In The Media: 2026 Legal Landscape

Our experts shared their insights with the Business Post on the key legal trends shaping 2026.

The article highlights a busy year ahead for organisations, driven by developments including new EU digital rules and major infrastructure and planning reforms.

Philip Nolan, our Chair and Head of Data & Technology, commented on the rapid expansion of EU digital and technology regulation. He noted that the AI Act, Data Act, NIS2, DSA and the Cyber Resilience Act each create new duties and closer oversight. The challenge is understanding how these laws apply across complex operations and how overlapping requirements interact.

Philip commented:

“Businesses that invest early in mapping their obligations and strengthening governance will be in a far better position as enforcement ramps up.”

We are helping clients build that foundation, including clear regulatory maps, stronger governance and documentation frameworks, and practical controls that reduce enforcement risk and support confident decision making.

Vanessa Byrne, Partner and Co-Head of Real Estate, described infrastructure delivery as Ireland’s defining legal and economic challenge for 2026.

Our latest Business and Legal Sentiment Survey confirms almost half of business leaders view public housing as a priority, and many highlight electricity grid capacity and major offshore wind development as critical to future growth.

We are working on major housing and energy development schemes with our clients, and we advocate that the legislative reforms recommended in the recent Accelerating Infrastructure Report must be enacted rapidly to fast-track these priority developments.

Vanessa commented:

“The report identifies the changes needed to make this possible, including a critical infrastructure bill and judicial review reforms to cut delays and strengthen investor confidence.”

The article also features Deirdre Nagle, Partner and Head of Planning & Environment Law, on the full implementation of the Planning and Development Act.

Final commencements expected this year will reshape how major projects are prepared, assessed and approved. Developers and public bodies will face new consent pathways, stricter timelines and tighter documentation standards. These changes will affect every stage of project delivery, from environmental assessment to litigation risk.

Deirdre commented:

“Early preparation and clear engagement strategies will be essential as the new system comes into force”.

Read the article (behind paywall) on the Business Post website and please contact us for expert advice on any of the topics covered.