AGP Executive Report

Energy & Climate Policy: Ireland’s clean-energy targets still lack a concrete fossil-fuel phase-out plan, with energy security and cost-of-living pressures making the case for faster action. Data Centres & Public Impact: Erin Brockovich has launched a platform mapping US data-centre plans, spotlighting water and power strain as AI infrastructure booms. AI & Misinformation: A new AI “encyclopedia” stores hallucinated entries indefinitely—funny on the surface, but a warning about what happens when accuracy isn’t the goal. Biodiversity in Focus: Skerries’ community-led meadow work is helping a threatened bumblebee, showing how local habitat management can reverse declines. Irish Tech & Industry: Anthropic is advertising roles tied to Singapore expansion, with finance, product support and economic research—reporting to its Dublin office for at least one function. Life Sciences & Jobs: Galway recruitment firm Salt Medical wins a national diversity award and is hiring senior roles at its Claregalway HQ. Public Participation Science: The Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count kicks off with Galway researchers inviting sightings nationwide via an online survey. Local Libraries Upgrade: Galway County Council is contracting for Ireland’s first modern mobile library vehicles, built on bus infrastructure with onboard IT and power.

River Glyde fish kill: Inland Fisheries Ireland is investigating a “locally significant” wipeout on the Co Louth river, with dead adult and juvenile Atlantic salmon, eel, brown trout and pike found near Tallanstown; samples have been sent for lab testing and authorities are monitoring impacts. Ebola travel rules: The WHO is urging countries to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions, days after Canada tightened measures, as cases expand in the DRC. Data centres and power strain: The EU is asking households to cut electricity use during peak hours as AI data centres strain grids; Ireland is flagged as a warning sign for rising bills. LGBT+ inclusion in Irish higher ed: UCC has launched Ireland’s first LGBT+ Action Plan for 2026–2028, setting out actions across teaching, research, campus culture and leadership. Engineering deal: COWI has acquired Irish consultancy PUNCH Consulting Engineers, boosting its Irish capacity for buildings and energy projects. Heart failure access gap: A UK-and-Ireland audit finds women are under-referred for advanced heart failure care, limiting access to life-prolonging therapies. Aquaculture funding gap: BIM highlights how aquaculture innovations struggle to move from prototypes to commercial trials without patient, risk-absorbing investment. Manufacturing AI push: A survey reports manufacturers across the US, UK and Germany are adopting AI and increasing quality investment in 2026.

Health & Policy: Ireland’s Health Insurance Authority says premiums rose 10.6% while cover shrank, with over 70% of people now on restricted orthopaedic plans and joint replacement benefits increasingly limited. Renewables & Jobs: Greenvolt Next plans 50 new roles at its Waterford HQ (plus more in the UK), backing solar and battery storage growth and CSRD-driven demand. Environment & Science: Hedgehog Conservation Ireland, with Galway and Oxford researchers, is launching the Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count from June 8, asking the public to log sightings online. Energy Debate: Senior figures are again pushing for Ireland to reconsider the nuclear ban, as smaller reactor ideas resurface amid energy security concerns. AI & Economy: Ireland’s Digital Ireland and AI plans are set to be highlighted by Minister Helen McEntee at an OECD meeting in Paris, including a proposed National AI Office and regulatory sandbox. Marine Conservation: A new study argues bottom trawling costs society up to €16bn a year and calls for bans in Europe’s marine protected areas.

AI & Cybersecurity in Ireland: HaystackID used a Dublin Tech Summit workshop to show how deepfakes can make “real” video calls lie, raising the stakes for digital trust and fraud response. Research Funding Debate: Almost 2,000 academics say Research Ireland is too industry-led, warning arts, humanities and social sciences are being sidelined. Health Tech in the Irish ecosystem: Luminate’s Ireland-based chemo-support device is being trialled in the US to help prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral nerve damage. STEM & Education: University of Limerick’s Design@UL exhibition spotlights student medical and sports-tech projects, from an eye-based concussion sideline test to eczema-friendly allergy patch testing. Local Innovation & AI Adoption: Monaghan’s AI Works for Ireland conference drew 200+ business leaders with Google Ireland, pushing practical ways SMEs can use AI. Environment & Citizen Science: Hedgehog Conservation Ireland and Galway/Oxford researchers launch an all-Ireland hedgehog count starting 8 June. Policy & Society: UCC unveiled Ireland’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ action plan for 2026–2028, aiming to embed inclusion across campus life.

Climate Watch: The UN and the World Meteorological Organization warn El Niño is likely to return this summer, with an 80% chance of forming before September and a 90% chance of lasting to November—raising the risk of record heat and extreme weather in Ireland and globally. Public Health: A new international study says COVID-era disruption led to about 55,000 “missing” cancer diagnoses across seven high-income countries, including Ireland, with diagnoses down around 16% in 2020 but no immediate spike in late-stage cases—still, researchers stress monitoring. Education & Accessibility: A Leaving Cert student with severe dyslexia and dyspraxia says the exam setup forces extra hurdles, from switching between paper and laptop to formatting and transcription under pressure. Research Funding Debate: Nearly 2,000 academics warn Research Ireland’s €4.55bn priorities are too industry-led, sidelining arts and humanities. Tech & Work: Primecore says it’s ramping up advanced technology and life sciences growth, targeting 150 new jobs in Ireland and the US by 2028. Local Environment: Cloughjordan is set to get a community biodiversity action plan grant, with public consultation and mapping to guide local nature protection.

UNICEF Child Well-Being: Portugal places fourth overall in UNICEF’s Innocenti Report Card 19, with Ireland ranking first for children’s skills and educational development—amid broader concerns about youth mental health and learning losses across Europe. Irish Health Research: A Trinity College Dublin-led review at ASCO finds breast cancer risk models for women with a family history vary in accuracy, with none “highly accurate,” shaping how screening and prevention decisions are made. Cybersecurity: Palo Alto Networks warns PAN-OS/Prisma Access GlobalProtect authentication bypass is being exploited in the wild, while Rapid7 flags a critical Gogs zero-day for remote code execution. Irish Tech & Funding: Tines reports revenue growth to $39.6m for the year to Jan 2025, driven by more customers and AI-enabled workflow automation. Life Sciences & Trials: Legend Biotech shares first-in-human LB2102 CAR-T results in solid tumours, reporting an ORR of 28.6% in higher dose levels. Energy & Offshore Monitoring: Fugro will install seabed moorings to track cetaceans for Ireland’s offshore wind environmental baseline work. Corporate/Legal: Seagate agrees a $175m settlement over alleged concealed Huawei sales tied to US export controls. Mining: Cornish Metals completes its first Roskear exploration drillhole, intersecting multiple mineralised structures. Aviation Incident in Ireland: Virgin Atlantic diverts to Shannon after engine trouble on a flight to Jamaica, with no injuries reported.

AI & Creative Work: Hollywood studios and the actors’ union (SAG-AFTRA) have agreed new protections against AI use, with members voting on a refreshed deal after the 2023 strike reset talks. Energy & Data Centres: A new study claims data-centre energy demand is adding hundreds of euro to Irish household bills, while a separate government-commissioned report argues data centres help secure tens of thousands of jobs—fueling a live debate over costs and capacity. Undersea Security: A report warns threats to NATO’s critical undersea infrastructure are escalating, from cable damage incidents to deeper Russian activity around Western cables. Ireland Tech & Policy: Dublin is preparing for a self-driving cars strategy, while coverage also highlights Ireland’s push to regulate and govern AI amid concerns about labour impact. Industry & Infrastructure: Hillhead 2026 is set to lean into automation and an AI-powered visitor planning tool, and TGS/Geo are surveying for a wind farm in the Irish Sea near Wales. Health & Medtech: An HSE endometriosis advisory taskforce co-founder has left over fears the group can’t deliver urgent patient access to treatment. Agrifood Tech: A precision nutrition push targets vitamin D monitoring on farms using a new analytics tool for swine systems.

HSE staffing crisis: A Fine Gael councillor says the HSE must start recruiting in schools, targeting Transition Year students, as thousands of funded posts sit vacant and an €250m overspend strains non-frontline hiring. Nuclear safety: IAEA experts praised Lithuania’s “robust and mature” nuclear and radiation oversight after an IRRS review, highlighting continued work on public communication as Ignalina decommissioning continues. AI security: Anthropic launched Claude Security in public beta for Claude Enterprise customers, with IBM joining its Project Glasswing after 10,000 flaws were found—another sign of fast-moving enterprise AI governance. Drug harm reduction: Campaigners renewed calls for an injection centre in Cork after an interim review of Dublin’s Merchant’s Quay Ireland facility reported thousands of visits, hundreds of overdose responses, and no fatalities. Space tech: FAA documents detail SpaceX’s Starfall reentry vehicle tests, linking them to in-space manufacturing and cargo delivery.

