What is the European Accessibility Act?

From 28th June 2025 the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force in Ireland and the rest of Europe. This mandates accessibility for a wide range of digital products and services, from websites and mobile apps to banking platforms and self-service terminals. But with the deadline fast approaching, many Irish businesses are still unprepared, raising red flags for compliance and user inclusivity.

Current State of Play

A recent analysis from Mason Hayes & Curran shows that 60% of Irish organisations still aren’t prepared for the EAA (exactly the same as last year’s figure), and 54% haven’t carried out any accessibility audit. This suggests that businesses know the law is coming, but they haven’t taken the steps to meet it.

The research suggests that the high level of non-compliance is not because of wilful disregard but more to do with expertise.,The MHC report finds that 61% of businesses list technical implementation as a key blocker with 42% admitting that they lack the in‑house skills.

Unfortunately, the fact that accessibility issues are not found by your team is no protection from litigation if you are found to be non-compliant. In plain terms, you can lose up to €60,000, face enforcement action from authorities like the CCPC or Coimisiún na Meán and face damage to your brand.

What Irish Businesses Should Do Today

Although the deadline is fast approaching, it is not too late to make your digital products compliant. Start by mapping out what your business offers and which parts fall under the EAA. Then, get an accessibility audit to establish your baseline. Once you know what needs fixing, build a plan with clear tasks, deadlines, and accountability. Fill any gaps, whether with team training or consultants, and set up regular compliance checks and updates. Publishing an accessibility statement now can also help prove your commitment.

More Than Compliance

Complying with the EAA is as much about opportunity as obligation. Creating accessible digital experiences benefits everyone. This might include people with disabilities, older users, those multitasking or dealing with poor lighting or small screens. Making your websites and apps accessible is a strategic advantage that can extend your market reach.

If you’re currently navigating this landscape and need support - from audits to remediation - Inclusive Design Lab will be glad to guide you on your journey toward digital inclusion.