Ireland’s public sector is setting out a clearer picture of how state services will change over the next two years. Through a new publication on gov.ie, the Government has outlined how public bodies are working to modernise delivery, improve accountability and make services easier for people to use.
The newly released transformation showcase highlights progress under the Better Public Services Strategy 2023–2030 and maps out priorities for 2026. For anyone tracking reform across gov.ie, the publication offers a practical snapshot of how departments, agencies and frontline organisations are approaching digital change, service design and evidence-based policymaking.
What the new gov.ie transformation showcase covers
The report, published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, reviews achievements from 2025 and sets out next steps for 2026. Its central message is that transformation is no longer limited to isolated IT upgrades. Instead, gov.ie is presenting reform as a whole-of-public-service effort focused on better outcomes for the public.
The strategy is built around three pillars:
- Digital and innovation at scale
- Workforce and organisation of the future
- Evidence-informed policy and services designed for and with the public
That means change is expected not only in technology systems, but also in how services are designed, how decisions are informed by data, and how public institutions collaborate.
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Why gov.ie matters for the wider public service
The significance of this publication goes beyond one department. It reflects work happening across the leadership structures of the Irish public service, including organisations represented on the Public Service Leadership Board. In practice, that has implications for bodies people interact with regularly, from the Revenue Commissioners and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to An Garda Síochána and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
It also points to a more joined-up reform agenda involving major sectors such as Finance, Housing, Health, Social Protection, Justice, Education and Transport. Agencies including the National Transport Authority (NTA), the Data Protection Commission (DPC), HIQA, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Citizens Information Board all operate in an environment where digital access, data use and service standards are becoming more important.
By using gov.ie as the publication platform, the Government is reinforcing the role of a central hub for public information, transparency and policy communication.
Explore: How digital transformation is reshaping citizen services
Key themes to watch in 2026
The showcase suggests several trends will shape the next phase of delivery across gov.ie and the wider state system:
- Stronger digital integration: services are likely to become more connected across departments and agencies.
- User-centred design: a greater emphasis on building services around real public needs rather than internal processes.
- Leadership accountability: senior officials are being positioned as central drivers of reform.
- Evidence-led decisions: better use of data and insights from bodies such as the CSO and sectoral regulators.
This direction is particularly relevant for organisations spanning enterprise support, regulation and public welfare, from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to Tusla, the Central Bank and An Bord Pleanála.
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A sign of long-term change, not a one-off update
What stands out most is that the transformation showcase is framed as part of an ongoing reform programme rather than a standalone announcement. The publication is meant to show progress, share examples and support accountability as the Better Public Services Strategy moves forward.
For readers following developments on gov.ie, this is a useful indicator of where the Irish state is heading: toward more integrated, more digital and more responsive public services. The real test for gov.ie and the wider public sector will be whether these ambitions translate into simpler, faster and more inclusive everyday experiences for the public.
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