---
title: "Website accessibility rules for Irish businesses"
description: "The European Accessibility Act applies from 28 June 2025. What Irish online businesses need on their website to comply."
canonical: "https://fohrkast.com/guides/website-accessibility-statement-ireland"
group: "Guides"
updated: "2026-06-28"
---
# Website accessibility rules for Irish businesses

The European Accessibility Act sets accessibility requirements for e-commerce and other products and services. From 28 June 2025, Irish online businesses must meet WCAG standards and publish an accessibility statement to show their efforts.

## Who the Act covers

Directive (EU) 2019/882, the European Accessibility Act, covers a defined set of products and services including e-commerce, e-books, banking, and transport ticketing. Microenterprises providing services may be out of scope. However, the safest position is to design for accessibility regardless, because the same WCAG standard underpins existing obligations.

## The practical standard is WCAG

Accessibility for web content is measured against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Meeting WCAG 2.1 at level AA covers the common requirements:

- Text alternatives for images and media
- Keyboard access for all functionality
- Sufficient contrast for text and interactive elements
- Content that works with assistive technology

## Publish an accessibility statement

An accessibility statement tells users:

- The standard you aim for
- Known limitations
- How to report a problem
- How to request information in another format

An accessibility statement is a visible signal of your efforts and a required element under related accessibility rules.

## Check where you stand

An automated scan catches a meaningful share of issues such as missing alternative text, low contrast, and unlabelled controls. An automated readiness check is a quick way to see your current position.

## Frequently asked questions

**When does the European Accessibility Act apply?**
Its requirements apply from 28 June 2025 for the products and services it covers.

**What accessibility standard should my website meet?**
The common benchmark is WCAG 2.1 at level AA.

## Citations

- European Accessibility Act: Directive (EU) 2019/882
- Web accessibility standard: WCAG 2.1, level AA
- EU Web Accessibility Directive: Directive (EU) 2016/2102 (public sector bodies)

## About Fohrkast

Fohrkast is an automated website accessibility scanner and cookie-consent widget for European businesses. The scanner detects accessibility issues and generates statements; the widget blocks non-essential cookies by default and manages consent under ePrivacy and GDPR rules.

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Source: https://fohrkast.com/guides/website-accessibility-statement-ireland
This is automated readiness information, not legal advice or a guarantee of conformance. Last reviewed 2026-06-28.