The Government of Ireland has published a new National Digital & AI Strategy, Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, aimed at strengthening Ireland’s position as a global leader in digital innovation and applied AI. Building on the country’s strong digital foundations, exceptional talent base, and vibrant innovation ecosystem, the strategy sets out a vision to enhance public services, grow the digital economy, invest in infrastructure, lead in regulation, and empower society with the skills and literacy needed to thrive in a digital world.
The strategy includes 90 deliverables across government departments and agencies, with objectives spanning public services, enterprise, digital and AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, regulation, online safety, and skills development. Key initiatives include digitalizing 100% of core public services by 2030, establishing a new AI Advisory Unit and National AI Fellowship for the public sector, and launching the GovTech 2026 Challenge. The plan also outlines the implementation of Digital for Care 2030 and a new AI for Care strategy, alongside targeted sectoral strategies to drive AI adoption across businesses and SMEs.
To bolster Ireland as a hub for applied AI innovation, the strategy proposes the establishment of an AI Research Centre of Scale, expansion of CeADAR, an AI Regulatory Sandbox, and a Quantum Centre of Excellence. An AI Office of Ireland will serve as the central coordinating authority for the EU AI Act, ensuring responsible AI adoption and oversight. International connectivity will be strengthened through new subsea cable routes, and the country will host an International AI and Digital Summit during Ireland’s EU Council Presidency.
The strategy also emphasizes investment in secure, resilient, and future-proofed digital infrastructure, including gigabit broadband access for all premises, advanced computing capabilities, and the creation of a Cyber Security Research Centre of Excellence. Ireland aims to enhance digital regulation and governance through resourcing digital regulators, engaging at EU level, and establishing a Criminal Justice International Cooperation Office under the EU eEvidence Package.
Online safety and digital literacy are key priorities, particularly for children and vulnerable groups. Measures include exploring age restrictions for social media, developing Digital Citizenship Champions in schools, and implementing nationwide digital and AI skills campaigns. A National Skills Observatory will monitor labour market needs, while a one-stop-shop AI Skilling Platform will provide accessible training for employers and individuals.
Taoiseach and Tánaiste highlighted that the strategy positions Ireland to harness digital and AI technologies for economic growth, public service improvement, and societal benefit. The government’s approach is guided by five strategic ambitions: apply digital and AI to enhance services, grow the economy, invest in infrastructure, lead in regulation, and empower society with skills and online safety awareness. Implementation will be coordinated centrally by the Department of the Taoiseach, with oversight from the Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness, ensuring agile and responsive delivery across all sectors.
