Digital Business Ireland, the national association for the digital sector, has welcomed the new Programme for Government, praising its commitments on AI and the recognition of the importance of data centres.  

The agreement between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents promises to develop AI across educational and professional networks and to ensure that Irish education and research become world-leading forces for the development of AI.

The Programme also promises to help business achieve basic digital intensity and reach the target of 90% by 2030.  

Digital Business Ireland is the leading representative body for online businesses.

Its community extends to 8,500 businesses across a range of sectors, including retail, hospitality, professional services, travel, technology, transport, and property. 

In its pre-Budget submission last year, Digital Business Ireland called for a training fund for AI development for SMEs to allow them to remain competitive and keep up with the digital transition.

The association believes that these early commitments to help Irish businesses to harness emerging technologies will provide the foundations for boosting Ireland’s position as a leader in AI, as the Irish National Semiconductor Strategy has also been included in the new Government’s plans. 

The Programme for Government also recognises the importance of data centres in maintaining Ireland’s leading position for enterprise, investment and innovation.

The building of new data centres in Ireland was blocked by the Green Party in the last Government.

The new Programme for Government, however, has said new data centres will make efficient use of the electricity grid.  

The Government has also promised an inclusion Strategy to ensure nobody is left behind by the transition to digital and that digital accessibility is universal for all.

Digital Business Ireland strongly supports the implementation of the European Accessibility Act that addresses this issue.  

Caroline Dunlea, Chairperson of Digital Business Ireland, said: “As the voice of digital and ecommerce, we welcome the commitment of the new Government to making Ireland a leader in digital growth and ensuring that AI is used to benefit our thriving business community.” 

Dunlea added, “Ireland must innovate as much as possible to remain attractive for investment, and we welcome the Programme for Government’s commitment to ensuring this country’s digital sector continues to grow.

“We believe, however, that all parts of society must be included in the digital transition. We support the proposed policies of digital inclusion and support for businesses of all sizes to create a digital and tech sector that delivers for everyone in Ireland.”