AI – Friend or foe?

Leader column

Much has been written about artificial intelligence, particularly in the past year and a lot of it by apps like Chat GPT and the robots themselves.

There has never been as much focus on it in the pages of The Anglo-Celt and particularly since the Minister of State with responsibility for AI, Niamh Smyth, is based in Cavan and Monaghan.

There were two major conferences in the region in the past week - AI Works hosted by Google in Monaghan and Cavan Connects.

But is AI a friend or a foe? Certainly AI tools can reduce the administrative burden on companies and free up key employees to perform more creative and innovative tasks. But there is a critical need for tight human oversight, and constant checking for accuracy – so much so at times that one might be quicker doing it from scratch the old fashioned, mere mortal way.

Ruth King of CICS Silo Clean was among a panel of speakers at the Monaghan event last week. It was interesting to hear her talk about her early experiments with AI and how she asked it to give her a recipe based on the contents of her fridge.

Experimentation is key to shake off some of the fears and misconceptions around AI and also to try and test the various technology and tools.

There are genuine fears too that the widespread adoption of AI will lead to job losses. One only needs to look at the recent announcements by Facebook and Instagram owner Meta, which is cutting 350 jobs from its Dublin office.

A report from Morgan Stanley published at the start of 2026 also warned that up to 200,000 European banking jobs (or one in 10) could be cut by 2030 as lenders embrace AI.

Technology is impressive and can transform operations in many businesses. But it cannot replace or replicate human creativity or ingenuity.

Cera Ward, the Monaghan based MD of Google Ireland, put it best when she said: “Technology can’t build your business’s reputation. A computer is not going to look your customer in the eye and make a promise, but what AI can help you do is fulfil that promise.”

As an interesting experiment, The Anglo-Celt asked Chat GPT to produce a 400 word opinion piece on the merits and pitfalls of AI for businesses in Cavan and Monaghan. Here is what the robots generated. See what you think!

AI in Business - Opportunity and Challenge

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming one of the most significant forces shaping modern business. From automating administrative tasks to improving customer service and analysing large volumes of data, AI offers companies the potential to increase productivity, reduce costs and compete more effectively in a global marketplace. For businesses across Ireland, including those in border counties such as Cavan and Monaghan, the technology presents both exciting opportunities and important challenges.

The case for AI is compelling. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of local economies in Cavan and Monaghan, can use AI tools to streamline operations that were previously time-consuming and expensive. Farmers can employ AI-driven systems to monitor livestock health and crop performance. Manufacturers can improve quality control and predict equipment failures before they occur. Retailers and service providers can use AI-powered marketing and customer engagement tools to reach wider audiences while operating more efficiently.

For rural and border regions, AI may also help overcome some long-standing disadvantages. Businesses located outside major urban centres often face challenges in attracting specialist talent and accessing large markets. AI can help bridge these gaps by enabling remote working, improving digital services and allowing smaller firms to compete on a more level playing field with larger organisations.

However, the benefits of AI are accompanied by genuine concerns, particularly regarding employment. History shows that technological change often creates new jobs while rendering others obsolete. AI is likely to follow this pattern, but the transition may be difficult for workers whose roles involve repetitive administrative or routine tasks. In counties where employment opportunities can already be more limited than in larger cities, job displacement could have a disproportionate impact on individuals and communities.

There is also the risk of a widening digital divide. Businesses that can afford to invest in AI and develop the necessary skills may prosper, while others struggle to keep pace. Without adequate broadband infrastructure, training programmes and support for workforce reskilling, some rural areas could find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.

The challenge for policymakers, educators and business leaders is therefore not whether AI should be adopted, but how it should be adopted. Investment in digital skills, lifelong learning and regional innovation initiatives will be critical. If managed responsibly, AI can become a tool that strengthens economic resilience and creates new opportunities in counties like Cavan and Monaghan. If poorly managed, it risks exacerbating existing inequalities. The future impact of AI will depend less on the technology itself and more on the choices society makes in deploying it.