Mission
Engaging Citizens and Empowering Communities
Trust
Ireland's consistent performance in EU-wide trust metrics reflects the strong relationship between citizens and State institutions, including our health services, law enforcement, and public administration systems. The Covid-19 pandemic marked a significant test of trust globally, the evolution of citizen and government relationships continues to be shaped by digital transformation and emerging technologies. As governments navigate complex challenges around artificial intelligence (AI), data protection, and digital service delivery, maintaining and building on established levels of public trust remains essential for effective governance.
Transparency
Public trust is an essential part of a successful government and that trust must be earned through open, transparent, and participatory policy-making. Such participatory policy-making demands a system of transparency that goes beyond the traditional public sector administration; digital tools and platforms enable unprecedented levels of open government, creating opportunities for meaningful citizen engagement at every level. As Irish households become increasingly reliant on all things digital, citizens expect and should have greater access to decision-making processes. For government engagement to thrive, it is not enough for people to trust the Government - the Government must trust its people.
Technology
Digital transformation continues to reshape how government interacts with citizens and how citizens, in turn, interact with their government. This evolution brings more people into the public engagement process while growing the diversity of participation, which is a key goal for forward-looking governments. Modern technologies driving this transformation include interactive platforms that replace traditional one-way websites, immersive technologies that allow citizens to experience proposed community changes, IoT sensors that measure and respond to community behaviours, and digital tools that enhance participation. These innovations are reimagining the relationship between citizens and their government, creating pathways for more meaningful engagement.
Training
Smart cities across Ireland use networks of IoT sensors, monitoring everything from air quality and noise levels to traffic flow patterns and public service use. While this data collection is valuable, the main challenge lies in effectively analysing and applying insights across government departments. Breaking down data silos and encouraging cross-departmental collaboration remains critical for making the most of these technologies. Government bodies and their communications partners need expertise in both transparent governance principles and emerging technologies to support meaningful citizen engagement, backed by ongoing professional development in ever-evolving stakeholder engagement tools and techniques.