim protection is needed today.
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About the Author
Richard O’Shea, Solicitor practises with Mary Molloy Solicitors (established 1981), advising clients across Ireland on judicial review, public law, immigration and litigation. Richard holds a Diploma in Mediation from the Law Society of Ireland and acts in challenges to decisions of Government departments, tribunals, local authorities and other public bodies. Contact Richard on 01 5827148 or richardoshea@marymolloysolicitors.com.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every farm and family situation is different, and you should obtain advice on your own circumstances before acting. In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.