Joule Group sues former directors for colluding to use confidential information for rival firm Neru
Joule Group, a Dublin-based manufacturer of heating, water and ventilation systems, brought High Court proceedings against three former employees — Daniel Ryan, Darren Sweeney and Darren Carty — and rival firm Neru Ltd, alleging they colluded to obtain and use the company's confidential information in breach of contract. The case was entered into the Commercial Court list by Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy on 8 June 2026, with an interim order having been granted the previous week restraining the defendants from using the information and requiring them to hand over devices for examination. The judge adjourned the injunction application until later that week. Joule estimates the value of a related contract at €154 million, and 18 employees have resigned from the firm to work for Neru or related companies.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court8 Jun
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Joule Group Ltd and subsidiary Chewbay Ltd brought High Court proceedings against former employees Daniel Ryan, Darren Sweeney and Darren Carty, and rival firm Neru Ltd, alleging they colluded to obtain and use Joule's confidential information in breach of contract.
- Ian Barrett and Ronan Ginnell founded Joule in 2008 and set up a company in 2025 called the Collection by 2210 Ltd, later renamed Neru.
- The Dutch firm Inventum Beheer BV took a majority stake in Joule in 2016 and later merged with the Joule Group.
- Joule estimates the value of a contract related to the confidential information at €154 million.
- A total of 18 employees from various divisions have resigned from Joule and are moving to or working for Neru or related companies.
- A project called Project Echo, costing approximately €163,000, to identify and engage a supplier in China, had been largely carried out by Sweeney, Ryan and a third former employee.
- Charges
- The claims are for breach of contract and misuse of confidential information.
- Where
- The proceedings are in the Commercial Court, High Court, Dublin.
- In court
- The case was entered into the Commercial Court list by Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy.
- An interim order was granted the previous week restraining the defendants from using the information and requiring them to hand over devices for examination.
- The judge adjourned the injunction application until later that week.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe three defendants are Daniel Ryan, Darren Sweeney, and Darren Carty, former Joule employees. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe three allegedly obtained Joule's confidential information in breach of contract to assist rival firm Neru Ltd. (irishtimes.com)
- whatIan Barrett and Ronan Ginnell founded Joule in 2008 and set up a company in 2025 called the Collection by 2210 Ltd, later renamed Neru. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe Dutch firm Inventum Beheer BV took a majority stake in Joule in 2016 and later merged with the Joule Group. (irishtimes.com)
- whatJoule estimates the value of a contract related to the confidential information at €154 million. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA total of 18 employees from various divisions have resigned from Joule and are moving to or working for Neru or related companies. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA project called Project Echo, costing approximately €163,000, to identify and engage a supplier in China, had been largely carried out by Sweeney, Ryan and a third former employee. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case was entered into the Commercial Court list by Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy. (irishtimes.com)
- courtAn interim order was granted the previous week restraining the defendants from using the information and requiring them to hand over devices for examination. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge adjourned the injunction application until later that week. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 8 Jun2026Former directors at heating systems firm colluded in obtaining information for rival, court told
First report of the High Court commercial proceedings brought by Joule Group against three former employees and rival firm Neru for colluding to use confidential information; case entered into the Commercial Court list and injunction application adjourned.
accused, Daniel Ryan, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Ryanaccused, Darren Sweeney, male, named, irish (judged from name)Darren Sweeneyaccused, Darren Carty, male, named, irish (judged from name)Darren Carty