Skillnet Ireland

A clear message from Dublin Tech Summit 2026: building workforce capability and adopting AI effectively are now immediate priorities for enterprise.

At Skillnet Ireland, we contributed to this conversation through Eoin McDonnell and Ken Finnegan, focusing on how organisations can build a future-ready workforce and respond to the impact of AI.

Our emphasis was on what this means in practice; supporting businesses to translate AI adoption into real productivity gains through work redesign and targeted skills development.

As Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland said “AI advantage won’t be defined by who has the best technology; it will be defined by who builds the most capable, adaptable workforce around it.”

Great to connect with enterprise leaders, industry partners and stakeholders working to navigate these challenges and drive sustainable growth.

Through our Digital and Technology Skillnet Business Networks, we support businesses in developing critical capabilities across AI, cybersecurity, software and data.

Explore how we can support your business: https://bit.ly/Digital_TechnologySector_SkillnetIreland

IRDG Innovation Skillnet, ITAG Skillnet, MIDAS Electronic Systems Skillnet, Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, Tech NorthWest Skillnet, Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, MentorsWork

Valuable discussions at The Skills Solution: Strategic Collaboration for a Future-Ready Workforce held last week at Thomond Park Stadium. The event brought together industry, enterprise agencies and education stakeholders to explore the future of workforce development and skills collaboration.

Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks at Skillnet Ireland joined the panel discussion “The Upskilling Paradox: Optimising Investment in a Complex Ecosystem” alongside Breda O'Toole, Ireland; Helen McMahon, Enterprise Ireland and Meadhbh Costello, Ibec, with the session chaired by Ann O'Connell.

The discussion highlighted the importance of a connected and responsive skills ecosystem, and how collaboration between enterprise, government, industry and education can help companies better navigate workforce development supports and build future-ready capability.

Our thanks to Medtech Skillnet and First Polymer Skillnet for delivering such an impactful event.

A great start to Dublin Tech Summit, with plenty of conversation already underway around skills, workforce capability and the future of work.

On the Main Stage now, Eoin McDonnell, Head of Strategic Programmes at Skillnet Ireland is participating on a panel on 'Workforce 360°: Building Ireland’s Talent Edge', exploring why a future ready workforce is critical to supporting long term competitiveness and strengthening Ireland’s talent advantage.

Later today at 4:00pm on the Nexus Stage, Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer Skillnet Ireland will take part in the discussion 'AI at Work: Tool, Threat, or Teammate?', examining how organisations and employees are responding to AI in the workplace, from adoption challenges to evolving workforce attitudes.

The conversations taking place throughout the summit continue to highlight the importance of investing in skills development, innovation and workforce readiness as technology evolves at pace.

If you’re attending, visit the stand to learn more about how we work with enterprise to build the skills needed to support innovation, productivity and growth across Ireland’s technology sector.

Skillnet Ireland supports businesses across Ireland to build the skills and capabilities needed to adopt new technologies, drive innovation and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.

In partnership with Ireland, we are continuing the AI Discovery Series with a practical webinar focused on how Irish businesses are applying AI in real-world settings.

The upcoming session, Applying AI in the Real World: Insights from Irish Businesses, will explore how organisations are using AI to support innovation, improve operations and drive business transformation. Attendees will gain practical insights into the opportunities, challenges and lessons learned from implementing AI across different sectors.

Hear directly from Pat Bolger, Herdwatch; Georgina Quigley MBA, PgDip, BA, Galetech Group; and Micaela Toledo, as they share firsthand experiences of adopting AI within their organisations and provide practical takeaways for businesses looking to accelerate their own AI journey.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TewrypKdQde5KB3ZEKRXxg #/registration

A celebration of partnership, workplace learning and hospitality leadership, marking 10 years of the Bachelor of Arts in Hotel Management – National Trainee Manager Development Programme at Munster Technological University.

Developed through the collaboration of Rural Food Skillnet, South West Gnó Skillnet and South Kerry Skillnet with MTU, the programme continues to support leadership development and talent pathways across Ireland’s hospitality and tourism sector through flexible, industry-focused learning.

It was a pleasure to hear from Norma Foley - TD, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and to see students, alumni, employers, educators and industry stakeholders come together to reflect on the programme’s impact over the past decade and its contribution to future-focused skills development within the sector and region.

Speaking at the event, Dave Flynn, Skillnet Ireland highlighted the importance of enterprise and education working together to build workforce capability, support industry growth and deliver responsive skills development through the nationwide network of Skillnet Business Networks.

