Ireland’s next steps for effective AI delivery

Ireland’s next steps for effective AI delivery About the author Ivan Jennings More like this Blog post Blog post Original podcast Original podcast Browse by channel Automation Artificial intelligence Open hybrid cloud Security Edge computing Infrastructure Applications Virtualization Share Ireland has a strong digital infrastructure public services record, with momentum behind cloud adoption and artificial intelligence. The upcoming update to the National Digital and AI Strategy in 2025 reflects a continued commitment to innovation, not just for economic competitiveness, but for better, more responsive public services. To sustain this progress and ensure impact across the economy and society, Irish organisations – particularly in the public sector – will need to take a pragmatic, outcome-led approach to AI adoption. One that prioritises strategic digital skills, cross-sector collaboration, and AI solutions that are scalable and energy-efficient. Recent Red Hat research shows that nearly all IT managers in Ireland plan to increase investment in both cloud (93%) and AI (95%) this year. The intent is clear. But the challenge is now delivery: how to turn national ambition into measurable outcome, so that all areas of Irish industry can develop an AI toolbox fit for purpose. This is pressing in sectors like healthcare, agriculture and planning, where digital transformation is essential to improving public services, managing environmental resources and addressing infrastructure demands in a growing population. Ireland’s AI use is growing - its application across enterprises grew from 8% in 2023 to 14% in 2024. Laying the foundations for connected AI One of the biggest barriers to delivering progress with AI is structural. Ireland’s public sector is under pressure to improve the speed and quality of service delivery, often while maintaining or modernising legacy systems. Teams are expected to adopt new technologies, collaborate more effectively and respond to rapidly changing citizen expectations.