European Consumer Centre Ireland Recovers Over €200,000 for Shoppers in 2024

The European Consumer Centre Ireland has successfully recovered more than €203,000 for Irish and European consumers in 2024, resolving nearly half of all complaints received since coming under new management in April.

The centre, now hosted by the Competition and Consumer Commission, handled 2,317 questions and complaints throughout the year, with faulty products and non-delivery emerging as the top issues affecting Irish consumers.

Between April and December 2024, ECCI resolved 48% of complaints from Irish consumers, recovering €82,630 in the process. For European consumers outside Ireland, the centre achieved a 46% resolution rate and recovered €120,760, primarily for issues related to travel delays and cancellations.

More than half of the complaints handled by the Irish centre came from other European Consumer Centre offices on behalf of consumers in their respective countries, while 45% originated from shoppers in Ireland.

The annual report coincides with the ECC Network's 20th anniversary of protecting consumers across Europe. ECCI is one of 29 centres across EU member states that helps resolve cross-border disputes.

Michael McGrath, European commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection, visited the ECCI team to mark the milestone:

"I was delighted to mark 20 years of the European Consumer Centre Network and to recognise the outstanding work of European Consumer Centre Ireland, supporting nearly 3,000 Irish consumers and 3,200 EU consumers with cross-border issues in just the past 20 months. Their role is vital in protecting consumers and ensuring that only safe products reach our homes."

Brian McHugh, chair of CCPC, said:

"It was a pleasure to welcome Commissioner McGrath today and mark the 20th anniversary of the European Consumer Centre Network. The CCPC is pleased to be hosting the European Consumer Centre Ireland service and to see it delivering for consumers across Ireland and the EU."

Colette Crowne, director of ECCI, said:

"I am delighted to showcase the valuable work of the ECCI in the first annual report since the CCPC took on hosting the service. The ECCI provides a vital service for consumers across Europe and I look forward to building our relationships with key partners and stakeholders."

The centre highlighted two successful case studies in its report. In one instance, an Irish consumer who had accommodation cancelled in France was refunded €5,848 after ECCI worked with colleagues in the Netherlands ECC. In another case, a consumer whose child made unauthorised in-game purchases worth €1,000 received a full refund after ECCI engaged with the Irish-registered business.

ECCI offers advice and support to consumers on their cross-border rights when shopping or travelling in another EU country. The network employs over 150 legal experts who work with businesses to resolve disputes swiftly.

The full ECCI 2024 annual report is available on the ECCI website.