Emerging Technologies and Digitising the Irish Economy
Darren Bergin
Managing Director, Fenagh Engineering and Testing Ireland
The adoption of emerging technologies presents an enormous opportunity for Ireland to enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. For businesses, integrating tools like AI and robotics offers more than operational efficiencies - it enables them to innovate, achieve sustainability goals, and remain agile in a rapidly changing world.
For the economy, it’s a chance to solidify Ireland’s position as a leader in digital transformation, driving growth, creating high-skilled jobs, and setting new benchmarks for industries ranging from healthcare to construction.
At Fenagh Engineering & Testing, we’ve made it our mission to contribute to this transformation. When we established our European headquarters in Dublin, it wasn’t just a strategic move - it was a statement of confidence in Ireland’s digital future. With a €3 million investment planned over the next three years, we are dedicated to embedding emerging technologies into our operations and supporting the digitisation of the Irish economy.
One example of this commitment is our collaboration with Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) on the “AI Compli” project. This initiative leverages AI, computer vision and machine learning with advanced camera technology to enhance construction compliance inspections. By combining the precision of technology with human in the loop oversight, we’re creating systems that improve quality, compliance, and efficiency - three essential pillars in the construction industry.
This is more than just innovation, it’s about addressing long-standing industry challenges while paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future.
The focus on emerging technologies has far-reaching implications for sustainability - a priority we cannot ignore. By incorporating AI and machine learning into our processes, we’re finding ways to reduce waste, optimise resources, and improve energy efficiency. For Ireland, these advancements align with national goals to create a greener, more sustainable economy. The intersection of technology and sustainability is where we see the greatest potential for long-term impact, both for Fenagh and for the industries we serve.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s working with academic institutions like TU Dublin, partnering with industry leaders, or engaging local stakeholders, we believe that innovation thrives in a collaborative environment. These partnerships enable us to share knowledge, test new ideas, and scale solutions that benefit not just Fenagh, but the broader ecosystem.
By fostering an open exchange of ideas, we’re building a foundation for continuous progress.
Emerging technologies like AI are no longer optional - they are essential for businesses and economies looking to stay competitive. For Ireland, this focus on digitalisation is an opportunity to lead, not just follow. It’s a chance to redefine how industries operate, create new pathways for growth, and ensure that Irish businesses remain at the forefront of global innovation.
At Fenagh Engineering & Testing, we are proud to play a role in this journey. By embedding emerging technologies into our operations and prioritising sustainability and collaboration, we are not only addressing today’s challenges but also preparing for the future. Ireland’s economy is poised for a digital transformation, and we’re excited to contribute to building a smarter, more resilient, and more innovative future for the construction industry and beyond.
