Two-day event taking place 2 and 3 July in Dún Laoghaire aims to navigate the green and digital transition in a way that benefits all citizens.
The Dargan Forum 2025 will bring together national and international experts to tackle Ireland’s most pressing challenges related to climate action, technological change, and economic uncertainty.
Featuring 55 expert speakers across 11 events, the Forum will address themes ranging from digital skills and artificial intelligence to retrofitting, sustainable transport, entrepreneurship, and the future of civic spaces.
“We are facing a period of major transition which will present opportunities but also a lot of uncertainty for people”
Supporters of the Forum include Enterprise Nation, .ie, DLR County Council, Bank of Ireland, Connected Hubs, and RWE.
“We are facing a period of major transition which will present opportunities but also a lot of uncertainty for people,” said Eoin Costello, Director of the Dargan Forum.
“At times like this, communication is more important than ever. Our Forum helps create an atmosphere where people are open to thinking differently and, with the harbour on its doorstep, provides the perfect place to explore fresh ideas and make meaningful connections.”
Headline speaker from RethinkX
The forum’s headline speaker is Adam Dorr, Director of Research at US think tank RethinkX, who has gained global recognition for his ground-breaking work exploring how innovations in energy, transport, food, and AI are rapidly reshaping economies and societies.
His keynote address will challenge Irish audiences to reimagine the pace and direction of change across business, infrastructure, and the future of work.
Other prominent speakers include Minister Carroll MacNeill T.D., David Curtain (CEO of Enterprise Nation), Sean Buckley (CEO of .ie), Frank Curran (CEO of DLR County Council), and senior representatives from RWE, Iárnrod Eireann, and Connected Hubs.
Three major themes for national renewal
The Dargan Forum will focus on three major themes designed to provoke big-picture thinking and action:
- Business, AI and the 2040 Opportunity – A forward-looking discussion on how Irish businesses, especially SMEs, can thrive in an AI-driven world.
- The Twin Transition in Built Environment, Energy and Transport – A close look at how climate targets and digital innovation are reshaping housing, energy, and infrastructure.
- Skills and the Future of Work – Exploring how AI, automation, and lifelong learning are transforming the workplace and what Ireland must do to stay ahead.
Key events and networking opportunities
The program includes 11 events across Dún Laoghaire town, featuring sessions such as “Smarter Business: Lessons from Experience” in association with Bank of Ireland, regional opportunity spotlights “Why Choose Mayo and Why Choose Donegal,” and a series of parallel sessions focusing on business, technology, sustainable energy, transport, and smart solutions.
Joanne Mangan, Ireland country manager of Enterprise Nation, emphasised the importance of technology adoption: “Helping local small business communities to understand the immense benefits that adopting digital technology can bring is a win-win situation.”
Enterprise Nation’s Tech Hub is a free online digital support platform designed to help small businesses in Ireland adopt and make better use of technology. It was launched in collaboration with partners like Cisco, Sage, Vodafone, and Microsoft, among others. It acts as a central resource for digital skills, tools, and advice, specifically tailored for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“A technology-enabled, thriving local small business community creates real jobs, better and more sustainable businesses, and more innovation – all of which contribute to a healthy local economy.”
Seán Tobin, Digital Development executive at .ie, added: “We’re proud to support the Dargan Forum as it empowers Irish communities to take ownership of their digital and green futures. By bringing together local leaders, innovators, and changemakers, the Forum plays a vital role in driving inclusive, sustainable transformation.”
Image at top: Joanne Mangan, Ireland Country Manager, Enterprise Nation; Eoin Costello, Director, the Dargan Institute; Emma Jones, CEO, Enterprise Nation; and Seán Tobin, Digital Development Executive at .ie
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