CCPC 2025 Annual Report Reveals Landmark Cartel Conviction and Record Product Safety Action

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published its 2025 Annual Report, detailing a year that included a landmark cartel conviction, prosecutions against four major retailers, a 31% rise in consumer protection inspections and more than 276,000 unsafe or non-compliant products removed or prevented from reaching the Irish market.

A Central Criminal Court jury unanimously convicted five private bus and taxi operators of bid-rigging in a publicly funded school transport tender, following a CCPC investigation. The verdict marked a major milestone for competition law enforcement in Ireland, with a second tranche of cases scheduled later this year. International research suggests bid-rigging can increase public procurement costs by between 20% and 30%, and the CCPC continues to advocate for new powers allowing the screening of public procurement data for cartel behaviour, with legislation expected before the end of the year. The Commission also carried out 10 unannounced searches, known as dawn raids, as part of its ongoing cartel investigations.

The CCPC continued to implement Ireland's new administrative competition enforcement regime during the year, with the appointment of a Chief Adjudication Officer and 17 adjudication officers. This allows the CCPC to impose financial sanctions for breaches of Irish and EU competition law, a significant milestone for competition regulation in Ireland.

On mergers, the Commission completed 91 merger determinations during 2025, securing commitments in five cases to address competition concerns across key sectors. Merger notifications increased by almost 10% since 2024 and, following CCPC advocacy, increased merger notification thresholds came into effect on 1 July 2026.

Consumer protection enforcement also increased significantly, with inspections up by 31%. The CCPC secured five successful prosecutions, including the first cases taken under new sales pricing laws, against major retailers including Boots, Lifestyle Sports, DID Electrical Appliances and Rathwood Home & Garden. The CCPC continues to advocate for stronger powers and has welcomed the Government's forthcoming Bill, which will give the CCPC new powers to fine businesses for consumer law breaches. The Commission also secured €350,000 in refunds from daa for more than 4,000 consumers who were overcharged during "flash sales" for car parking at Dublin Airport.

Product safety remained a priority throughout 2025, with 276,377 unsafe or non-compliant products recalled, removed or prevented from reaching the Irish market. These followed consumer complaints, referrals from European networks, proactive investigations and work with Revenue Customs. Major recalls included over 120,000 circulating pumps and nearly 60,000 air fryers that posed serious safety risks to consumers.

The CCPC also published research reports with recommendations to the Government on better consumer access to car history information and increased transparency in the home buying process.

Brian McHugh, CCPC Chairperson:

"The CCPC had a landmark year in 2025. The conviction of five school bus operators for bid-rigging shows our commitment to tackling serious breaches of competition law and protecting taxpayers, businesses and consumers from the significant harm caused by cartels.

We're committed to using the full range of powers available to us and increased our enforcement activity last year from cartel investigations and consumer law prosecutions to major product safety interventions. Having long advocated for stronger enforcement tools, we welcome the Government's commitment to provide the CCPC with increased powers which will enable us to deliver even greater outcomes for consumers.

We will continue to prioritise work that keeps the Irish market open and competitive and delivers the greatest impact for Irish consumers."