Ireland's most complained about companies
Telecoms, travel and tableware seem to be the three industrial sectors that get the Irish consumer's goat the most, it has been revealed.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published which firm the nation most complains about, and unsurprisingly media providers are by far the top of the list with three companies – Eir (1st), Sky (3rd), and Vodafone (4th) – all making the top five.
In second place is Europe’s largest, if not favourite, airline Ryanair, whilst sneaking into fifth place, just four calls shy of Vodafone is the homeware giant Harvey Norman.
The CCPC is the national consumer helpline which offers free, independent information and support on consumer rights and personal finance.
The top five sectors the CCPC was contacted about between January and June were vehicles and transport, which generated 2,904 contacts; telecommunications, 1,534; home building and improvements, 1,228; holidays and travel, 1,110; and clothing, footwear and accessories, 1,018.
Eir was the company most frequently identified by callers to the CCPC helpline with 356 contacts, followed by Ryanair on 269 contacts.
In third place was Sky with 254 contacts followed by Vodafone which was mentioned by 239 contacts while Harvey Norman was in fifth place on 234 contacts.
“It can be tricky for consumers to understand their rights when something breaks down or a delivery doesn’t show up, and that’s where the CCPC can help,” said Grainne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications.
“An informed consumer is an empowered consumer, and knowing your rights can make life easier when things go wrong.
“Traders who break the law can face fines and prosecution. Our enforcement officers use this helpline data to identify serious breaches of the law and patterns of non-compliance.”
In total, 4,900 consumers were referred to the Small Claims Court, almost 1,000 more than the same period in 2023. Topping the list of sectors most referred to the court were home building and improvements, with 624 consumers referred; and vehicles and transport, with 588 referred.
“The Small Claims Court is only open to claims for €2,000 or less, and this is out of step with many of the most basic and unavoidable expenses faced by consumers today,” said Ms Griffin.
“This needs to change and we are advocating for this limit to be increased.” The report also reveals that 1,990 consumers contacted the CCPC with a question about personal finance.
There were notable increases in consumer contacts relating to motor insurance and loans, while the page on PCPs (Personal Contract Plans) was the most-visited personal finance page on the CCPC website in the first half of this year.
For consumer queries and complaints, contact the CCPC helpline on 01 402 5555 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or via our contact us form or email ask@ccpc.ie
