The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer Ireland Report reveals a significant lack of trust in institutions and identifies a lack of understanding of new technologies as a key barrier to their implementation.

This educational deficit can foster fear and hinder the integration of innovation into Irish society. Next week’s Dargan Forum 2024 directly addresses these concerns by promoting understanding and trust around innovation while showcasing the positive impact of technology. With the Edelman report showing trust in NGOs, government, business, and media at just 47% in Ireland, the forum's dynamic program of open and informative discussions is both timely and essential in facilitating conversations that shape a future where innovation benefits all. 

Dublin, Ireland – One week from now, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers will converge at the Dargan Forum 2024 to explore the intersection of technology, empowerment and community building. Set in venues across picturesque Dún Laoghaire, an historic hotbed for innovation, the Dargan Forum 2024 intends to ignite conversations and inspire innovation, laying a path to digital, green future for Ireland’s communities.   

Opening this year’s conference with expert insight into how technology can serve people and places is Bobby Healy, CEO of MANNA Drone Delivery, who will share his company’s inspiring vision for a net zero future for deliveries. Keynote speakers include Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Digital Transformation; Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission; David Curtin, CEO of .ie; and Emma Jones, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation which recently announced a strategic partnership with the Dargan Forum.  

Other key event partners include Irish Rail, Connected Hubs, Søstrene Grene and Fáilte Ireland.  Bank of Ireland is also a long-term supporter of the work of the Dargan Institute through the Dargan Hub, Dún Laoghaire. Entering its second year, the Dargan Forum embodies the fusion of heritage and innovation, convening each July in historic Dún Laoghaire to explore the empowering role of technology in the green and digital transition taking place across Ireland.

The Dargan Forum is named for and inspired by William Dargan, pioneer of railway technology and arguably Ireland’s most important engineer of the 19th century. The Forum channels William Dargan’s pioneering spirit by working to harness technology for human good and using it to connect people, places and ideas in new ways, just as Dargan himself did.