Open Data Lunchtime Learn Series Begins with a Focus on Data Visualisation

Beidh leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil go luath.

The Open Data Team recently launched the Open Data Lunchtime Learn webinar series, a new programme of engagement aimed at supporting practical understanding and use of open data across the public service and wider ecosystem. The series is designed to bring together a range of stakeholders, including public service bodies, technical experts, and practitioners, to share applied examples of open data use and re‑use, and to promote continued collaboration in this area.

The first session in the series, held in April 2026, focused on Data Visualisation. The session explored the role of innovative visualisation tools in supporting clearer communication and enabling more effective use and re‑use of open data.

The session included contributions from colleagues in the Central Statistics Office (CSO), alongside an external data visualisation expert, Rudi O’Reilly Meehan of Data&Design, who provided perspectives from his portfolio of innovative data visualisations using open data, including considerations around accessibility and usability. These contributions were complemented by a walkthrough of the Apache Superset visualisation feature now available on data.gov.ie, delivered by Derilinx, the technical managers of Ireland’s national Open Data portal.

Together, these perspectives highlighted how existing datasets can be explored in more intuitive ways, supporting improved accessibility and understanding of data for a broader range of users, including those without specialist technical expertise. The session also underlined the importance of practical tools and shared approaches in enabling the effective use and re‑use of open data across the public service.

A recording of the session is available at the following link:
Open Data Lunchtime Learn – Data Visualisation

The Open Data Lunchtime Learn series forms part of a wider programme of communication and engagement activity aimed at strengthening participation in Ireland’s open data ecosystem, and supporting alignment with national and international policy objectives. Further sessions in the series are planned for later in the year, alongside other larger scale events.

For those interested in further developing their knowledge of open data, the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) offers a suite of training courses covering a range of topics, from introductory material to more applied data analytics and visualisation. Further information is available here:
IPA Open Data courses launched for 2026

To stay informed about upcoming sessions in the series, resources, and developments in the Irish open data ecosystem, you can subscribe to the Open Data newsletter:
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