Drugs & Crime: Gardaí seized 1kg of cocaine and over €220,000 cash in Meath, arresting three men in an intelligence-led operation; the drugs will go to Forensic Science Ireland. Neurodivergence & Addiction Care: Trinity College Dublin research says 21% of people in addiction services have ADHD, autism, dyslexia or other neurodivergences, with stigma and “judgmental” clinics highlighted. Local Industry & Jobs: IDA Ireland secured 323 FDI investments in 2025 (+38%), expected to create 15,300 jobs; a Waterford-focused debate questions whether the south-east is being actively pushed. AI & Privacy: Meta plans to collect more detailed employee computer-use data to train AI agents, raising EU privacy concerns. Security & Espionage: A civil servant accused of leaking confidential government information to foreign intelligence “handlers” was refused bail in Dublin. Transport Disruption: Irish Rail warns of major June bank holiday engineering works, with 18 DART stations closed and Connolly–Greystones suspended. Health & Research: UCC research links moderate coffee intake to gut bacteria changes and mood benefits, including differences between caffeinated and decaf. Medtech Funding: Cork medtech Katana Healthcare targets up to €2m fundraising to improve medication safety for doctors.

AI & Privacy: Meta’s Model Capability Initiative is drawing EU privacy scrutiny after internal docs suggest it ingests work communications and tracks activity beyond what’s been disclosed, raising GDPR concerns. Work & Jobs: An IMF warning says AI could affect more than 40% of Irish jobs, with Ireland “relatively more exposed” due to tech-heavy foreign investment. Health Tech: The HSE is asking HIQA to assess whether continuous glucose monitoring should be reimbursed for insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, with an estimated annual cost above €145m. Cybersecurity: Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey says UK banks still can’t access Anthropic’s Mythos model for cyber testing, with rollout stalled. Construction/Manufacturing: Irish AI-native EcoModular signs a phased deal with IDS (Riyadh) and Modul Consult (Riga) to scale modular building services. Transport: Engineering works will disrupt DART over the Dublin bank holiday weekend, with partial rail service and bus alternatives. Social Research: A new Irish report says “mate crime” against people with disabilities is largely underreported, driven by lack of recognition and fear of reporting. Local Business/Tech: Deco Engineering appoints data-centre electrical contractor director Maurice Mortell to its board.

AI & Workforces: Ibec tells Tánaiste Simon Harris Ireland can’t take a passive approach to AI job disruption, warning up to 40% of roles could be affected and urging employer-led upskilling via the National Training Fund. Privacy & Big Tech: Meta’s plan to log detailed employee computer activity to train AI agents is drawing fresh EU privacy concerns after Reuters reported the tool may capture non-US data and includes mouse clicks and navigation. Energy & Climate: A new Offshore Wind action plan flags 18 delivery steps to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels, but stresses grid agreements and planning timelines are still the bottlenecks. Local Renewables Safety: Residents near Monaghan’s Drumlins Park windfarm fear for safety after a turbine blade failure scattered large fragments; Energia says most turbines resumed after inspections, with one still shut. Education Access: Technological University of the Shannon marks 25 years of its Access service, highlighting support for asylum seekers, Travellers, mature learners and other groups. Agri-Food Communications: Our Food Roots and UCD launch a new lectureship to train people to communicate complex farming and sustainability issues. Health & Longevity: A report argues frailty can be managed with ordinary steps like movement, nutrition and social connection. Cybercrime & Schools: Gardaí investigating Carlow school email threats believe the sender hacked a deceased American’s account and used tools to hide identity.

Data Centres & Power Strain: Ireland’s debate on data centres is getting sharper as new reporting highlights how AI-driven demand can push electricity systems hard, with one analysis warning of a “hidden datacentre tax” hitting households. Policy & Regulation: Finance Minister Simon Harris hinted at possible changes to Ireland’s R&D tax credit rules for subcontractors, signalling a review of how supports fit modern research models. AI & Trust: A new consumer study finds people are using AI for major life moments, but many still feel unconfident spotting AI scams and deepfakes—raising the stakes for fraud prevention. Health Tech & Care Gaps: Ireland’s first national diabetes strategy flags “significant disparities” in access to specialist diabetes services, including staffing shortfalls and gaps in psychosocial support. Energy Infrastructure: Hitachi Energy opened a Glasgow engineering centre of excellence expected to create up to 100 roles, while elsewhere BESS projects and grid-connection pauses show how electrification is colliding with real-world capacity limits.

Climate & Health: The World Meteorological Organization says there’s an 86% chance at least one year from 2026-2030 will beat 2024 as the warmest on record, with a 91% chance one of the next five years tops 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels—while Europe’s spring heatwave keeps raising the stakes. Road Safety: Ireland’s Road Safety Authority reports 194 deaths over 2016-2025 where seatbelt use was not confirmed, with 1,568 road deaths overall in the period—another reminder that basic safety still isn’t sticking. AI & Energy: Bidgely’s EmPOWER AI London (10-12 June) spotlights AI for electrification, load flexibility and energy affordability, including a new “Home Asset Identification” report with LCP Delta. Data Centres & Costs: Pure Data Centres’ A Healthier Earth launches an integrated carbon removal platform aimed at hyperscalers and corporates across Europe. Public Policy & Work: The EU Pay Transparency Directive is due to be implemented by 7 June 2026, reshaping hiring and pay-range disclosure rules across member states. Local Tech & Community: Dublin’s Merrion Square drew crowds as the FTD Brothers finished 33 marathons in 33 days to back frontotemporal dementia research and support.

AI & Security in Ireland: F5’s acquisition of Dublin AI security firm CalypsoAI underlines how fast “AI security” is becoming a must-have as AI models move into real-world apps. Payroll Tech Funding: Payslip, the Dublin-based global payroll control platform, secured new financing from Salica Investments to scale its AI-led, audit-ready payroll operations after 60% CAGR and EBITDA positivity. Health Tech & Data: A new study led by Trinity Business School in Dublin finds social media users can form durable impressions after just five consistent posts—raising stakes for misinformation and platform design. Energy & Data Centres: Campaigners warn data centre growth could add €726m to €1.6bn to Irish household bills from 2025-2034, arguing for safeguards as electricity demand and gas prices bite. Climate & Coastal Risk: UCC research highlights coastal erosion hotspots across Ireland, with storms damaging sand dunes and putting homes at risk. Housing Pressure: New rent figures show Ireland’s private rental market is entering a structural shift, with affordability concerns rising fast for young adults. Public Health: Free SPF stations in Dublin parks push SunSmart-style daily protection as skin cancer rates are projected to double by 2040. Local Tech Ecosystem: Rippling expands its Dublin HQ with 150 new jobs, adding to Ireland’s momentum in enterprise software hiring.

AI & Women in Business: Westmeath, Longford and Leitrim Local Enterprise Offices hosted “AI Advantage” to help small firms use AI for growth, with local entrepreneurs sharing practical wins. Rare Disease Access: Families of people with rare conditions rallied at Leinster House urging a dedicated Budget line for new medicines, a reimbursement review and wider Early Access, including fears over losing a “second son” without Skyclarys. Workplace Tech & Jobs: Rippling is expanding in Dublin with 150 new roles, while Unitec IT Solutions was named “Best Place to Work” at the Tech Excellence Awards. Energy & Climate: Met Éireann warns of thunderstorms and continued heat, as Europe’s early “heat dome” drives record temperatures and UN officials call it a brutal climate crisis reminder. Fintech & Crypto: Banca Sella becomes Italy’s first bank to offer MiCA-aligned bitcoin and crypto custody after Bank of Italy authorisation. Health Equity: The Irish Heart Foundation launched an easy-read menopause guide for women with intellectual disabilities, backed by Trinity research. Offshore & Marine Tech: Dublin studio The Studio of Possible was appointed to help seabed-intelligence firm Sulmara reposition for offshore wind growth. TravelTech: PayPal research says 44% of Irish online SME sales are cross-border, with AI and social commerce boosting international expansion. Data Centres & Planning: A Dublin High Court order restrains activists from continuing a trespass at the former Ardee Pub, as planning debates over sensitive sites continue.

Heatwave Fallout: The UK smashed a century-old May temperature record again, hitting 35.1C at London’s Kew Gardens, with “tropical nights” and drownings reported as a deadly spring heatwave bakes Western Europe. Occupied Territories Bill: Opposition parties say they’ll push to toughen Ireland’s delayed bill targeting imports from Israeli settlements, even as government figures warn of diplomatic and economic blowback. Agriculture Emissions: The EPA projects farm emissions could drop by up to 19% by 2030, driven by lower fertiliser use, livestock changes, and shifts in nitrogen inputs. Data Centres & Tax: Digital Infrastructure Ireland warns corporation-tax revenues could take a hit if multinationals build data centres elsewhere. Local Tech & Industry: Corlytics appoints Lisa Miles-Heal as CEO to scale regulatory intelligence, while SolutionsPT’s Cyber SecureOT returns with a “compliance into resilience” focus. Limerick Regeneration: Limerick’s THRIVE Fireplace Site Project is highlighted in a EU Presidency-linked “compact cities” study, spotlighting a new Design and Innovation Hub.