Ireland has opened a new public consultation on its draft National Cyber Security Strategy, inviting people, businesses and stakeholders to help shape how the State strengthens digital resilience in the years ahead. Announced on gov.ie by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the consultation marks an important step in setting future cyber policy across government and essential services.
The draft strategy consultation gives the public an opportunity to comment on proposals designed to improve cyber security standards, preparedness and national resilience. With cyber threats affecting everything from public services to business operations, the process is expected to draw interest from organisations linked to the Department of the Taoiseach, Justice, Health, Finance and Transport, as well as agencies handling critical infrastructure and public data.
National Cyber Security Strategy consultation now open
The Department said the consultation is focused on gathering public views on measures that may be included in the final National Cyber Security Strategy. The goal is to raise the State’s cyber readiness and support stronger protections across the public and private sectors.
The consultation is open until 21 August 2026 at 12pm. After the closing date, submissions will be compiled and presented to the Inter-Departmental Committee on the National Cyber Security Strategy for review.
- Consultation launched by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
- Public invited to share views on the draft National Cyber Security Strategy
- Deadline for submissions: 21 August 2026 at 12pm
- Responses will be reviewed by the inter-departmental committee
Why the National Cyber Security Strategy matters for Ireland
The National Cyber Security Strategy is likely to shape how Ireland prepares for online threats affecting government systems, essential services, public bodies and businesses. Its impact could be relevant to organisations such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Central Bank and the Data Protection Commission (DPC).
Cyber resilience is increasingly connected to national priorities including public safety, digital trust, data protection and service continuity. It also matters for sectors overseen by bodies such as the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the National Transport Authority (NTA), HIQA, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where secure digital systems are now essential to everyday operations.
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What happens after the consultation closes?
Once submissions are received, the government will analyse the feedback and place it before the relevant committee overseeing the National Cyber Security Strategy. That review process can help refine priorities, identify risks and ensure the final strategy reflects both expert and public concerns.
In practical terms, the strategy may influence future policy areas tied to Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education, Climate Action, Social Protection and Further and Higher Education, especially where secure systems, digital records and critical infrastructure are involved.
Who may want to respond
- Members of the public concerned about online safety
- Businesses and employers managing sensitive customer data
- Technology and cyber security professionals
- Public service bodies and regulated sectors
- Community groups, researchers and civil society organisations
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How to follow this National Cyber Security Strategy update
People who want to take part should check the official consultation details on gov.ie. As a central platform for government notices, gov.ie remains the key source for deadlines, participation details and future announcements linked to the National Cyber Security Strategy.
This latest move signals that cyber security remains a major national issue for Ireland. The clear takeaway is that the National Cyber Security Strategy will not be shaped behind closed doors alone; the government is formally seeking public input before the next phase of decision-making begins.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
