Irish merger control review 2025. Key trends and 2026 outlook

Ireland’s merger control regime was very active in 2025, with 90 notifications to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), up from 82 in 2024, illustrating significant M&A activity in Ireland.

Around 70% of the filings used the CCPC’s simplified procedure (63 cases), reflecting continued wide use of an expedited route for non-problematic transactions.

Overall, average clearance times were approximately 40 calendar days, with simplified cases averaging approximately 16 calendar days with the longest case decided in 2025 taking 344 calendar days. There were no prohibitions in 2025 which is in line with international practice where prohibitions are unusual.

Substantively, the CCPC decided five Phase 2 cases in 2025, clearing two unconditionally - Equinix/BT Datacentres and Coca‑Cola HBC/BDS Vending - and accepting remedies in the three others - Dalata/CG Hotels, Circle K/Pelco and Phoenix Tower International/Cellnex. The CCPC’s willingness to engage with evidence is also illustrated by the 29 formal Requirements for Information which it issued in 2025.

Looking ahead to 2026, there could well be updated CCPC merger guidelines; a likely increase in financial thresholds for compulsory notifications but the CCPC may exercise its below‑threshold “call‑in” powers; and a new media‑merger regime under the European Media Freedom Act with review moving to Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM) and a greater focus on pluralism and digital platforms. Transaction planning should also anticipate parallel filings under Ireland’s Foreign Direct Investment screening regime for certain transactions.

For more information, contact any member of A&L Goodbody's EU, Competition & Procurement team.

Date published: 5 February 2026