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ARTICLE · 14 AUGUST 2026

The Global Legal Post Merger Control Comparative Guide

Matheson
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Matheson has contributed to The Global Legal Post's Law Over Borders Merger Control Law Guide, offering jurisdiction-specific insights into merger control regimes worldwide. Calum Warren and Simon Shinkwin provide a comprehensive overview of Ireland's merger control framework, covering everything from jurisdictional scope to enforcement mechanisms.

IrelandAntitrust/Competition Law
Niall Collins
Niall Collins
Kate McKenna
Kate McKenna
Calum Warren
Calum Warren
Simon Shinkwin
Simon Shinkwin
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1.GENERAL FRAMEWORK

1.1.What is the merger control legislation?

Competition Acts 2002 – 2022 (the “Competition Act”).

1.2.Is this a mandatory and suspensory regime, a voluntary regime, or a hybrid regime?

Mandatory. Under the Competition Act, filing is mandatory for:

  • transactions that meet the jurisdictional thresholds under the Irish merger control regime and / or the Irish media merger regime; or
  • transactions that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has required to be notified (i.e. “called in”) and have therefore become mandatorily notifiable.

The Competition Act also provides for voluntary notification of a transaction.

1.3.Who investigates mergers and who is the decision-maker for merger control reviews?

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