Module Details

Module Code: BULD6024
Title: Construction Law
Long Title: Construction Law
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3800 - Law
Module Delivered in: 6 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the student to an overview of the Irish Legal system and relative sources of Common and Statutory Law. The delivery will focus on the Law as it relates to the Construction and Engineering process.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of the Irish law system, and sources of common and statutory law relevant to the construction and engineering process.
LO2 Describe the law of contract, and the essentials of contract formation with reference to relevant case law.
LO3 Explain the law of Tort and discuss the duties and obligations it imposes on employers and individuals.
LO4 Distinguish between the common approaches for dispute resolution on a construction project.
LO5 Explain renewable energy projects and the evolution of offshore construction contracts.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Irish Legal System
Overview of the Irish legal system; sources of Law; legal obligations and the construction process.
Law of Contract
The essentials and general principles of contract law, terms of the contract, discharge of contract and remedies for breach of contract.
Law of Tort
The nature of tortious liability, trespass, nuisance, negligence, Rylands vs. Fletcher liability, remedies for tortious behaviour.
Dispute Resolution
Dispute resolution procedures, litigation, arbitration, adjudication & alternative dispute resolution. The role and responsibility of the expert witness in dispute resolution.
Offshore Construction & Renewable Energy Projects
Introduction to offshore construction & renewable energy projects, tendering & negotiating contracts, understanding EPC/EPCI/EPIC and vessel chartering (BIMCO).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Review case law reports and answer short questions.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Discuss the law of Tort, and tortious liability in construction.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory on course topics and worked examples. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory on course topics and worked examples. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material. Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Aine Keenan. (2012), Essentials of Irish Business Law, [ISBN: 978-0717152612].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • McMahon and Binchy. (2013), Irish Law of Torts, 4th. Professional Books, [ISBN: 1847669174].
  • Eoin Quill. (2009), Torts in Ireland, 3rd. [ISBN: 978-0717145751].
  • Stuart Beadnall and Simon Moore. (2017), Offshore Construction Law and Practice, First. Informa Law from Routledge, 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN, [ISBN: 9781138799967].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CCNMG_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction Management 4 Mandatory
CR_CQTSU_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying 4 Mandatory
CR_CMNGT_7 Bachelor of Science in Construction Management 4 Mandatory
CR_ECTMS_7 Bachelor of Science in Craft Technology - Mechanical Services 4 Elective
CR_CCECO_7 Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying 4 Mandatory
CR_CCONS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Construction 4 Mandatory