9th December 2025
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment today welcomed the publication by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) of their landmark State of Competition in Ireland report, which provides insights into the non-financial services sector over a 15-year period (2008-2022). The completion of this report delivers on a commitment made in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, launched earlier this year by government.
In line with developments across the EU, concentration in Ireland has increased over the past decade while increases in average markups are also evident.
The most significant challenges for new businesses include raising sufficient capital, regulatory burdens, legal costs and supply chain access.
The findings highlight that Ireland remains an attractive environment for enterprise but challenges remain including around access to capital and funding, regulatory compliance, supply chain access and cost competitiveness. Some of these barriers disproportionately affect smaller businesses and those in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and manufacturing which can limit both innovation and consumer choice.
The department will engage with the CCPC to work on addressing these barriers, ensuring that Ireland remains a dynamic, inclusive and competitive economy.
Speaking today, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said:
“A competitive economy is central to Ireland’s economic stability and growth. The analysis underpinning the State of Competition in Ireland gives us the evidence we need to act to reduce or remove barriers, support entrepreneurship and ensure fair competition. Its publication is a key action in the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. This research will inform work that strengthens competitiveness, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for businesses and consumers.”
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth said:
“I welcome this important research and look forward to working with the CCPC as they delve deeper in segments of the economy where more robust competition would benefit business and consumers.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The State of Competition
The CCPC’s State of Competition in Ireland programme assesses how competitive conditions have evolved over a 15-year period (2008-2022), setting a new benchmark for competition policy analysis and research. Building on consultation feedback, the project combines structural indicators, business performance measures and dynamic metrics to create a series of reports, which will provide an evidence base for further research, advocacy and enforcement. Full reports can be found at www.ccpc.ie.
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