Ireland’s AI & Data Laws: What is Being Proposed?

This Factsheet is in collaboration with McCann FitzGerald LLP

This factsheet outlines the publication of Ireland’s General Schemes for the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 and the Data Bill, transposing the EU AI Act and EU Data Act. It explains the creation of the AI Office of Ireland, designation of sectoral regulators as market surveillance authorities, enforcement powers, inspections and significant administrative fines. It also summarises proposed Data Bill measures on data access, sharing, interoperability, competent authorities, complaint rights, and coordination, highlighting new compliance obligations for businesses, public bodies and organisations across Ireland’s evolving digital regulatory landscape nationally.

About McCann FitzGerald LLP

With around 600 people, including c.450 lawyers and professional staff, McCann FitzGerald are one of Ireland’s premier law firms. They are consistently recognised as being the market leader in many practice areas and are endorsed by clients and market commentators alike. Headquartered in Dublin, they have overseas offices in London, New York and Brussels. They provide a full range of legal services, primarily to commercial, industrial and financial services companies. Their clients include international corporations, major domestic businesses and emerging Irish companies. They also have many clients in the State and semi-State sector.