The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has said the new simplified media merger notification procedure will officially commence on Wednesday 10 April 2024.

Proposed mergers will be eligible for the simplified process if the target of the transaction is not operating in the State and is therefore unlikely to have an impact on the plurality of media in Ireland.

The simplified procedure is being implemented through revised guidelines on media mergers, which will include make a number of other technical changes, for instance in response to the establishment of Coimisiún na Meán as a replacement for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Minister Catherine Martin said: “The assessment of media mergers provides important protection for a free and pluralistic media that underpins our democracy.

“The simplified media merger notification procedure is expected to ease regulatory burden on businesses through reduced notification requirements and will allow for determinations to be made within shorter timeframes.

“The simplified procedure is being introduced following a public consultation period, and we would like to thank all of those who made submissions for their contributions.”

Parties wishing to avail of the simplified procedure must discuss this possibility with the Department in advance of submitting a notification. The media mergers team can be contacted at mediamergers@tcagsm.gov.ie.