Top Insights - February 2025
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP
Versatile & progressive law firm. We work collaboratively with businesses to find the best legal & commercial solutions.
Welcome to the first edition of our February newsletter, where we share firm news and highlight the most read insights from our website.
The key topics this month are:
Our insights aim to keep you informed on emerging legal trends shaping the business landscape, ensuring you stay well-prepared for what’s ahead.
7% Revenue Growth in 2024
We have announced our turnover results for 2024. We extend our sincere thanks to all our clients and friends of the firm who worked with us over the past year. Our firm continues to invest and grow every year to have the expertise necessary to help our clients respond to the ever-expanding landscape of legal and regulatory requirements that they must navigate in meeting their own business objectives.
Top Insights
1. Transparency Reporting Under the DSA: Are you Ready?
Until now, only very large online platforms and search engines have been required to publish transparency reports under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). But that’s about to change. The first reporting deadline for all other service providers covered by the DSA is fast approaching.
We explore the key challenges businesses may face in meeting these new obligations and provide practical steps to help you prepare—ensuring compliance now and in future reporting cycles.
2. Employee Non-Solicitation Clauses: Competition Law Red Flag?
Last year, the European Commission warned businesses about the risks of agreeing not to ‘poach’ each other’s employees, a practice that has previously led to investigations and fines by national competition authorities. With labour market agreements now an enforcement priority for the European Commission, the CCPC may follow suit. We explore the implications.
3. Ireland's Built Environment Sector in 2025
The Planning and Development Act 2024 introduces major reforms to streamline planning and reduce delays. Housing, infrastructure, and land taxation are key government priorities, with new rules impacting development costs and foreign investment. Janet Cafferky, Real Estate Partner, shares insights on what these changes mean for the sector in 2025.
4. 2025 – Year of the Consumer
The Central Bank of Ireland’s revised Consumer Protection Code, set for publication in Q1 2025, signals sweeping changes for firms. Draft regulations and standards emphasise digitalisation, preventing financial abuse, protecting vulnerable customers, and stricter compliance timelines.
We look at why it is important for Irish firms to get a head start on implementation in order to ensure operational readiness.
5. Sustainability In the Value Chain
The EU has introduced due diligence obligations for certain businesses to reduce the social and environmental impacts in their value chain. Strict compliance requirements will start to come into effect from August 2025 onwards. Companies must act now to integrate robust policies, mitigate risks, and avoid penalties.
In case you missed it
Upcoming CPD Events
We are offering a variety of events to ensure our important contacts stay informed about the latest legal topics, while enhancing connections with our clients. Secure your spot now to avoid missing out, and stay tuned for further details regarding topics and speakers in the weeks ahead.
CPD certificates will be issued immediately after each event once a feedback survey is completed.
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MHC Brief is our insights and events community. We frequently produce insights on key legal issues in the Irish market. These are circulated in regular updates, which cover a variety of industry sectors.
The content of these articles are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal or other advice.