At the AI Works For Ireland event at the Monaghan Peace Campus were (from left) Cathal Flynn, Director of Services, Monaghan County Council; Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Monaghan Local Enterprise Officer; Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Google; Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council; Minister Niamh Smyth; Deirdre Craven, Enterprise Ireland and Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council. Photos: Rory Geary

Local companies embrace AI at landmark Google conference

Monaghan
AI

Veronica Corr

Published: Tue 2 Jun 2026, 12:26 PM

Monaghan’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation was underlined last week when more than 200 business representatives gathered at the Peace Campus for the AI Works for Ireland conference last Friday, May 29.

The major regional event, organised through the Local Enterprise Office network in partnership with Google Ireland, attracted what organisers believe was the largest attendance of any of the conference series held around the country, highlighting the strong appetite among local businesses to explore the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI).

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At the AI Works For Ireland event at the Monaghan Peace Campus were (from left) Cathal Flynn, Director of Services, Monaghan County Council; Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Monaghan Local Enterprise Officer; Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Google; Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council; Minister Niamh Smyth; Deirdre Craven, Enterprise Ireland and Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council. Photos: Rory Geary ©Rory Geary

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Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, speaking at the AI Works For Ireland event at the Monaghan Peace Campus. ©Rory Geary

Opening proceedings, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon welcomed delegates and praised the choice of venue.

“I’m very pleased that this event is taking place here in the Peace Campus, recently recognised as the Ulster Building of the Year. It’s a fitting venue for an event focused on innovation and future growth.”

Acknowledging the growing impact of AI on businesses of all sizes, Cllr O’Hanlon added: “AI is here and it’s transforming how businesses operate. For SMEs, it offers a real chance to grow, compete internationally, improve efficiency, and enter new markets.”

He also paid tribute to Clontibret native Cera Ward, Managing Director of Google Ireland, describing her as a trailblazer who is “doing great things internationally”.

Monaghan County Council Chief Executive Robert Burns said the local authority is committed to helping businesses harness new technologies.

“We are proud to play a central role in empowering businesses across the region to enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth through AI,” he said. “Innovation is very much part of our DNA.”

Speaking to the Celt during the event, Head of Enterprise at LEO Monaghan Pamela Kerr said she was delighted with the response, revealing that 210 businesses attended.

Of the conferences held in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Monaghan, she believes the Monaghan event attracted the largest turnout.

“That reflects the strong entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and curiosity of businesses in this region,” she said.

Ms Kerr also highlighted the positive reaction to a panel discussion featuring local business owners, including Rebecca Maguire of Púróga Pebble Art, who explained how AI and digitalisation helped her secure a major contract.

Encouraging businesses to continue exploring available supports, Ms Kerr said: “I would encourage anybody in business that is thinking of AI, digitalisation, exporting, or marketing, to contact us.

We have a large number of supports and staff ready to take you on the journey with the Local Enterprise Office.”