2 weeks to go to the Dargan Forum - Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill Joins the Main Forum - Spotlight on Building Smarter Businesses, Infrastructure & Skills
We’re just two weeks away from the Dargan Forum 2025, and today we're shining a light on the heart of the programme — the Main Session, taking place on Wednesday, July 3rd, from 9 AM to 1 PM in County Hall, Dún Laoghaire.
This session will bring together government leaders, top business minds, and innovation experts to explore how Ireland’s Twin Transition — green and digital — is shaping the future of enterprise, infrastructure, and employment.
Meet Our Headline Speaker
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD
We are honoured to welcome Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, Minister for Health, as a special guest speaker. As a public representative with deep roots in Dún Laoghaire and a strong advocate for evidence-based, inclusive policymaking, Minister Carroll MacNeill’s address is eagerly anticipated.
Keynote Speakers – Framing the Conversations
Each of the Forum’s three panel sessions will be introduced by a dedicated keynote speaker, setting the tone and bringing a national lens to the discussion.
Session 1 - The challenges and opportunities of Ireland’s twin transition for business
How Irish SMEs can stay competitive and compliant in a fast-changing landscape
Keynote: Alan Dillon, TD – Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Circular Economy
Panelists:
David Curtin – CEO, .IE
Joanne Mangan – Country Manager, Enterprise Nation Ireland
Seán Buckley – Area Director, Bank of Ireland
Session 2 - The challenges and opportunities of Ireland’s twin transition for the built environment, renewable energy & transport
What the green shift means for our built environment, mobility and energy systems
Keynote: Frank Curran – Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Panelists:
Jim Scheer – Head of Data & Insights, SEAI
Vanessa O’Connell – Project Director, Dublin Array, RWE
Michael Power – Director of Business Transformation, Irish Rail
Richard Fitzpatrick – Climate Action Coordinator, DLR County Council
Paul Higgins – Principal & Founder, Renewables Ireland
Session 3 - The challenges and opportunities of Ireland’s twin transition for skills & the future of work
How organisations can prepare their workforce for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities
Keynote: Stephen Lyons – Head of Strategic Partnerships, Skillnet Ireland
Panelists:
John O’Toole – Head of Enterprise, DLR County Council
Stephen Carolan – National Manager, Connected Hubs
Carmel Somers – Strategist, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet
Colm MacCarvill – Ireland Site Lead, Squarespace
Laura Redmond – Director, KPMG
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Dún Laoghaire on the 2nd and 3rd July!
Don’t Miss Out — Register Now
The Main Session of the Dargan Forum is your chance to gain actionable insights, hear directly from national and local leaders, and connect with change-makers across sectors.
