Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is preparing for a changing economy shaped by cost-of-living pressures, online shopping and artificial intelligence. The CCPC Strategy 2027-2029 sets out how the regulator plans to protect consumers, support businesses and keep Irish markets fair and competitive.
The strategy was highlighted by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, who also provided an update on progress under the 2026 Programme for Government. The announcement was published by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on 10 November 2026.
CCPC Strategy 2027-2029 focuses on consumer protection
The new CCPC Strategy 2027-2029 reinforces the commission’s core mission: protecting consumer rights and promoting effective competition. It responds to major developments affecting households and businesses across Ireland.
Five strategic priorities are included in the plan, with particular attention to:
- Cost-of-living challenges affecting consumers
- Compliance with consumer protection legislation
- More effective competition enforcement
- Merger control and market oversight
- New risks linked to digital markets and artificial intelligence
The strategy is designed to deliver practical outcomes for consumers and companies while supporting a transparent, resilient and competitive economy.
Artificial intelligence and online marketplaces
Digital technology is a central theme of the CCPC Strategy 2027-2029. The commission will examine the effects of online platforms, digital markets and AI-enabled business practices.
As online commerce expands, consumers may face misleading marketing, unclear information or unsafe products sold through digital marketplaces. The CCPC’s role will include helping ensure that innovation benefits consumers without weakening transparency, trust or legal protections.
These priorities complement wider work across gov.ie, including digital transformation, enterprise policy and consumer rights. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission will remain an important public body for businesses seeking clarity on competition and consumer law.
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New commissioner and proposed legislation
The government update also noted the recent appointment of Clara Thornton as a new CCPC Commissioner. Her role will support delivery of the commission’s strategic mandate during a period of significant economic and technological change.
Work is also continuing on draft Heads for the Competition, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Bill. The proposed legislation is intended to strengthen domestic competition, improve consumer protection and help create fairer markets.
Minister Burke said the strategy reflects ongoing cost pressures, growing online commerce and emerging technologies. He added that its focus on compliance, consumer confidence and competition supports the government’s wider competitiveness objectives.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth also welcomed the plan, particularly its emphasis on digital markets, AI and emerging consumer risks.
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What the CCPC strategy means for Ireland
The strategy signals a stronger focus on how regulation must keep pace with new commercial models. For consumers, this may mean closer attention to online sales, misleading practices and product safety. For businesses, it highlights the importance of compliance and fair dealing.
The CCPC’s work will also contribute to broader government priorities involving Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Finance and digital innovation. Effective competition can encourage choice, support responsible business growth and strengthen confidence in the Irish economy.
Key takeaway
The CCPC Strategy 2027-2029 places consumer confidence, competition enforcement and digital market oversight at the centre of Ireland’s regulatory agenda. As AI and online commerce continue to develop, the CCPC’s challenge will be to protect consumers while allowing responsible innovation to thrive.
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Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie