From courts using AI for real-time translation… to Revenue analysing thousands of tax codes… to the uncomfortable truth that other countries are already moving faster — this is not a future conversation. It’s happening now.

And the question is simple: are we ready? 

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The organisations that adapted are now seeing better engagement, better access, better outcomes.

The rest are still catching up.

In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Aoife Prendergast of Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), whose team won the Universal Design category at the Ireland eGovernment Awards 2025.

What they discovered is something every CIO, digital leader, and public service provider needs to hear:

People have changed.

Since COVID, expectations have shifted:

• always-on
• bite-sized
• easy to use

Most services haven’t caught up.

Aoife’s team did.

They spotted the gap, redesigned using Universal Design, boosted engagement — and unlocked new funding and global collaboration.

This isn’t compliance.

It’s whether your service gets used at all.

Key Topics

• Universal Design in public services
• Digital transformation in higher education
• Public sector accessibility strategy
• Citizen engagement post-COVID
• Service design and UX in government
• Inclusive digital services Ireland
• eGovernment Awards Ireland
• TUS (Technological University of the Shannon)
• Accessibility vs usability

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This is a human story.

Before this system existed, vulnerable children could wait weeks for access to childcare — stuck in a maze of emails, forms, and approvals.

Now? Minutes.

On this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Ruth Shortall (POBAL) and Ciarán Madden (Department of Children) about the system that:

• Cut waiting times from 3 weeks to minutes
• Connected multiple agencies into one seamless flow
• Removed friction for frontline workers under pressure
• And quietly transformed outcomes for families at critical moments

This is what real digital transformation looks like.

Not flashy.

Not theoretical.

But life-changing.

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That already happens in Helsinki.

In this episode of Transform Gov, infrastructure expert Alice Charles from Arup explains how some cities are using data, digital twins and AI to plan transport, housing and infrastructure far more intelligently.

You will hear:

• How Helsinki predicts school demand using data
• Why digital twins allow cities to test developments instantly
• Why surveys often get transport data wrong
• How Copenhagen paid for its metro by building housing around stations
• Why Dublin sometimes loses international meetings to cities with better transport
• How electricity data can reveal vacant homes

This conversation shows how data is quietly changing how cities function.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:05 Helsinki’s predictive public services

04:00 Digital twins explained

05:30 Why visual planning wins public support

06:30 AI and planning systems

08:40 Human intelligence vs AI

11:10 Why surveys fail

12:10 Copenhagen’s real cycling data

15:30 MetroLink and global infrastructure firms

17:30 Metro funding through housing

20:40 Why Dublin loses business to Amsterdam

23:30 All-island infrastructure planning

26:00 Finding vacant homes using electricity data

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Energy. Water. Data infrastructure.

On this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Alice Charles, Director at Arup and former World Economic Forum infrastructure lead, about the global competition shaping the future of cities, economies and governments.

Alice explains why the AI boom is triggering what some leaders are calling the largest infrastructure build-out in history.

And why the foundations of AI are not software — but power grids, water systems and data centres.

In this conversation:

• Why the AI race between the US and China is really about infrastructure

• Why AI requires massive increases in energy and water

• Why Ireland’s climate gives it an unexpected advantage for data centres

• Why smart city projects failed when they focused on technology instead of citizens

• Why governments must move from planning to delivery

Alice also reflects on lessons from the World Economic Forum, global infrastructure investment, and the strategic decisions countries must make to compete in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

If AI is the future — the question is simple:

Do we have the infrastructure to support it?

Digital Government Infrastructure, AI infrastructure, Data centres, Energy transition, Urban development, Smart cities, Public sector innovation

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In this episode of Transform Gov, Dublin City Council’s AI Lab team — Khizer Ahmed Biyabani and Richie Shakespeare — explain how they are moving beyond AI hype to deliver practical tools that improve consistency, save time and build trust.

From preventing contradictory council answers to searching decades of records in seconds, they share what works, what doesn’t, and why 80% of AI success comes down to data.

Why Listen

• How AI prevents conflicting public-sector responses
• Turning 1990s PDFs into instant search results
• Training 500+ staff and shifting sentiment from fear to confidence
• Why data readiness matters more than the AI itself

Timeline

00:00 — What the AI Lab is and why it exists

03:30 — Why a sandbox approach matters

11:30 — Training 500+ staff and changing AI sentiment

21:27 — “Ctrl+F on steroids”: AI for council questions

22:04 — Searching records back to the 1990s

24:29 — The truth: data preparation is 80% of the work

27:00 — Building control use cases and operational impact

32:40 — Scaling AI safely in local government

AI in government, digital transformation, local government innovation, generative AI, public sector technology, Ireland eGovernment Awards, smart cities, data governance

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In this episode of Transform Gov, Jason explains quantum computing in plain English, why it follows AI rather than replaces it, and how it could transform public services — from climate modelling and flooding prediction to healthcare, logistics and national infrastructure planning.

We also explore why waiting until quantum “arrives” may already be too late for CIOs, and what public-sector leaders should be doing now to prepare.

Topic timeline

• 00:01 – What quantum computing actually is (without the jargon)
• 03:10 – Why AI is hitting limits: energy, cost and sustainability
• 04:30 – Healthcare, drugs and why we still don’t know how paracetamol works
• 06:20 – Optimisation problems governments can’t solve today
• 08:00 – Why Equal1’s data-centre approach changes everything
• 11:40 – Why ESA became Equal1’s first customer
• 15:40 – What CIOs should be planning for now
• 17:50 – Quantum, security and post-quantum cryptography
• 20:40 – Digital sovereignty and Europe’s quantum future
• 25:00 – What citizens may notice in five years’ time

quantum computing explained, quantum computing government, public sector technology, digital government podcast, future of computing, AI and quantum, government innovation

what is quantum computing, how quantum computing affects government, quantum vs AI, when will quantum computing be used, quantum computing public services

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In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Stephen McPeake, founder of Civic Dollars, about a practical, community-led way councils and health bodies are encouraging healthier behaviour — and actually seeing results.

Stephen explains why incentives often work better than awareness campaigns, why people push back when they’re told what to do, and how councils and health bodies are using Civic Dollars to improve wellbeing, support local businesses, and strengthen communities.

A smart listen for anyone working in public health, local government, or digital transformation.

Topics

00:00 – 01:00

Why public services struggle to change behaviour

01:00 – 03:00

A simple idea: rewarding people for time outdoors

03:00 – 05:30

How health activity turns into community impact

05:30 – 09:00

Using incentives instead of prescriptions

09:00 – 12:10

Why public health campaigns don’t work

12:10 – 15:00

Why place matters more than apps

15:00 – 19:00

How innovation gets stuck in pilot mode

19:00 – 27:00

What councils get, what it costs, and what’s next

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In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Dr Hitesh Tewari, Professor at Trinity College Dublin and researcher at the ADAPT Centre, about what this means for public services that rely on digital identity, from welfare and healthcare to licensing and payments.

They explore:

• Why traditional KYC approaches are no longer sufficient
• How fraud becomes dangerous when it becomes scalable
• How zero-knowledge proof can allow verification without over-sharing data
• How blockchain can support trust, not speculation
• Lessons from real-world projects in energy, voting and healthcare data

A practical, risk-focused conversation for those responsible for digital public services.

Key topics

• 01:25 – AI-generated identity documents and KYC risk
• 06:30 – Why scalable fraud changes everything
• 10:45 – What blockchain is (and is not) for government
• 13:50 – Zero-knowledge proof explained simply
• 19:40 – Tackling greenwashing with better energy attribution
• 22:15 – Healthcare data, silos and trust
• 25:50 – What’s coming next: opportunities and risks

Digital identity, AI fraud, KYC, public sector technology, digital government, blockchain, zero-knowledge proof, cybersecurity, trust in government, ADAPT Centre, Trinity College Dublin

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In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Donal Fitzpatrick and Shivaali Scully from the National Disability Authority about accessibility, universal design and the fast-emerging role of AI in public services.

They explore if AI can remove barriers for people with disabilities, where serious risks around bias and privacy remain, and why involving users early in design is the single most important factor in getting digital services right.

The conversation ranges from real-world examples of AI supporting accessibility, to the impact of the European Accessibility Act, and why Ireland is emerging as a global leader in universal design.

This is a must-listen for anyone designing, commissioning or delivering digital services in the public or private sector.

Timeline / Topics

• 00:00 – Why accessibility is central to digital government
• 03:00 – AI and accessibility: opportunity versus risk
• 06:30 – Why user voices must shape design from day one
• 09:30 – Privacy, bias and the limits of AI
• 17:00 – European Accessibility Act explained
• 23:00 – Ireland’s leadership in universal design
• 34:00 – The Universal Design Grand Challenge and future talent

Accessibility, Universal Design, AI in Government, Digital Public Services, Inclusion, European Accessibility Act, Public Sector Innovation, Transform Gov

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Part 2 of Transform Gov, Dr Tony Shannon, Head of Digital Services at Ireland’s Office of the Government CIO. This interview goes beyond strategy and confronts the real constraints holding back public-sector transformation.

Tony explains why:

• the machinery of government is not yet fit for the digital age
• legislation itself must become “digital-ready”
• life-event based services require cross-government ownership
• Ireland has a unique opportunity to lead between EU regulation and US innovation

This episode will resonate with anyone responsible for delivery, governance, funding, architecture, or reform in the public sector.

Part 2 of 2

Presented by Maeve Kneafsey

Transform Gov – part of the Ireland eGovernment Awards, in partnership with Accenture

Key moments

• 01:45 – Why 2030 is the end of the digital decade, not the start
• 04:30 – Life events, building blocks and shared ownership
• 07:00 – Digital public infrastructure explained
• 11:25 – Ireland’s position between EU regulation and US innovation
• 17:00 – Why the machinery of government is not yet fit for the digital age
• 18:30 – The case for digital-ready legislation

Key subjects: public sector digital transformation, government CIO, digital government Ireland, life events strategy, digital public infrastructure, govtech, public service reform, digital legislation, OGCIO, Transform Gov podcast

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He shares why healthcare’s chaos taught him how to fix complex systems, how the NHS’s multi-billion-pound IT failure shaped his thinking, and why now—in his words—“is a moment that matters and a decade that matters.”

Expect insight, urgency and practical lessons for anyone who believes public services can, and must, work better for people and planet.

Part 1 of 2.

Listen for:

• How a doctor’s pattern-recognition mindset applies to digital reform
• What went wrong with the NHS national IT programme
• The three-way equation of People + Process + Technology
• Why the pandemic briefly showed how agile government can be
• Why risk-aversion, if left unchallenged, will cost us all

Digital transformation, public sector innovation, Ireland eGovernment, Tony Shannon, OGCIO, Maeve Kneafsey, healthcare informatics, open source, agile delivery, leadership, government reform, risk culture, digital public services, data, AI in government, life-event strategy

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In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey talks with Louise (Lou) O’Hare, Assistant National Director at the Sláintecare Transformation and Innovation Office, about how the Sláintecare Integration Innovation Fund (SIF) is creating a clear pathway for innovation across Ireland’s health system.

Lou shares how the new Health Innovation Framework will ensure promising solutions — from clinician-led ideas to community telehealth — can move from proof of concept to full rollout, with proper governance, funding, and scaling support.

We hear the story behind the Healthy Islands Project, how AI and innovation hubs are shaping the future of care, and what’s next for collaboration between Spark, HSE innovators, and digital health leaders.

Sláintecare, HSE innovation, healthcare transformation Ireland, digital health, health technology, Spark Fund, SIF, health innovation framework, healthcare governance, telehealth, clinician innovation, HSE leadership, healthcare transformation podcast

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In this episode, Maeve Kneafsey talks with Paula Lyons, Ass. Secretary and Head of Service Development at the Department of Social Protection, about how her team is redesigning services around life events like having a child, retirement, or bereavement.

They discuss:

• Why DSP’s philosophy is “digital by desire”, not by force
• How citizen trust and data sharing are unlocking connected services
• The next generation of online welfare and pension services

A must-listen for anyone shaping digital government and citizen-first transformation.

Subscribe now for personal email updates www.digitalgovawards.com

01:05 – What motivates Paula to stay in public service

10:00 – How “Digital by Desire” became DSP’s guiding principle

24:05 – Designing services around real life events

29:30 – AI pilots and the future of digital service delivery

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In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey meets Gavin Duffy, Founder & CEO of RealSim, the Irish company building ultra-accurate 3D digital twins of real towns, cities, and infrastructure.

Gavin explains how immersive planning tools can speed up decisions, reduce objections, and help councils and agencies build better homes and infrastructure, faster.

From Jersey to Fingal and Balbriggan, this is a masterclass in practical digital transformation for public planning and housing delivery.

Digital twin Ireland, housing emergency Ireland, planning reform Ireland, public-sector innovation, RealSim, Gavin Duffy, Maeve Kneafsey, Transform Gov, Fingal County Council, Balbriggan regeneration, Jersey planning model, e-planning Ireland, 3D planning tools, Irish housing delivery, local authority innovation.

00:00 – Why Ireland’s housing emergency needs new tools

04:30 – What RealSim actually does in plain English

08:10 – Lessons from Jersey’s planning transformation

14:00 – Why Irish planning is still PDF-first

18:40 – Balbriggan case study

25:00 – How digital twins reduce objections

30:40 – What councils need to adopt digital twins

35:30 – The future: national digital twin for Ireland

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Dr Jamie McGann, co-founder of MoveAhead, joins Maeve Kneafsey on Transform Gov to reveal how his Dublin-based team built the world’s largest dataset of children’s movement, and how it’s now driving apps, curricula, and classrooms from Ireland to China.

In this award-winning collaboration with Smart D8, MoveAhead helps teachers objectively assess movement, personalise PE through AI, and bring physical literacy back into the heart of education.

Learn how Irish innovation can tackle one of the biggest health and education challenges of our time.

Listen, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — or watch on YouTube UC8jdqo_NbX6BHmkTynUdWJw.

Kinder Joy of Moving, Kinder App, Smart D8, Dublin City University, DCU, Sport Ireland, NCCA, Irish EdTech, Global Child Health, Movement Skills, AI in Education

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[00:00] When AI starts to act  

[06:00] Teaching the machines that teach us  

[13:00] Estonia’s national rollout  

[22:00] What is Agentic AI?  

[30:00] Why AI literacy matters now

Agentic AI, Artificial Intelligence in Government, Digital Government, Public Sector Transformation, Generative AI, AI Literacy, Alan Smeaton, DCU, AI Advisory Council Ireland, Estonia Digital Government, Ireland eGovernment Awards, Accenture Public Sector, Transform Gov Podcast, Ireland, Europe

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In this episode of Transform Gov, she explains how technology can cut waste, enhance safety, and build public trust in delivery.

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Learn how predictive analytics is saving 25% on maintenance costs, how transparency builds trust, and why “fail fast, learn fast” is the new rule for public projects that deliver real outcomes.

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Richard Corbridge has led some of the biggest digital transformations in health, government and retail — from Ireland’s HSE and the NHS to Boots, the UK’s Department for Work & Pensions, and now property giant Segro. In this episode, Richard shares what it takes to keep technology people-first, how to make AI deliver real outcomes, and why governance and culture shape the CIO role more than ever. A must-listen for digital leaders navigating transformation in both the public and private sector.

Key Topics for CIOs

• People-first digital transformation — why “citizen, patient, customer or colleague” all come first, not the tech.
• The evolving CIO role — moving from “the basement” to the boardroom, and why CIOs must be catalysts and foundations for change.
• AI in the public sector — lessons from the UK Dept. of Work & Pensions on using AI to read 24,000 handwritten letters daily and deliver help in 24 hours instead of 4 weeks.
• Avoiding AI hype — how to stop “AI for AI’s sake” and pick the right problems to solve.
• Governance that enables speed — why private sector governance delivers faster transformation and what public sector can learn.
• Agile vs. perfection — “Don’t let great be the enemy of good” in digital deployment.
• Building digital talent pipelines — attracting and developing IT professionals in public service, and tackling diversity and generational gaps.
• Cross-sector insights — how lessons from health, retail, government and industry overlap and inform each other.
• Future vision for public services — joined-up government, once-only data use, and seamless citizen experience.
• Personal side of leadership — balancing life as CIO with a thousand-strong vinyl collection and a “collector’s mindset.”

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Discover how cross-functional teams (from HR to legal to CIOs) shaped practical frameworks and decision tools; why real use cases—from Revenue, Agriculture and the HSE—were the turning point; how the IPA is embedding AI into CPD and leadership training; and why trust, GDPR compliance and collaboration are critical to scaling safe, human-centric AI across the public sector.

If you work in digital transformation, service design, or policy innovation, this is a must-listen: insights, examples, and lessons you can apply right now.

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• Life-event lens: births, social housing, driving, becoming a student
• Governance: hybrid model for cross-department ownership
• Design process: user research, journey mapping, Target Operating Models
• Impact: cutting 40+ steps from the birth journey
• Tech: “skin-over-legacy” for seamless front-end experience
• Inclusion: designing for amplified needs via Nimbus Centre partnerships

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From standardising services to building trust and rolling out a national SOC, this is digital reform with teeth. Tune in now for practical insight, big vision, and what it takes to get 31 moving parts working as one.

🔗 Listen here or watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Transformthedigitalgover-123/videos

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In Part 2, RTÉ’s Tracey Diamond and Joe Hoban reveal how Ireland’s national broadcaster:

• Used short-form content to amplify traditional TV and radio
• Made user experience and accessibility central to rebuilding trust
• Navigates AI’s promise and pitfalls in public service media
• Delivers lessons every public sector team should hear
• 
  

🎧 Essential for leaders shaping digital government.

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In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey asks:

✔️ Why did RTÉ choose to go public with such a bold message?

✔️ How can public organisations communicate honestly without making things worse?

✔️ What role does digital strategy play in winning back younger audiences?

✔️ How can you create impact on a minimal budget?

Watch for practical insights every public sector leader and communications team can use — whether you’re facing a crisis or building public trust from the ground up.

Subscribe for more stories of public sector transformation and innovation www.digitalgovawards.com

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• The hardest cyber challenges in public services today
• Why legacy IT and shadow cloud matter more than you think
• Winning the human factor: awareness, culture and insider risk
• How AI, automation & threat intelligence are reshaping defence
• Practical, scalable actions any public-sector CIO can take

Essential listening for transformation leaders and tech providers aiming to build cyber trust in government.

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If you're in government, regulation, justice, or compliance — this one’s for you.

This episode reveals:

*Why “hallucinations” make GenAI risky for public services

*How Cognitive AI guarantees evidence-based outputs

*Real examples from defence, legal, and government sectors

*Why public servants should demand AI that can be cross-examined

*How this tech enables decision support without losing control

Whether you're drafting legislation, handling appeals, or working in regulatory environments — this is the kind of AI that works with you, not around you.

🎧 Listen now and discover what explainable, defensible AI really looks like.

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From rising fears about deepfakes to the surprising number of people who still haven’t heard of generative AI, Tom shares exclusive research tracking public sentiment across the UK. You’ll hear why older adults and women are more cautious, how AI is already shaping public services invisibly, and what 75% of people actually agree on when it comes to regulation.

If you work in government, tech, or service design — this episode is a must-listen. Because in the race to implement AI, forgetting public opinion could be the costliest mistake of all.

AI public opinion, trust in AI, digital government, AI and public services, Tom Johnson Trajectory, Transform Gov podcast, AI regulation UK, AI and demographics, AI in public sector

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From a phone on a bike to a national data strategy, hear how innovation is driving efficiency, sustainability, and smarter public sector planning. Don’t miss their insights on data governance, citizen-generated content, and what's next for smart mobility in Ireland.

Subscribe (www.digitalgovawards.com) and listen now to learn how public sector innovation is hitting the road.

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Damien shares the inside story of:

• How over 50,000 staff hours have already been saved through automation
• Why the seven-year Electronic Health Record programme is built to survive turbulence
• How AI is now detecting fractures faster than ever in Irish hospitals
• What lessons every public sector CIO and digital leader can learn from the HSE’s transformation playbook
• The secret to embedding a culture of digital safety across massive frontline teams

If you’re leading change in government — in health, education, justice or beyond — or supplying technology into the public sector, this episode is packed with practical insight, scalable ideas, and real-world results.

🎙️ Listen now to discover what’s working — and what’s next.

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Whether you're in housing, justice, education or health — this one will land.

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You’ll learn:

• How AI and drone footage can spot road damage before the human eye can
• Why user-friendly tools (not engineers-only systems) are the future of geospatial data
• How local authorities can roll out AI pilots for under €10K
• Why Soarvo is built to be used by road crews, not just data scientists

This is practical, affordable digital transformation in action — and it's already reshaping how infrastructure is managed across the UK and Ireland.

#TransformGov #AIinGovernment #SmartInfrastructure #GeospatialAI #DigitalGovernment #Soarvo #PublicSectorInnovation #LocalGovTech #AugmentedReality #DroneMapping #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts #ChatGPT #RoadMaintenanceAI #NationalHighwaysUK

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Robert shares the inside story of the GenAI Lab, a groundbreaking partnership between ADAPT and Dublin City Council, designed to give public sector teams a trusted, low-risk space to experiment with emerging technologies. From rethinking procurement to triaging planning applications, they discuss real examples of GenAI being tested for the public good.

You’ll hear:

• Why a “lab model” helps public bodies move faster without taking big risks
• What makes a partnership with researchers work
• The surprising power of small startups in big transformation projects
• How GenAI can improve policy checks, automate translation, and save staff time
• Practical steps for any organisation — no matter how small — to get started

Whether you're just GenAI-curious or leading innovation in your department, this episode is packed with takeaways you won’t want to miss.

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You’ll hear:

• How GenAI and agentic AI are transforming frontline public sector work
• What fusion skills are—and why they matter
• Real examples of how digital assistants are improving staff experience

Tune in and share this episode with colleagues.

Public sector, AI, agentic AI, GenAI, digital transformation, change management, Accenture, Copilot, government technology, employee experience

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What you’ll learn:

- How to make it work

- Essential trust and transparency 

- Influencers and change champions as a secret weapon

Listen now and subscribe for future Transform Gov episodes www.digitalgovawards.com

Public sector, digital transformation, GenAI, change management, Accenture, leadership, hyperpersonalisation, AI workforce, government innovation

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The Revenue Commissioners are also going ‘all in’ on AI-driven services to streamline public interactions.  During COVID the team learnt alot about agility—responding to issues in days.  

John outlines the biggest digital changes to tax compliance coming our way.

Essential listening for those in digital transformation, government IT, finance, or policy and, of course, the entire tax industry.  

With thanks to Accenture

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🔍 From the first PCs in Revenue to AI-powered compliance—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

🎥 Listen now, subscribe, and stay ahead of the digital curve!

📌www.digitalgovawards.com/podcast

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That’s exactly what Ciara Traynor and her team at the Department of Foreign Affairs have done with Ireland.ie – a platform that’s setting the gold standard for digital government.

🎙️ In this episode of TransformGov, Maeve Kneafsey sits down with Ciara to uncover:

✅ The high-stakes digital strategy that made Ireland.ie a global success

✅ How to manage 100+ stakeholders and still drive change

✅ Key lessons for anyone in government IT, digital strategy, or transformation

🔥 This isn’t just a website – it’s a masterclass in digital government at scale!

📢 Listen now & get inspired!

💬 What’s the biggest challenge YOU see in digital government today?

Share your thoughts on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ireland-egovernment-awards-transform-gov-podcast/

#DigitalGovernment #Egovernment #PublicSectorInnovation #IrelandIE #GovTech #DigitalStrategy #GovernmentTransformation

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With the power of AI-driven Virtual Reality, they’ve bridged the gap between overburdened clinical teams and patients in critical need, delivering:

✅ Life-changing outcomes for stroke survivors

✅ Revolutionary time-saving solutions for healthcare professionals

Their story is not just inspiring—it’s a blueprint for innovation in healthcare and public sector transformation.

🎙️ In this exclusive podcast interview, hear how they turned an extraordinary idea into an award-winning solution, earning them recognition in the AI Ireland eGovernment Awards for outstanding impact in digital healthcare.

👉 Whether you’re in healthcare, digital transformation, or public service, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible.

📲 Listen now and subscribe at www.digitalgovawards.com/podcast

🔗 Share this story to amplify ideas that are shaping the future of healthcare.

#HealthcareInnovation #DigitalTransformation #AIinHealthcare #HealthTech #MedTech #PublicService #StrokeRehabilitation #Leadership

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🎯 Key Takeaways for Public Sector Leaders:

✅ Prioritising high-impact services like housing, waste reporting, and bulky item collections.

✅ Building a customer-first framework with Granicus platform to integrate services seamlessly.

✅ Tackling challenges like illegal dumping and enabling choice-based lettings online.

✅ Using Tableau dashboards to track SLAs, improve service response times, and deliver accountability.

✅ Why splitting Digital Transformation from general ICT drives agility and focus.

✅ How in-house UX/UI design teams save money and improve citizen experiences.

🌟 “Digital transformation is about understanding citizen needs and making services accessible. It's not just technology; it’s trust, collaboration, and prioritisation.

Follow Transform Gov for more insights into public sector digital transformation https://www.linkedin.com/company/ireland-egovernment-awards-transform-gov-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

#PublicSector #DigitalTransformation #CitizenExperience #GovTech #Leadership #SmartCities #DublinCityCouncil #GovernmentInnovation

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What You'll Learn:

Bilingual Accessibility: How the NLI prioritised Irish and English language support, working with translation companies and automation tools like Sinosta to ensure high-quality content delivery.

User Experience Design (UX): The role of user research, remote workshops, and data-driven decision-making in crafting a platform that meets diverse audience needs.

Digital Innovation: Implementing features like ticketing integration, event management tools, and a robust content architecture to serve both domestic and international users effectively.

Global Reach: The NLI’s success in attracting audiences from Japan, the US, and beyond to their unique collections on Yeats, Seamus Heaney, and other Irish cultural treasures.

Genealogy and Family History: The popularity of the NLI’s parish registers and their value to researchers, especially those tracing family roots impacted by the destruction of the Four Courts archives during the Irish Civil War.

Key Results:

A remarkable 84% increase in reader ticket applications since launching the new website in March 2023.

Expanded online visibility and engagement through international events, webinars, and social media campaigns.

Enhanced analytics to understand and cater to user interests, from genealogy to Irish literature.

Future Innovations:

Liz Coffey gives an exclusive preview of the NLI’s ambitious plans, including the redevelopment of the West Wing into a vibrant cultural space featuring exhibitions, learning areas, and more. With the goal of unveiling these updates for the library’s 100th anniversary in 2027, the NLI continues to set the bar for public sector innovation.

Advice for Public Sector Professionals:

Plan with Purpose: Establish clear deliverables and business needs before selecting development partners.

Iterate and Improve: Launch first, then refine based on user feedback and post-launch reviews.

Collaborate Effectively: Work closely with translation and development partners to integrate workflows seamlessly into internal systems.

Don’t Miss This Episode!

This conversation is a goldmine of insights for anyone working on public sector digital transformation, multilingual content strategies, or engaging international and domestic audiences.

Subscribe to Transform Gov and receive your personal update for more episodes spotlighting innovation in the public sector. Hit the like button, share this podcast!

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What you’ll gain from this episode:

✅ Actionable Advice: How to kickstart data-driven decision-making, including the role of governance in maximising outcomes.

✅ Quick Wins vs. Long-Term Gains: Demonstrating early value without compromising foundational governance.

✅ High-Value Data Projects: Insights from projects like the HRB(Health Research Board) and NDTRS (National Drug Treatment Reporting System) reporting system, showcasing the power of linking datasets for impactful research.

✅ Empowering Data Entry Teams: Helping frontline workers see the bigger picture—how their efforts shape future policies.

✅ Building Trust in Data: Transparency, quality, and accessibility as the foundation of impactful analytics.

What’s new in this episode?

• Discover the story behind Pobal Maps, with 500k views in the last 12 months, and how GIS technology boosted the usability of the HP Deprivation Index.
• Learn how Pobal collaborates with public sector users to create bespoke dashboards and track the impact of interventions over time.
• Explore the role of open data in making the HP Deprivation Index accessible for policy-making and research.
• Hear about Martin’s vision for the future, including generative AI innovations and strategies to prepare the workforce for the next wave of transformation.

Why listen?

Martin offers invaluable insights into tackling resistance to data governance, creating impactful data products, and integrating advanced technologies like AI into public sector workstreams.

Hear how data can transform policymaking to create smarter, more responsive governments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that uncover the future of digital government!

🔗www.digitalgovawards.com

#TransformGov #DataDrivenPolicy #PublicSectorInnovation #PobalMaps #GenerativeAI #DigitalGovernment

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From answering over 1,200 Oireachtas questions annually to producing insights that guide early interventions for disadvantaged children, Martin shares invaluable tips on data management and governance frameworks that are relevant to anyone in the public sector.

🎥 Watch now to learn how data is driving smarter decisions and creating real impact across Ireland! Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into transforming the public sector. 🔔

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Tune in to learn why preserving digital records is crucial for public sector organisations of all kinds and explore the DRI’s vision for a future where Ireland’s history is open, accessible, and secure for generations to come!

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With 70% of tech roles suited to intermediate skills, apprenticeships offer a smart, cost-effective solution, keeping top talent focused on high-priority work while developing new tech professionals. The best part? 85% of apprentices stay on with their employer after qualifying—boosting retention and creating dedicated, homegrown teams.

🎥 Watch the teaser below and tune in to see how apprenticeships are opening doors to high-impact tech roles! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more insights on transforming public service! #TransformGov #Apprenticeships #TechCareers #PublicSectorInnovation

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Joining her is Niall O'Driscoll, Joint CEO of ShineVR, the company behind this innovative VR solution. Together, they’re pioneering a unique approach that could reshape pain management across Ireland. Listen in as they share the journey, insights, and transformative impact of VR in healthcare—an inspiring testament to what’s possible when technology meets compassionate care.

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Kathrin shares valuable insights into how they shifted their focus from brands to visitors first and defined clear goals for what success looked like.

Discover how Fáilte Ireland streamlined their digital properties, consolidating websites from seven to three and optimising social channels with a headless CMS for seamless updates. Kathrin also reveals how they kept senior leadership engaged through show-and-tell sessions, documented their learnings in a wiki for future projects, and how their front-office team played a pivotal role during COVID, updating core databases and driving a surge in digital referrals for tourist organisations.

Don’t miss this deep dive into Fáilte Ireland’s innovative strategies for digital growth and success!

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Find out how citizens of all ages—from 13 to 89—are embracing VR for experiences as diverse as virtual mountain biking, creating spray art in New York, and exploring Anne Frank’s hideaway. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, showcasing how technology can open up entirely new worlds in a local library setting.

Find out how with the help of Meta and Eirmersive have helped shape this pioneering initiative, and hear Aisling’s insights on how Fingal is overcoming challenges to make VR a success—including securing buy-in from librarians, who are crucial to keeping the VR headsets in action.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a public sector innovator, or simply curious about the future of libraries, this episode offers valuable insights into how VR is engaging communities in entirely new ways.

Watch now to be inspired by how VR is transforming public services—and don’t forget to subscribe for more future-focused content from Transform Gov!

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you believe in the power of tech for public good! 🔔

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Aisling shares how cutting-edge technology like VR, 3D, and web views transformed how citizens engage with large public realm developments, including the revitalisation of Balbriggan's beach and main street. With the help of RealSim’s gaming technology, they built a digital twin of the area, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the proposed plans and provide feedback like never before. 

Discover how Fingal overcame challenges in visualising complex projects, increased public consultation by 140%, and adjusted their plans during the pandemic by creating web-accessible views. Aisling also offers invaluable advice to other local authorities on adopting digital twins and shares a bold vision for the future of this technology in shaping public spaces far beyond planning consultations. 🌍

Tune in for an inspiring look at how digital innovation is shaping the future of public services!

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We had the privilege of speaking with two current apprentices and a mentor, who shared their inspiring journey. They explained how they applied to the program, managed by FIT for the Irish public sector (applications available on www.publicjobs.ie), and the unique learn-and-earn model that combines hands-on experience with invaluable mentorship.

This program is revolutionizing public service recruitment, providing a diverse talent pipeline for those eager to make a meaningful impact on society, not just profits. It’s a brilliant opportunity for anyone looking to take a different route into the tech industry, one where their work benefits the nation.

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Highlights:

• Early Adopters & Shifts: From tech giants to public sector departments like marketing, customer service, and software development, GenAI is revolutionizing the way we work. While it won’t take your job, someone using it might!
• Changing Workforce: GenAI is reshaping roles, with a focus on knowledge workers. Being GenAI literate is no longer optional—it's essential. Expect productivity to skyrocket as we embrace these tools.
• Creativity & Co-Creation: Can GenAI be creative? It might not rival a human artist, but it’s proving to be an incredible co-creator, sparking imagination and innovation across industries.
• Global Perspectives: With the EU’s AI Act on the horizon, we explore how different countries are navigating the delicate balance of innovation, ethics, and regulation.
• Empowering Public Services: Imagine personalized government services tailored to your life stages and unique needs. GenAI is making this a reality, helping public sector employees deliver more responsive and informed services.
• Ethics & Sovereignty: As we integrate GenAI, the conversation around digital sovereignty and ethical safeguards becomes crucial. How do we ensure that we remain in control while harnessing the benefits of AI?

Join us in this engaging discussion and learn how GenAI can help build a more balanced and effective public sector. Tune in, follow, and share this episode to stay ahead of the curve!

#AI #GenAI #DigitalGovernment #PublicSector #Innovation #Podcast #AIRegulation

Don't miss out—listen now and be part of the future!

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In part 1 we explore the evolution of neural networks to the incredible speed of modern processors, we explore why AI is making waves - why now?

Discover how AI is reshaping everything from customer support to personalised learning in government, and hear real-world examples of AI in action—both the triumphs and the challenges.

We also touch on the crucial role of ethics, data privacy, and the importance of context in deploying AI solutions effectively.

Whether you're curious about AI's potential or its pitfalls, this episode is packed with insights for public sector professionals in Ireland.

👉 Don't miss out—follow, listen, and share this episode to stay ahead in the AI revolution!

#AI #DigitalGovernment #PublicSectorInnovation #Podcast

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Barry delves into the essential qualities of transformational leadership and how he has fostered collaboration across government agencies. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, Barry's leadership has propelled Ireland to the forefront of digital governance, with 2.6 million verified users engaging with digital services at twice the EU average rate.

Discover the strategies and teamwork that enabled Barry's team to issue over 1.25 million COVID certificates in record time and how they navigated the challenges of the pandemic through seamless digital solutions. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of digital government and the critical role of leadership in driving transformation.

Tune in to learn how Barry Lowry is shaping the future of digital governance in Ireland and beyond.

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In Episode 7 we’re thrilled to feature Louise Jevens, CIO of the Department of Justice in Ireland. We hear how Louise Jevens and her team used technology to avert a post-Brexit crisis. When Louise's Secretary General directed her to do whatever was needed to avoid queues at Dublin Port she rose to the challenge and technology came to the rescue.

From digitising the public sector recruitment process to tackling the challenges of Brexit and now working to revolutionise the immigration services, Louise has been a driving force behind some of Ireland’s most transformative public sector projects.

Hear how she led the charge in adopting online testing, developing systems to manage Brexit's complexities, and creating innovative solutions to support Ukrainian refugees. Discover her vision for the future of AI in government and her dedication to increasing women's representation in tech.

This episode is packed with insights and stories that showcase the true power of digital transformation. Don’t miss out! Subscribe to Transform Gov now and join us for an inspiring conversation with Louise Jevens. 🎧✨

#irelandegovernmentawards #publicsectortransformation #digitaltransformation #deptjustice #publicsector #publicservants #brexit #irelandgovernment

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Louise Jevens joined the civil service straight out of school, thinking she’d just “see if she liked it.” Thirty years later, she's a celebrated tech leader in the Irish public sector, making impactful contributions through digital transformation.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

- Prime Minister FOMO: The press office incident when the Irish Taoiseach's Blackberry caused FOMO with the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

- Acing the Start: Louise aced an internal competition to train as a computer analyst early in her career, setting the stage for her journey as a tech leader.

- Public Service Passion: She emphasizes the unique satisfaction of working in the public sector, witnessing firsthand the benefits her projects bring to citizens. It’s a team environment that integrates with the private sector, making it dynamic and fulfilling.

- Early Tech Adoption: Her journey began at Social Protection, where she experienced the integration of silo schemes into a single customer view. This forward-thinking approach was essential for disseminating and collecting billions of euros.

- Customer-Centric Mindset: Louise discusses the shift from automating existing processes to focusing on customer needs, sharing data to make better policy and service decisions.

- Strategic CIO Role: She highlights the strategic role of CIOs in policy formulation through data analysis, now having a seat at management boards.

- PULSE Implementation: At An Garda Síochána, Louise was part of the team that built PULSE, centralizing information for Garda analysis and enhancing operational effectiveness.

- Pioneering eCabinet: Leading a small IT team at the Dept of An Taoiseach, she developed the eCabinet project, digitizing the cabinet office and setting a precedent in the EU and possibly the world. This project enhanced security and efficiency, attracting international interest.

- Collaborative Network: She values her network across different departments, collaborating with colleagues and gaining insights to drive successful projects.

- Supporting Women in Tech: Louise is passionate about encouraging young people, especially women, to join the public service for fresh ideas and knowledge.

🚀 Tune in to this episode to hear Louise’s incredible journey and insights on driving digital transformation in the public sector.

#TransformGov #DigitalTransformation #PublicSector #Ireland #TechLeadership #WomenInTech #Podcast #Innovation

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🔍 Episode Highlights:

- Crisis Management: Maria's resilience was tested through the COVID crisis and the Ukrainian refugee crisis, where she played a pivotal role in managing the response efforts. Tune in to hear how she used "energy buckets" to build team resilience.

- Data Security Challenges: Discussing the ongoing data security issues faced by the HSE, Maria underscores the inevitability of cyber threats and the critical role of the CISO.

- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: The Ukrainian refugee crisis required seamless collaboration across multiple departments and organisations, including EY and Microsoft. Discover the complexities of aligning diverse teams to support refugees, such as ensuring access to cancer treatment centres.

- Managing Expectations: With a large stakeholder group, prioritizing needs and managing expectations were crucial. Maria highlights the importance of plain English communication and open conversations to align everyone's efforts.

- AI in Healthcare: Maria emphasizes that AI must be driven by clinicians to support healthcare effectively. She shares her involvement with Spunout, a charity using AI to support young people's mental health. She also tell us about the innovative Fastrack to IT apprenticeship program.

💡 Key Takeaways:

- The human element is the hardest and most important part of major projects, requiring honest communication and alignment.

- Data quality and governance are foundational for successful AI initiatives.

- The importance of practical education pathways, like tech apprenticeships, to bridge skills gaps and support lifelong learning.

Join us as Maria McCann shares her invaluable experiences and insights into the world of digital transformation in government. 🌐📊

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Episode Highlights:

·     Patient-Centered Transformation - How Maria and her team focused on integrating IT solutions seamlessly into the workflows of both patients and clinicians, ensuring technology enhances rather than complicates their experiences.

·     Driving Change with Clinicians: How Maria managed to get 200 HSE clinicians to drive change, highlighting the critical role of clinical teams in successful digital transformation.

·      Resilience During COVID: Hear about the extraordinary efforts to support clinicians, risking their lives during the pandemic, in the implementation of the Individual Health Identifier (IHI) and remote work migration for 1500 HSE workers. 

·     Collaborative Efforts: Understand the extensive collaboration with various public sector agencies, including the Department of Health, OGCIO, ESRI, CSO, and many more, to drive forward crucial projects like the HSE tracker and vaccination management.

·     Innovative strategies used to transition to remote work, including "how-to" video guides and online learning forums that saw 1000 registrations in just two days.

#DigitalTransformation #PublicSector #Podcast #HealthcareInnovation #PatientCentricCare #HSE #RichardCorbridge #MariaMcCann #ClinicalLeadership #COVID19Response #RemoteWork #Collaboration #DigitalHealth #IHITech #eGovernmentAwards

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🎙️ Episode Highlights:

- Discover how entering prestigious awards can remind you of the significance of your transformation efforts.

- Explore how everything we create today, from art to social interactions, is digital, and why safeguarding our digital history is crucial.

- Learn about the digitisation of parish records and how it has revolutionised genealogy research.

- Understand why Dr. Collins believes digital transformation projects should be people-centric, focusing on problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.

- Pandemic Insights. Hear stories from the National Library during the pandemic, where virtual events saw unprecedented public engagement with cultural material.

- Delve into the challenges of recording history in a digital age and the critical role of digital repositories.

Key Takeaways:

- The importance of not letting digital transformation be driven solely by technologists.

- The necessity of preserving digital records to avoid a potential new dark age.

- The need for agreements with tech companies to secure our social history.

#DigitalTransformation #PublicSector #Podcast #DigitalHistory #Innovation #Preservation #TechLeadership #CulturalHeritage #DrSandraCollins #eGovernmentAwards #DigitalRepositoryOfIreland

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·      How digital transformation empowers all, not just the techies.

·      The importance of vendor selection, highlighting a small Bray, Ireland SME's success in designing Ireland’s digital passport.

·      Why personal involvement and cultural alignment are crucial for project success.

·      The importance of flexibility and emotional intelligence in decision-making.

📢 Key Takeaways:

- Tailoring services to meet public needs and validating your conclusions with peers.

- The role of AI in enhancing health diagnostics as well as improving cross-departmental government services.

- Future challenges in identity management and the potential of AI to improve public services.

Great insights into making public service more efficient and user-friendly. Hear about great case studies, recognised at the Ireland eGovernment Awards and Leader’s Summit.

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