Gen AI Lab Celebrate eGovernment Award
Dublin City Council’s smart city team, in collaboration with the ADAPT Research Centre, proudly received the AI In Governance Award at the eGovernment Awards 2025. This recognition celebrates their exciting work in establishing the Gen AI Lab; a collaborative initiative exploring the potential of generative AI within the Council. Led by Nicola Graham, with Khizer Ahmed Biyabani and Richie Shakespeare, the team is driving research into how generative AI might transform local government services.
Why the Gen AI Labs Were Created
This project originated in response to the rapid evolution of digital technologies and the transformative impact of Generative AI in both public and private sectors. Recognising the need to adapt to these changes, Dublin City Council partnered with ADAPT to create the Gen AI Lab; a hub for developing and testing AI solutions, delivering staff training, and raising awareness about responsible AI use.
To understand staff needs, a survey of 567 employees was conducted. The results were clear: over 90% expressed interest in AI and Generative AI training, highlighting a significant knowledge gap. In response, the Gen AI Lab collaborated with Academy of the Near Future (an initiative co-funded by Dublin City Council and the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre) and delivered multiple in-person workshops that covered key topics such as the difference between AI and Gen AI, limitations of the technology, data privacy and security, risk assessment, and compliance with EU and national legislation.
Strengths And Expected Impacts
Beyond training, the Gen AI Lab has played a crucial role in shaping internal governance. The team co-authored Dublin City Council’s Gen AI Guidelines providing staff with up-to-date EU and national legislation and best practices. To ensure continuous improvement, the team regularly gathers feedback through surveys and learning resources, refining their approach as the project evolves.
The Lab also identifies key challenge areas across the organisation where AI-powered solutions could deliver meaningful impact.
The Gen AI Lab is Ireland’s first local government generative AI initiative. Its goal is to set a benchmark for innovation, collaboration, and responsible AI adoption in the public sector—demonstrating how the right technology can empower organisations and the communities they serve.