Senior figures from national government, major utilities and local authorities convened at Cork City Hall for Demystifying Digital Twins, a strategic forum examining how data-centric planning can sharpen delivery of Ireland's climate, transport and regeneration programmes.

Hosted by Cork City Council with Tyndall Institute and Republic of Work under the EU‑funded TIPS4PED programme, the event brought together representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, ESB Networks, Irish Rail, the LGMA and European research partners to align digital innovation with infrastructure pipelines and responsible public governance.

Opening proceedings, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, said: "Cork has committed to being at the forefront of Europe's climate mission. Digital innovation must go hand in hand with sustainability — but it must also be grounded in infrastructure, governance and the lived experience of our citizens."

Setting the national context, Dr. Mihai Balauca of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage stressed the importance of standards and shared services to enable consistent local implementation. "Digital transformation in local government is not about deploying technology alone. It is about governance, interoperability and shared services that enable local authorities to act with confidence. Alignment between national policy and local delivery is essential if we are to meet Ireland's climate and planning ambition."

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From a local government capability perspective, the LGMA outlined how the Local Government Digital & ICT Strategy 2030 and a national Smart Communities business case can de‑risk adoption and support business cases for investment. Aisling Hyland noted: "Through structured shared services and a national Smart Communities approach, local authorities can adopt technologies such as digital twins in a way that is connected, sustainable and aligned with long-term public value."

Utility and transport delivery were central to discussions on sequencing and procurement readiness. ESB Networks' Gráinne O'Shea said: "Electrification is central to Ireland's decarbonisation future. Grid reinforcement and capacity planning must be informed by long-term visibility. Early and open engagement between cities and infrastructure providers ensures ambition is matched by network capability." Irish Rail's AJ Cronin added: "Rail infrastructure operates on long planning horizons. When cities plan regeneration or modal shift, coordination with transport providers must happen early. The opportunity in Cork's Docklands is significant — but alignment and sequencing are key."

Speakers underscored that digital twins are decision‑support environments—combining models and real‑time information to improve siting, phasing and cost certainty across complex projects—rather than standalone platforms. Frank Brennan of Republic of Work said: "When public authorities, infrastructure providers and research institutions collaborate in a structured way, we create the conditions for meaningful innovation. It is through partnership that digital ambition becomes practical delivery."

Highlighting the value of European funding to test and learn ahead of major commitments, Cork City Council's European Projects Manager, Corina Hanrahan, said: "European projects such as TIPS4PED give cities the space to test, learn and build capability before scaling. Digital twins are not control systems — they are decision-support tools. The focus is confidence, clarity and alignment with climate strategy."

Sessions also addressed data governance, interoperability, and the skills mix needed within local authorities to manage expanding digital and climate mandates—key enablers for robust procurement, investment appraisal and delivery confidence on large capital schemes. Cork City Council confirmed that outputs from the forum will inform both its EU Mission City commitments and the implementation of its Climate Action Plan, supporting better‑sequenced infrastructure and more investable regeneration across the city, including the Docklands and strategic transport corridors.