Jess Kelly

A proposed 2024 amendment bill seeks to ban this practice, signalling that Ireland's approach continues to evolve.

At the same time, regulators such as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission are actively monitoring ticket sales and investigating potential breaches of consumer law.

Legislation alone cannot solve the problem.

Technology is now central to enforcement and prevention.

Modern ticketing systems are deploying AI-driven algorithms to detect suspicious purchase patterns and block automated buying.

device fingerprinting and behavioural analytics to identify bots before checkout, and dynamic QR codes and identity linked tickets to prevent unauthorised resale.

These tools aim to stop touting at its source before the tickets even reach the secondary market.

So has the law worked?

Dozens of venues and events have been designated under the Act.

Authorities report no prosecutions at this stage and full compliance from ticket sellers for designated events.

Supporters say this reflects deterrence.

The threat of significant penalties may be enough to change behaviour.

However, the story isn't over yet.

Questions in 2026 highlight ongoing scrutiny of enforcement, investigations and whether stronger measures are needed.

Ireland's crackdown on ticket touting represents one of the most robust attempts in Europe to regulate the resale market.

But as technology evolves and demand for live events surges, the challenge is shifting, not disappearing.

From legislation to AI enforcement, the fight for fair access to tickets is ongoing.

And for fans across the country, the outcome still matters every single time their favourite artist comes to town.

Tonight, I'm a rock'n'roll star Tonight, I'm a rock'n'roll star You're not down with who I am Look at you

So there you have it.