Landmark cartel conviction, more than 276,000 products removed, and inspections up 31% - CCPC publishes its 2025 Annual Report

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published its 2025 Annual Report, detailing a landmark year that saw a major cartel conviction, four well known retailers prosecuted for breaking pricing laws, a 31% increase in consumer protection inspections and more than 276,000 unsafe or non-compliant products removed or prevented from reaching the Irish market. 

Key highlights from 2025 include: 

• Landmark cartel conviction, with five school bus operators convicted of bid-rigging in a public tender 
• 10 dawn raids as part of ongoing cartel investigations 
• Secured €350,000 in refunds for more than 4,000 daa customers 
• More than 276,000 unsafe and non-compliant products were recalled, withdrawn or prevented from reaching consumers   
• Conducted 270 consumer protection inspections, up 31% on 2024, and secured five successful prosecutions 

Following a CCPC investigation, a Central Criminal Court jury unanimously convicted five private bus and taxi operators of bid-rigging in a publicly funded school transport tender. The verdict marked a major milestone for competition law enforcement in Ireland, with a second tranche of cases scheduled later this year. With international research suggesting bid-rigging can increase public procurement costs by between 20% and 30%, the CCPC continued 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 CCPC also carried out 10 unannounced searches (dawn raids) as part of the watchdog’s ongoing cartel investigations. 

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

Continuing to develop a robust merger review process, 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 welcomes the Government’s forthcoming Bill which will give 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 following 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 represented the interests of consumers by publishing research reports with recommendations to the Government regarding better access to car history and increased transparency in the home buying process. 

CCPC Chairperson, Brian McHugh, said: 

“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.”

For more information, read the CCPC’s 2025 Annual Report.