AI adoption Ireland is entering a new phase as Minister of State Niamh Smyth publishes a major study examining how businesses are using artificial intelligence and what is holding them back. The report focuses on manufacturing, construction and tourism, while also examining the distinctive role of the ICT sector in supplying AI technology, skills and services.
AI Adoption Ireland Report Highlights Opportunities and Barriers
Published by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on 13 October 2026, A Sectoral Study on Artificial Intelligence in Enterprise in Ireland: Impacts, opportunities, barriers and potential interventions was independently prepared by Accenture.
The study is intended to support the responsible expansion of AI across Irish enterprise. It identifies opportunities for businesses to improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, encourage innovation and support sustainable growth.
While AI use is increasing, the report finds that significant potential remains to expand both the number of businesses adopting the technology and the sophistication of its applications. Small and medium-sized enterprises may face particular difficulties involving:
- Access to relevant skills and technical expertise
- Awareness of suitable AI tools and use cases
- Data quality, availability and governance
- Implementation costs and limited internal capacity
Sector-Specific Support for Irish Businesses
A central finding is that AI policy should reflect the different needs of individual sectors and businesses. Manufacturing, construction and tourism operate in distinct environments, meaning a single support model may not deliver the strongest results.
The ICT sector is assessed separately because it plays a critical role in developing and enabling the technologies used across the wider economy. Its contribution extends beyond adopting AI internally to providing platforms, services and specialist expertise for other enterprises.
The report outlines potential interventions to help companies move from awareness and experimentation to practical implementation and wider deployment. The Department will consider these findings as it continues implementing Ireland’s National AI Strategy.
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National AI Strategy and Forthcoming AI Summit
Minister Smyth said the report provides an evidence base for the next stage of Ireland’s AI work. The National AI Strategy aims to capture the economic and social benefits of artificial intelligence while promoting ethical, responsible and effective use.
Its findings are also expected to contribute to Ireland’s forthcoming AI Summit, which will bring together representatives from government, enterprise, academia and wider society. Discussions will consider the country’s AI ambitions and the practical actions needed to achieve them.
The study was overseen by a broad Steering Group involving policymakers, industry representatives, enterprise agencies and other stakeholders. Businesses, researchers and industry bodies also contributed their experience to the research.
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What the AI Report Means for Enterprise
For Irish companies, the report reinforces the importance of building a practical foundation before scaling AI. That includes identifying valuable business problems, preparing reliable data, developing staff capabilities and understanding responsible-use requirements.
Enterprise agencies such as IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland may have an important role in supporting firms at different stages of adoption, particularly where smaller companies lack specialist resources. Coordination across government, education and industry will also be important to ensure that skills and supports match business demand.
Conclusion: Building Confidence in AI Adoption Ireland
The new study confirms that AI adoption Ireland has substantial room to grow, but progress will depend on targeted support rather than technology alone. By addressing skills, cost, data and expertise barriers, Ireland can help businesses move confidently from experimentation to meaningful implementation. The report gives policymakers and enterprise leaders a clearer basis for turning national AI ambition into practical economic results.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
