LGMA TECHConnect 2026Sheraton Athlone29 – 30 September 2026

Tuesday, 29 September 2026 · Digital Strategy

Agenda

TimeProgramme
09:00–10:00Registration & refreshments
10:00–10:10Welcome remarks
Barry Kehoe
Chief Executive, Westmeath CoCo
10:10–10:20Welcome remarks
Pauline Mulligan
Chief Executive, LGMA
10:20–10:35Opening remarks
DHLGH Digital Strategy: Vision & Direction
Mihai Bilauca, CIO, DHLGH
10:35–11:00Keynote
Better Public Service in Local Government
Trevor Vaugh, Transformation Policy Design Lead, DPER
11:00–11:20TECHConnect Awards
Introduction to the TECHConnect Awards

Shared Solution Award presentation

Innovation Award presentation

Behind the Scenes Contribution Award presentation
11:20–11:40Tea & coffee break
11:40–12:50TECHLabs
From Problem to Rapid Prototype using AI
Gar Mac Criosta, Chief Adventurer, Bealach; Ritam Das, Technology Specialist, Microsoft
12:50–13:00TECHConnect Awards
Rising Star of the Year Award presentation

Operational Delivery Award presentation
13:00–13:40Lunch
13:40–14:55TECHTalks with Q&A
Project Showcase: Citizen App
Carmel O’Hare, DoS Monaghan CoCo

Beyond IT: Using Digital Skills to Strategically Transform Communities
Danny Lynch, HIS Longford CoCo

Intelligence Led Waste Inspections: Targeting Non-compliance with GIS and FME
Sean Garvey, GIS Analyst, Roscommon CoCo

Human Factors: Enhancing Performance, Resilience and Awareness
Niall Downey, MD, Framework Safety Group
14:55–15:10Break (in room)
15:10–15:55TECHConnect Awards
Cyber Security Award presentation

Data Excellence Award presentation

Leader of the Year Award presentation
15:15–15:40Keynote
Everyone Has a Role in Transformation or Turning Transformation into Action: The Role of People and Teams
Emer Darcy, Strategy and Reform Directorate, The Courts Service
15:40–15:55TECHLabs
From Problem to Rapid Prototype using AI — follow-up
Gar Mac Criosta, Chief Adventurer, Bealach
15:55–16:15Panel Q&A with keynote speakers
16:15–16:25Closing remarks
Saab Khan
ACE & CIO, LGMA
16:25–19:00BBQ