Ireland: Constitutional & Administrative Law

The EU e-Evidence Regulation has entered into force, establishing a new framework for cross-border requests for electronic evidence in criminal proceedings. Service providers operating in the EU now face strict compliance deadlines and significant penalties for non-compliance, while navigating complex rules about data production, preservation orders, and limited grounds for refusal. How will companies balance law enforcement cooperation with fundamental rights protections under this challenging new regime?

The Irish Government has published the General Scheme of the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026, which would integrate marine protected area designation into Ireland's existing maritime spatial planning framework. This legislative proposal aims to protect 30% of Irish waters by 2030 while establishing new compliance obligations for public bodies and consultation mechanisms for stakeholders with maritime interests.

Ireland's Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 introduces a new legal framework requiring public bodies to prioritise and expedite delivery of State-funded infrastructure projects designated as critical by the Government. The Act establishes ministerial oversight powers, coordination duties, and resource allocation requirements while notably exempting designated projects from certain climate action obligations.

On 5 May 2026, the Central Bank of Ireland (the “Central Bank“) published an updated AIF Rulebook, together with its Feedback Statement on Consultation Paper 162...

The High Court decision in Hamill v the Revenue Commissioners examines when taxpayers can invoke EU Charter protections in Irish tax disputes, particularly regarding fair procedures and access to information during VAT assessments.

The European Union has reached a political agreement to amend the AI Act, introducing targeted changes aimed at simplifying compliance requirements for businesses while maintaining protective standards.

Elections took place across the European Union from 6 – 9 June 2024. Every five years, European Union citizens elect their representatives as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The first lobbying period of the year ended on 30 April 2024. Anyone who has conducted lobbying activities within the period from 1 January 2024 to 30 April 2024...

In November 2023, the Government published the revised and updated Statutory Guidance for Public Bodies and Prescribed Persons to assist them in the performance...