Ireland’s public service transformation agenda will take centre stage on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, with a full programme of workshops, showcases and practical sessions across the country. Organised as part of Public Service Transformation Week, the events will examine how better design, research, technology and collaboration can improve services for people and communities.
The programme was published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on gov.ie. It brings together Government Departments, local authorities, universities, public bodies and community organisations to share approaches supporting the Better Public Services strategy.
Public Service Transformation Week events on 10 November
The day includes both in-person and online sessions, with some events open to all public service bodies and others restricted to invited participants. Key themes include evidence-informed policy, infrastructure delivery, digital inclusion, healthcare design, climate action and operational excellence.
- Better Public Services Practice Lab: The Institute of Public Administration and the Department will showcase winning projects from the Better Public Services Awards 2026 through workshops and group discussions.
- Research for Policy Showcase: Research Ireland will introduce more than 40 academics joining Government Departments and public bodies through the 2026 Public Service Fellowship Programme.
- Building Trust by Design: University College Dublin will explore relational approaches, human-centred design and psychologically safe spaces for public decision-making.
- Accelerating Delivery: A Department-led implementation day will support civil servants working on capital projects and reforms under the Accelerating Infrastructure Reform and Action Plan.
- Family literacy support: SOLAS will host a Limerick workshop on Storysacks and practical ways to support literacy in the home.
Digital services, climate action and community innovation
Several sessions focus on how public services can become more accessible and responsive. A Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council event will examine decarbonising zones as learning zones, linking community participation with Ireland’s net-zero objectives.
Other sessions cover AI-assisted access to trusted information through AskCI, collaboration to combat SMS scams, service design in healthcare and community settings, and digital skills for older people. These themes are relevant to organisations including the Health Service Executive (HSE), local authorities, the National Transport Authority (NTA), SOLAS and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The programme also includes a Guardian ad litem National Service session on innovation, leadership and technology, with a focus on children’s rights and sustainable national service delivery. A separate service-design event will consider language accessibility in hospitals and social connection for older adults.
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Why the programme matters for Ireland’s public sector
Public Service Transformation Week provides a practical forum for sharing lessons rather than presenting reform as a single solution. Its sessions address how public bodies can work across organisational boundaries, use research effectively and design services around people’s experiences.
The programme also reflects the breadth of Ireland’s public administration, from Finance and Housing to Health, Justice, Education, Transport and Climate Action. Agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners, Tusla, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the Central Bank and the CSO operate in different sectors, but all face common challenges around trust, accessibility, data and delivery.
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How to participate
Registration arrangements vary. Some events require advance booking, while the infrastructure reform day and Guardian ad litem session are invite-only. Interested public servants should check the official gov.ie publication and the individual organiser’s registration details before making plans.
Key takeaway: Public Service Transformation Week 2026 highlights a shared national effort to make Irish public services more effective, inclusive and ready for future challenges. For departments, agencies and local authorities, the 10 November programme offers a valuable opportunity to learn from real projects and turn innovation into practical improvement.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie