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ARTICLE · 29 SEPTEMBER 2026

Ireland's Domestic AI Legislation Comes Into Force

Arthur Cox
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Ireland has established the AI Office as its central coordinating authority under the EU AI Act, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes sector-based supervision, enforcement powers, and administrative fines reaching up to €35 million. The new legislation empowers market surveillance authorities like the Central Bank and Data Protection Commission to oversee AI compliance while creating a regulatory sandbox to foster innovation within legal boundaries.

IrelandTechnology
Colin Rooney
Colin Rooney
Olivia Mullooly
Olivia Mullooly
Ian Duffy
Ian Duffy
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On 31 July 2026, Ireland’s Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2026 (the “Irish AI Act”) came into force to give further effect to the EU AI Act in Ireland. This briefing examines the key features of the Irish AI Act and its implications for organisations subject to the EU AI Act in Ireland.

The Irish AI Act is focused on the following:

  • Establishing the AI Office of Ireland (the “AI Office”) as Ireland’s independent central coordinating authority under the EU AI Act
  • Empowering certain designated national authorities (known as market surveillance authorities) to oversee compliance with the EU AI Act in Ireland and to cooperate with one another
  • Prescribing a regulatory enforcement and administrative fining regime in Ireland in respect of the EU AI Act

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This article contains a general summary of developments and is not a complete or definitive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be obtained where appropriate.

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