Find a Skillnet Business Network to support your company's growth: https://bit.ly/SkillnetIrelandBusinessNetworks

(L-R) Paidi O se, Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne; Eamonn O'Reilly, NEWKD Company; Dave Flynn, Skillnet Ireland; Gretel O'Sullivan, South Kerry Skillnet; Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD; Katie Kerin, South West Gnó Skillnet; John Moriarty, Rural Food Skillnet; Noel Spillane, South Kerry Development Partnership CLG.

Department of Children, Disability and Equality Johnny Doris Peter Lennox

Congratulations to Bord Gáis Energy for winning the Innovative Technology Award at the Newstalk Changemaker Business Awards this week.

The award was presented by Tracey Donnery, Director of Policy and Communications at Skillnet Ireland, and recognised excellence in the use of technology to drive progress, innovation and impact.

This category highlights the important role advanced technologies play in strengthening enterprise capability and supporting productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth in a changing business environment. Developing the skills needed to adopt and apply new technologies is essential in helping businesses respond to evolving challenges and opportunities.

Skillnet Ireland works with enterprise to build the skills and capabilities needed to support innovation, digital transformation and business performance.

ISME Skillnet Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet

Congratulations to the graduates of the Image Skillnet 360 Leadership and Management Programme, celebrated at the Explorium in Dublin.

As one of Skillnet Ireland’s 70 Skillnet Business Networks, Image Skillnet delivers enterprise led learning that supports the growth of Ireland’s hair and beauty industry by enhancing specialised skills and knowledge, broadening access to upskilling opportunities and encouraging ongoing professional development.

Speaking at the event, Chantelle Lamont, Development Advisor at Skillnet Ireland, recognised the commitment of participants and highlighted the importance of continuous leadership development in building resilient and future focused organisations.

Learn more about Image Skillnet - https://www.skillnetireland.ie/skillnet-business-network/networks/image-skillnet

Congratulations to Tifco Hotel Group for winning the Best Learning and Development award at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026.

The award was presented by Michelle Thompson, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Skillnet Ireland, and is sponsored by Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet, one of Skillnet Ireland’s 70 Skillnet Business Networks.

This award recognises excellence in learning and development across the hospitality sector, highlighting the importance of investing in skills and capability to support high quality service, innovation and sustainable business growth.

Learn more about how Restaurant and Hospitality Skillnet supports the sector - https://www.skillnetireland.ie/skillnet-business-network/networks/restaurant-hospitality-skillnet

L-R: Ciara Drohan, Tifco Hotel Group; Patrycja Zabawska, Tifco Hotel Group; Sean Collender, Restaurants Association of Ireland; and Michelle Thompson, Skillnet Ireland.

Skillnet Ireland will be represented at this year’s Dublin Tech Summit, contributing to key discussions on skills, workforce capability and the future of work.

On 27 May, Eoin McDonnell, Head of Strategic Programmes, Skillnet Ireland, will join the Main Stage panel Workforce 360°: Building Ireland’s Skills Advantage. The discussion will explore how Ireland can continue to build and sustain a highly skilled workforce, and how future-ready capability supports long term competitiveness.

Later that day, Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland, will take part in the Nexus Stage discussion AI at Work: Tool, Threat, or Teammate?. The panel will exam how organisations and employees are responding to AI in the workplace, including adoption challenges, workforce perspectives and the evolving role of AI at work.

Across the technology sector, Skillnet Ireland partners with industry to support enterprise-led skills development that strengthens capability, productivity and competitiveness.
Learn more about Skillnet Ireland’s work supporting the technology sector: https://www.skillnetireland.ie/sectors/digital-technology

Today, EU Day (9th May), provides an opportunity to highlight the power of European collaboration and its impact on enterprise and skills development in Ireland.

Through our eight EU-funded projects, Skillnet Ireland works alongside 131 partners across 27 countries to help address critical skills needs, supporting the digital and green transitions, and strengthening workforce capability across key sectors. These initiatives bring together industry, education and policymakers so that people and businesses can compete and grow, through skills, in a rapidly changing economy.

Learn more about Skillnet Ireland’s EU Projects and how they support enterprise-led skills development across Europe: https://www.skillnetireland.ie/about-us/eu-projects

Projects supported by Skillnet Ireland include Digital4Business, Digital4Security, SUSA - Sustainable Healthcare with Digital Health Data Competence, Skills4Retail, Green Skills for Hydrogen, and ENTIRE EDIH Ireland.