Leaders from business, local government, transport, healthcare and renewable energy will gather in Dún Laoghaire this week for the Dargan Forum 2026. The two-day event at the Royal Marine Hotel on June 24 and 25 will focus on delivering Ireland's green and digital transition and the role of technology in shaping regional development.
The main forum, hosted by Eoin Costello, takes place on June 25 and will examine how innovation is supporting sustainability, resilience and economic prosperity across Ireland's towns and regions.
Paul Kennedy will speak about the marine economy in Dun Laoghaire.
Speakers include Olympic silver medallist Annalise Murphy, Frank Curran of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Maurice Murphy of Amgen, Professor Martin Curley of Maynooth University, Gourmet Food Parlour founder Lorraine Heskin, Vanessa O'Connell of RWE Dublin Array, Michael Power of Iarnród Éireann and representatives from local authorities across the country.
Discussions will focus on economic development, renewable energy, public services, transport infrastructure, healthcare innovation and the delivery of sustainable regional growth. The forum will also feature a demonstration of the Agibot X2 humanoid robot, known as Adam, by technology company EVAD.
A second event, the Dargan Forum Playbook for Regional Development, takes place on the evening of June 24. It will bring together practitioners involved in town centre regeneration, remote working hubs, skills development and community enterprise to share practical experiences of regional development.
Additional workshops on June 25 include sessions on digitally trusted communities, active travel and mobility hubs, and the value of urbanism in revitalising towns and cities.
Organisers say the forum is aimed at business leaders, entrepreneurs, local authority officials, transport and healthcare professionals, renewable energy developers and those involved in sustainable regional development. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required.
