INTRODUCTION
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a rigorous year in competition enforcement, consumer protection, product safety, merger control, and public outreach activities. This report offers useful information and insights for legal advisors and general counsel navigating Ireland’s evolving regulatory competition and consumer protection environment.
MERGER CONTROL: COMPLEXITY AND SPEED
In 2024, the CCPC handled 82 merger notifications, a 21 % increase from the prior year, including 77 determinations of which 71 % were dealt with through the Simplified Merger Notification Procedure (SMNP). Phase 1 decisions averaged just 13.3 working days for simplified cases and 16.3 for extended reviews, demonstrating increasing efficiency.
A key highlight was the blocking of daa’s proposed acquisition of the former QuickPark site at Dublin Airport, which would have given daa over 90 % market control in airport parking—deemed to create a risk of higher prices and reduced choice for consumers.
ENFORCEMENT & CONSUMER PROTECTION: ROBUST OVERSIGHT
The CCPC’s 2024 activity included dawn raids, investigations, and sanctioning non-compliant traders. Noteworthy outcomes include fines for breaches in price display regulations and enforcement actions via compliance notices and prosecutions. The consumer helpline fielded approximately 44,000 consumer queries, underlining CCPC’s visibility in consumer-facing roles.
PRODUCT SAFETY & DIGITAL REGULATION: NEW ROLES, NEW DEMANDS
The report underscores the CCPC’s evolving role as Ireland’s National Competent Authority for new EU frameworks such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). As of 2024, the CCPC now holds responsibility for the cross-border European Consumer Centre function and may assume future roles under the AI Act and others.
This shift introduces regulatory complexity for businesses involved in online platforms, digital markets, and AI based services, requiring legal teams to integrate emerging compliance obligations at continental level.
EUROPEAN ACCESSIBILITY ACT
The CCPC is the competent authority for the European Accessibility Act, which has applied in Ireland since 28 June 2025. The reports notes that "the CCPC has been working closely with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the National Disability Authority, to prepare for the European Accessibility Act", but does not elaborate or provide any further details on this preparatory work.
CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS
The CCPC’s expanded mandate has exposed internal capacity constraints. As at end 2023, key grades faced vacancy rates of up to 19 %, challenging enforcement throughput and expertise retention. The Commission is addressing these through case management upgrades, human resource systems redesign, and internal restructuring plans, especially for senior leadership layers.
LESSONS
There are three key takeaways that can be drawn from the 2024 report:
- Pre notification diligence: With more Phase 2 investigations and expanded call in powers, rigorous pre-merger analysis and planning is essential.
- Compliance readiness: Expect intensified enforcement—notably post notice escalation—and the need for accurate pricing and product labelling controls.
- Digital regulatory readiness: Firms operating in platforms, online marketplaces, or AI should prepare for CCPC oversight under EU digital legislation.
CONCLUSION
The CCPC’s 2024 Annual Report paints a picture of a regulator in transition: expanding its remit, increasing enforcement strength, and navigating operational challenges—all in the service of safeguarding competition and consumer interests in a rapidly changing environment.
The report underscores the importance of proactive regulatory compliance, sector specific risk planning, and ongoing engagement with evolving EU driven standards. As the CCPC continues to evolve, so too must the legal strategies of affected businesses.
For more information, please contact John Gaffney (on EU & Competition issues), David McMunn (on Product Safety and Digital Regulation issues) or your usual contact in Beauchamps LLP.
