How much does a Data Protection Officer cost in Ireland?

Last updated 13 October 2026. General information only, not legal advice.

The cost of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) in Ireland depends mainly on whether you hire in-house or outsource. A full-time in-house DPO is a salary commitment, with a 2026 salary guide giving an average of €70,000 to €100,000 a year, before employer costs. An outsourced DPO is usually a recurring fee scaled to your size and risk, and Plus Promotions Limited’s service starts from €750 per month.

First check that you need a DPO at all. Article 37 GDPR requires one for public bodies and for organisations whose core activities involve large-scale regular and systematic monitoring or large-scale processing of special-category or criminal-offence data. See our guide on whether you need a Data Protection Officer in Ireland.

In-house DPO: the salary route

Morgan McKinley’s 2026 Irish salary guide gives an average of €70,000 to €100,000 for data protection officers, with roughly €60,000 to €80,000 at 0 to 3 years’ experience and €90,000 to €150,000 at 5 or more years. On top of salary come employer PRSI, pension, training and tools. The DPO must also be given the resources needed to do the job (Article 38(2)), and an existing manager can only double up where there is no conflict of interest with their other duties.

Outsourced DPO: the service-contract route

Article 37(6) GDPR allows the DPO role to be performed under a service contract. Pricing is typically a monthly or annual fee that reflects your headcount, the volume and sensitivity of the data you process, the number of systems and processors, and how much of the DPO’s work (advice, training, audits, breach and DPIA support) is included. Ask for a written scope showing what is and is not covered, how the DPO will be involved in breaches and data subject requests, and how their contact details will be published. Our data breach response guide shows why quick access to the DPO matters.

Other costs to budget for

Whichever route you choose, you may also need a record of processing, a gap analysis, data protection impact assessments and staff training. Appointing a DPO does not by itself make an organisation compliant. You must also publish the DPO’s contact details and notify them to the Data Protection Commission (Article 37(7)).

Need help with this? Plus Promotions Limited provides an outsourced DPO service for Irish businesses, from €750 per month.

FAQ

How much does an outsourced DPO cost in Ireland?

Outsourced DPO fees vary with the size and complexity of your organisation and the scope of the service. Plus Promotions Limited’s outsourced DPO service starts from €750 per month. We have not sourced other providers’ fees, so compare written quotes against a defined scope.

Can a DPO be outsourced under GDPR?

Yes. Article 37(6) GDPR allows the DPO to be a staff member or to perform the tasks under a service contract, provided the DPO has the required expertise, independence and resources.

Do I have to register my DPO with the Data Protection Commission?

You must publish the DPO’s contact details and provide them to the Data Protection Commission (Article 37(7) GDPR). The DPC provides an online form for this.

Related: GDPR for small businesses in Ireland.

OnlineLegalServices.ie is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. Our data protection services are compliance consultancy. For legal advice on your own situation, speak to a solicitor.