New group to help develop Ireland's defence from digital and climate vulnerabilities

'Ireland must look at the clouds on the horizon and decide what we need to do now to protect our society, our people and our economy,' said IDSA chairman Pat O’Connor. File Picture.

A new umbrella association has been formed to strengthen the country's capacity to defend itself from cyberattacks, climate change, and to enhance defence-related manufacturing.

The Irish Defence & Security Association (IDSA) members — who are Irish or Irish-based SMEs (small and medium enterprises), research organisations, and multinational corporations — share concerns about Ireland’s vulnerability, but also optimism that this vulnerability can be mitigated against and even capitalised on.