Ireland has adopted a distributed model of competent authorities for the EU AI Act, with a designated central authority to provide coordination and a number of centralised functions.

The 15 competent authorities are the Central Bank of Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, the Commission for Communications Regulation, the Commission for Railway Regulation, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Data Protection Commission, the Health and Safety Authority, the Health Products Regulatory Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Minister for Transport, the National Transport Authority, and the Workplace Relations Commission.

Enterprise, tourism and employment minister Peter Burke said: “Ireland is building a future where AI is transformative, trusted, and transparent. We’re balancing innovation with safeguards — ensuring AI works for people, not against them.”

A national single point of contact has been established within his department to streamline coordination between Irish regulators, the European Commission, and stakeholders.

The single point of contact serves as the interface with the public, other Member States, and EU-level counterparts with its purpose to streamline communication and coordination for the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act.

The government previously designated nine public authorities tasked with protecting fundamental rights under the AI Act. These bodies will be empowered to oversee high-risk AI systems and ensure citizens’ rights are upheld.

All 15 newly designated authorities were welcomed to the National AI Implementation Committee earlier this week.

Niamh Smyth, minister of state for trade promotion, AI and digital transformation, said: “This is about leadership with purpose. We’re creating a system that protects the vulnerable, empowers innovators, and positions Ireland as a global hub for ethical AI.

“The successful implementation of the AI act requires collaboration, co-operation and collective responsibility amongst all stakeholders.”

A National AI Office will be established by 2 August 2026 to act as the central coordinating authority for the AI Act in Ireland.

Ms Smyth said: “The National AI Office will act as a focal point for responsible AI in Ireland. Its establishment will demonstrate Ireland’s continued commitment to leadership in AI.”

Mr Burke added: “AI is disruptive — but it’s also an opportunity to drive innovation across our economy and society. Ireland’s ambition is to lead globally in AI adoption, anchored in collaboration, ethical standards and proportionate regulation.”