Unlocking Potential: A Recap of the National Open Data Conference 2023

The National Open Data Conference 2023 unfolded as a dynamic and informative event, bringing together key players in the open data landscape.

(L-R): Head of the Public Service Transformation Policy Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Sarah Glavey. Assistant Secretary in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, responsible for the Public Service Transformation Division, Marianne Cassidy. Administrative Officer of the Open Data Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Jason Sherlock. Administrative Officer of the Open Data Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Caoimhe Judge. Clerical Officer of the Open Data Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Fiachra Cumiskey. Head of the Open Data Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Helena Campbell. Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe.

The chair of Ireland’s Open Data Governance Board Aoife Sexton set the stage as the conference opener and adeptly moderated the proceedings. The highlight of the event was the launch of the new National Open Data Strategy for 2023-2027 by Minister Paschal Donohoe, underlining the government's commitment to advancing open data initiatives. Marianne Cassidy, Head of the Public Service Transformation Division in the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform, delved into the conceptual framework, while Barbara Ubaldi, Head of Open and Innovative Governments at the OECD, provided a global perspective on open data efforts. The diverse range of topics continued with Dr. Catherine Dempsey exploring agricultural data and Judith Szlovák shedding light on healthcare initiatives, particularly the European Health Data Space.

The conference maintained its momentum with a stimulating Question and Answer session, followed by a tea and coffee break that facilitated networking and casual discussions among attendees. Professor Rob Kitchin shared insights into the data ecosystem surrounding planning and property data in Ireland.

An interesting panel of open data publishers and users took place from Barry Doyle of Galway County Council who talked about the award winning ‘Digitising Galway's Graveyard Heritage’ project, Payal Pandya from Dublin City Council who presented on Dublin’s Air Quality Project, and Claire Duggan of Dublin Culture Near You who presented on a database and map of Dublin’s culture.

Eoin MacCuirc, formerly of the Central Statistics   Office, provided a comprehensive overview of the practical uses of statistical data, comparing Ireland's data with the EU and forecasting the future of High-Value Datasets. The event concluded with closing remarks, leaving attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the open data landscape.

For more detailed information on the conference, the PDFs of the speaker’s slides,and for the conference recording, please see the following link:

https://data.gov.ie/pages/national-open-data-conferences

In conclusion, the National Open Data Conference 2023 exceeded expectations, providing a platform for valuable insights and networking opportunities.