Digital Towns, Sustainable Communities, Thriving Businesses: Dargan Forum 2024 Sets the Stage for Reimagining Ireland
Eoin Costello - National Director, Dargan Institute, Allan Mulrooney - CEO, Western Development Commission, Cllr Jim O'Leary - An Cathaoirleach DLR County Council, Emma Jones - Founder, Enterprise Nation and David Curtin - CEO at .ie launch the Dargan Forum 2024
Digital Towns, Sustainable Communities, Thriving Businesses: Dargan Forum 2024 Sets the Stage for Reimagining Ireland
Dublin, Ireland - In a world grappling with global uncertainty and the relentless pace of change, today’s Dargan Forum 2024 in the coastal town of Dún Laoghaire shone as an informed beacon of hope and innovation, igniting conversations about Ireland's digital and sustainable future.
Bobby Healy from MANNA Drones, opened the programme by outlining his company’s mission - to improve the world by making lightning-fast suburban deliveries affordable, green and safe.
Leading figures like Allan Mulrooney and David Curtin from the Western Development Commission and .ie respectively, underscored the transformative potential of digital tools in empowering local communities and driving sustainable job growth. The spotlight on the .ie Digital Town Programme illuminated a clear pathway to bridge the digital divide and unlock economic opportunities for small businesses across Ireland.
Allan Mulrooney, CEO of Western Development Commission said;
"The Dargan Forum's ethos of ‘putting people and places first’ naturally aligns with the WDC’s mission of supporting community growth, investing in SMEs, and planning for the future of the western region—key elements vital for progress. Events like the Dargan Forum ignite conversations and inspire innovation, ensuring we nurture tech-enabled communities and empower small businesses across the country.”
Demonstrating the positive impact technology can have on society were Aidan Blighe and Paul Kennedy, Directors of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council who showcased innovative local projects focused on sustainable urban planning, transport, and climate action. Jane Cregan of Iarnrod Eireann highlighted that people can cut their CO2 emissions by 77% by choosing the train over the car for journeys. Attendees left their session understanding that technology is more than an efficiency tool, it is a key player in building livable, environmentally conscious communities.
Small businesses were at the heart of the day. Emma Jones, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation, which recently announced a partnership with the Dargan Forum, encouraged attendees to reimagine localities as platforms for sustainable jobs, while Eoin Costello from the Dargan Institute CLG led a vibrant session exploring how digital tools can help these vital local enterprises thrive.
John O'Shanahan from Lean BPI stressed the strategic importance of supporting small businesses in the digital age, while Aoife Harrington from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Enterprise Office brought the discussion to life with practical examples of digitalisation in action.
Stephen Carolan of Connected Hubs gave a thought-provoking keynote, painting a picture of hubs as more than just workplaces. He envisions them as vibrant centres for community development, fostering collaboration, sparking creativity, and driving economic growth.
Minister Dara Calleary reinforced the government's commitment to Ireland's digital future, highlighting progress on the Digital Ireland Framework strategy and emphasising the importance of AI adoption for Irish businesses.
Closing an impactful event that sparked an Ireland-wide conversation about the transformative power of technology and its part in creating a digital and sustainable future, Eoin Costello looked ahead to Dargan Forum 2025 and plans for an expanded speaker programme, extended venue network and further development of the Forum’s real-world commitment to harnessing digital tools in order to build a better, technologically inclusive Ireland for all.
All the facts and figures - the Dargan Forum 2024 Infographic is now live
Dargan Forum 2024 Infographic
To encapsulate the success of this year's forum, we've created an infographic highlighting key statistics, milestones, and impactful moments from the event.
