Monaghan Peace Campus hosts major Google AI showcase for regional SME’s

Over 500 delegates representing regional businesses attended two ‘AI Works for Ireland’ events, held on 28th May at the Peace Campus in Monaghan. The events were designed to help SMEs understand and apply AI in a practical, business focused way.

Delivered by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network in partnership with Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Enterprise Europe Network, these events brought together business owners, industry experts and AI specialists for a full day of insights, demonstrations and workshops focused on real-world application.

A recent study undertaken by Amárach Research, which engaged SMEs across Cavan and Monaghan, found that 78% believe AI can positively impact their business, with 68% expecting it to drive growth in 2026. However, despite this clear opportunity, adoption in the region remains relatively low, with only 14% describing AI as central to their operations.

The event formed part of the wider AI Works for Ireland initiative, aimed at supporting SMEs at every stage of their AI journey - from early exploration to active adoption - through trusted local guidance and practical tools to drive growth.

Attendees gained practical insights into how AI can support day-to-day business operations, marketing and decision-making, alongside hands on experience with AI tools through expert-led workshops and real-life examples from Irish SMEs already using AI successfully.

In their opening remarks, both the Cathaoirleach of County Monaghan, Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon, and Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council Robert Burns highlighted the significance of hosting such major events in the county and acknowledged the Peace Campus - recently named Ulster Building of the Year - as a fitting venue for an event focused on innovation and future growth.   The campus continues to grow as a venue of choice for both regional and national events outside of Dublin and Belfast.

The agenda featured a mix of keynote speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions. Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Google, outlined the opportunities for SMEs to leverage AI, followed by an SME growth keynote from entrepreneur Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of ELK Studios in Dundalk.

Minister Niamh Smyth, in conversation with Google’s Cera Ward, outlined the range of supports available across the SME journey, emphasising how Government and Local Enterprise Office supports are delivering real business growth and job creation. She highlighted the importance of AI adoption and digitalisation for competitiveness, outlined opportunities for Irish SMEs in the European market - particularly in the context of Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency - and reinforced the value of partnerships across the enterprise ecosystem.   She also encouraged businesses to become grant ready and to take practical first steps in engaging with supports such as the National Enterprise Hub.

A panel discussion featuring regional business leaders - including Neill Dunwoody (SPRYT), Rebecca Maguire (Púróga Pebble Art), Phil Graham (Secora Consulting), and Ruth Tidy-King (CICS SiloClean) - shared real-world examples of how AI has supported business growth.

Throughout the day, Google representatives delivered workshops and live demonstrations.

The programme also included a fireside chat with Aimee Connolly, founder and CEO of Sculpted by Aimee, who spoke about how she has used AI to enhance productivity and scale her business, alongside dedicated deep-dive workshops on getting started with Google AI tools and applying them in practice.

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth said:

“Artificial Intelligence is making a meaningful impact for businesses throughout Ireland, including right here in Monaghan and Cavan in local businesses that are the backbone of our border region's economy and communities. For AI to truly benefit businesses, it must also enhance the lives of the people who create, manage, and work within them.

“Events such as today's are critically important in promoting and encouraging AI adoption in businesses across our region and enabling them to understand that this opportunity is genuine and achievable. The supports are in place, and government, working alongside Local Enterprise Offices in both Monaghan and Cavan, is here to provide the guidance, resources, and expertise needed to help organisations of every size in this region succeed.”

Robert Burns Chief Executive Monaghan County Council stated

“It is a significant achievement for Monaghan to host an event of this scale, bringing together national and international leaders in AI alongside our regional business community. The level of engagement we have seen here today highlights both the ambition of our SMEs and the importance of providing practical supports to help them adopt new technologies.

The Peace Campus continues to demonstrate its value as a flagship venue capable of supporting major national initiatives, and we are proud to see it play a central role in empowering businesses across the region to embrace innovation, enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth.”

Speaking at the event, Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Monaghan, said:

“AI Works for Ireland gave SMEs practical insights and hands-on experience of using AI tools that can help them save time and become more efficient. Through the Local Enterprise Offices, that engagement doesn’t end on the day—we are here locally to support businesses in building the skills needed to integrate AI through our range of supports.”

Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Google, added:

“Through my work with Google, I’ve seen first-hand the ambition of Irish SMEs and their strong belief in what AI can unlock for their businesses. What’s often missing isn’t intent, but the confidence and practical know-how to get started.

Our aim is to ensure every business has the opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, an AI-powered economy. As someone from Clontibret, County Monaghan, it’s particularly special to support an initiative like AI Works for Ireland - bringing the skills and expertise needed directly to local businesses and helping move from curiosity to capability.”