Drogheda & District Chamber, in partnership with Louth Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and the Drogheda Digital Hub, yesterday officially launched the Digitise Drogheda: After Hours Workshop Series, a new initiative designed to support local businesses on their digital journey.
The launch was marked by a special visit from Minister Niamh Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, who travelled to Drogheda to formally launch the programme.
The Minister was welcomed at the Louth County Council Civic Offices on Fair Street by Mayor Declan Power, elected members including Senator Alison Comyn, and Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, alongside representatives from
Drogheda & District Chamber.
Before arriving at the Drogheda Digital Hub for the official launch, the group visited several local businesses along the route, including Peter Street Pharmacy, Your Gorgeous Hair, and Hurley Bros. Each business provided valuable insight into their own digitalisation journey, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges faced by SMEs in adopting digital tools.
The official launch event took place at the Drogheda Digital Hub, where attendees heard opening remarks from Fionnuala Rogers, Manager of the Drogheda Digital Hub, followed by an address from Mayor Declan Power and keynote remarks from Minister Smyth.
A panel discussion followed, featuring Minister Smyth, Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise at Louth LEO, and Robert Murray, Board Member of Drogheda & District Chamber, and was facilitated by Miriam Simon, President of Drogheda & District Chamber.
During the discussion, the six workshops that form part of the programme were formally announced.
The Digitise Drogheda workshop series was developed in response to a digital transformation roundtable held at the end of 2025, led by Drogheda & District Chamber.
The roundtable identified a clear need among local businesses for practical, accessible, and locally delivered digital supports.
In response, the Chamber worked in collaboration with Louth LEO and the Drogheda Digital Hub to develop a free-to-access workshop series, delivered after hours and facilitated by local experts, providing “bite-sized” and practical digital insights.
Minister Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI, and Digital Transformation:
“It is encouraging to see initiatives like Digitise Drogheda being developed at a local level, bringing practical digital skills directly to businesses in the community. Supporting SMEs to embrace digital tools is essential for competitiveness, resilience, and future growth, and this programme is a great example of collaboration in action.”
Miriam Simon, President, Drogheda & District Chamber:
“This initiative is about making digital more accessible for local businesses. We know that many SMEs understand the importance of digital, but often don’t know where to start. By bringing together local expertise and delivering these workshops in a practical, after-hours format, we are creating a space where businesses can build confidence and take real steps
forward.”
Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise, Louth LEO:
“Louth LEO is committed to supporting businesses at every stage of their development, with digitalisation a key part of that journey. Digitise Drogheda reflects what we are hearing from businesses which is a need for practical, relevant supports that can be applied immediately. Through this initiative, we are also highlighting the range of digital supports available through
Louth LEO, from consultancy to financial supports, while working with Drogheda & District Chamber to make digital transformation more accessible and help SMEs grow their competitiveness.”
Robert Murray, Board Member, Drogheda & District Chamber:
“This programme is a direct outcome of what we heard from businesses during our digital roundtable. There was a clear appetite for practical, no-nonsense support delivered locally. Over the past number of months, we’ve worked to bring together experienced facilitators who understand the real challenges businesses face, and today marks the beginning of that
support being delivered.”
Fionnuala Rogers, Manager, Drogheda Digital Hub:
“The Drogheda Digital Hub is about enabling innovation and supporting business growth, and this workshop series fits perfectly with that mission. It provides a welcoming environment where businesses can learn, connect, and explore digital opportunities in a very practical way, and it’s free.”
The Digitise Drogheda programme will run throughout the summer, covering key topics
including:
- Managing and securing business data – delivered by Barry James, Nucleo Group
- AI for small business – delivered by Miriam Simon, miriamsimon.ie
- Social media that drives enquiries – delivered by Colm Hanratty, Sixtwo Digital
- Website and Google fundamentals – delivered by Keith Byrne, Create108.ie
- E-commerce and online selling – Sabrina Basante, 2U Digital
- Digital supports available to businesses – Gráinne McKeown, Louth LEO
The first workshop: “Managing & Securing Your Business Data”, will take place on Wednesday, 24th June 2026 at 6:15pm in the Drogheda Digital Hub.
Places are limited, and booking is required. A booking link is now available on the Drogheda & District Chamber website.
