In a substantial move to solidify Ireland’s position as a premier global tech hub, the Government has officially published “Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future,” the comprehensive National Digital & AI Strategy 2030. This strategic roadmap has received a warm welcome from the Digital Regulators Group (DRG), a collaborative body comprising the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM), the Data Protection Commission (DPC), and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The group stands firmly behind the state’s ambition to transform the country into a trusted, future-focused digital regulatory center that balances rapid innovation with robust public safety.
A primary focus of the new strategy is the commitment to reinforcing the DRG itself, ensuring that Ireland’s various watchdogs are sufficiently resourced to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape. By enhancing regulatory coordination and streamlining cross-agency processes, the Government aims to create a more predictable and efficient environment for both citizens and businesses. The strategy specifically highlights the importance of the Digital Regulatory Hub and a dedicated Centre of Expertise, which are intended to help the state better absorb future challenges related to critical digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Leaders from across the regulatory spectrum have voiced their support for the initiative, emphasizing that a fair digital economy is only possible through well-funded and highly coordinated oversight. Brian McHugh, Chairperson of the CCPC, noted that such cooperation is essential for maintaining competitive and consumer-focused markets. Similarly, Jeremy Godfrey of Coimisiún na Meán pointed out that the strategy provides the necessary tools to uphold fundamental rights while offering the legal clarity businesses need to deliver beneficial innovations. This sentiment was echoed by representatives from ComReg and the DPC, who stressed that resilient infrastructure and the protection of individual data rights are the twin pillars of maintaining public trust in emerging technologies.
As Ireland looks toward 2030, the implementation of this strategy is expected to foster a culture of responsible innovation. By deepening the engagement between agencies, the DRG aims to ensure that the rules governing the digital space are not only followed but are applied in a coherent manner that supports long-term economic growth. The publication of this strategy marks a pivotal moment in Ireland’s digital evolution, signaling a shift toward a more integrated approach to managing the risks and rewards of the AI era.