Irelands AI Regulatory Sandbox Programme, which is currently under development, will be a dedicated collaborative environment, providing opportunity for AI Providers to engage with the National AI Office, Market Surveillance Authorities and Competent Authorities.
Agreeing and working through an agreed Sandbox Plan, participants will receive a formal Exit Report and Written Proof of Activities, including guidance on how to achieve regulatory compliance for their High-Risk AI solutions.
The application, evaluation and selection process for participation in the AI Regulatory Sandbox is being designed in collaboration with the EU AI Office in order to ensure consistency of approach across all EU Member States.
While other selection criteria will be included, proposed AI Solutions will be required at a minimum to meet the following criteria:
Classification: The AI system must qualify as "High-Risk" under Annex III of the EU AI Act.
Regulatory Utility: The project must present genuine legal uncertainty, thereby facilitating mutual regulatory learning.
Readiness: The system must be near market-ready, but not yet commercially deployed.
It is intended that the first call for participation in Irelands AI Regulatory Sandbox will be made before the August 2027 deadline, as prescribed by the EU AI Act and Digital Omnibus.