In a recent panel discussion at Tech Tribes featuring AI Ireland Founder Mark Kelly, Accenture’s Paul Walsh and moderator Niamh Sterling, the spotlight was on Ireland’s burgeoning role in the global Artificial Intelligence ecosystem.
This blog post delves into the insights shared, examining Ireland’s unique strengths, the challenges it faces, and the regulatory landscape shaping its AI journey.
Ireland’s Strategic AI Advantages
Mark and Paul pointed out the critical mass of tech giants and startups fostering an environment ripe for innovation. “Ireland’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for AI growth is evident in its strategic investments in education and infrastructure.“
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its strengths, Ireland faces challenges, including the need for sustained investment in skill development and research.
The panel underscored the opportunity to leverage AI to address societal challenges, from healthcare to environmental sustainability.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the regulatory environment, particularly the EU AI Act.
The consensus was that clear, flexible regulation is essential to foster innovation while ensuring ethical and societal concerns are addressed.
“Regulation should be a catalyst, not a barrier, to innovation.”
Case Studies
Mark also shared how there are three agnostic examples of how AI is being used successfully through Customer Service, HR onboarding and Sales & Marketing.
Mark highlighted how Generative AI is assisting with the legacy modernisation of code which is updating Lotus Notes and Cobalt code bases with faster and more responsive infrastructure to write faster features and are more maintainable.
The Road Ahead for Ireland’s AI
Mark, Paul and Niamh concluded the discussion with a forward-looking perspective, emphasising the importance of collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and the academic community.
The potential for AI to drive economic growth and societal progress in Ireland is immense, provided there is a concerted effort to navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities.
Conclusion and Call to Action
For Ireland to be on a path to becoming a global AI leader, achieving this vision requires active engagement from all stakeholders. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the dialogue, explore AI opportunities in their sectors and participate in Ireland’s AI journey.

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