A Record-Breaking Volume of Consumer Grievances
Rathwood, the Carlow-based home and garden retailer, has emerged as the most complained-about business in Ireland for the first half of 2026. According to the latest Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) helpline report published on August 24, 2026, the company received 737 consumer complaints between January and June. This figure significantly outpaces other major entities, including Ryanair (238 complaints), Sky (228), Currys (223), and Harvey Norman (196).
The surge in complaints corresponds with a turbulent period for the retailer. Earlier this year, Rathwood entered examinership to undergo a financial restructuring. Reports from June 2026 indicated that an examiner had been appointed to oversee the business, with approximately 14,000 customers initially affected by delivery delays or pending refunds. While the company exited examinership in August following a €750,000 investment, the volume of grievances filed with the CCPC highlights the lingering impact of the restructuring process on consumer trust.
Broader Regulatory Context
The CCPC report reveals that 22,724 consumers contacted the commission’s helpline during the first six months of 2026, driven largely by issues regarding faulty goods, pricing, and contract performance. Faulty goods and services accounted for 20% of all calls. With an average reported spend of €6,473 per case, the financial stakes for impacted consumers are substantial.
Aoibhín de Búrca, CCPC Director of Communications and Consumer Information, emphasized that the commission is actively monitoring business compliance. “Where we see breaches of the law we will act,” de Búrca stated. The CCPC is currently advocating for legislative changes that would grant it direct powers to impose administrative fines for breaches of consumer protection laws, a move it argues is necessary to deter corporate non-compliance.
The Limits of Current Redress Mechanisms
A significant point of friction identified in the report is the inadequacy of the Small Claims Court for high-value disputes. The procedure is currently capped at claims of €2,000, leaving many consumers—particularly those dealing with car purchases or home improvement projects—without an accessible legal pathway. Given that the average value of issues brought to the CCPC exceeds €6,000, the commission is strongly recommending that the government increase the Small Claims Court threshold to €8,000.
The report also highlights the efficacy of direct intervention. Nearly 40% of consumers reported resolving their issues within a month after receiving guidance from the CCPC, suggesting that informed consumers are better positioned to secure refunds or repairs. However, the data also shows that over half of consumers had to contact their respective retailers five or more times before reaching a resolution, underscoring systemic challenges in customer service responsiveness across the retail sector.