Ireland’s position as a highly globalised, export-led economy relies entirely on the strength and reliability of our supply chain networks. In an era defined by external shocks, from geopolitical conflicts and tariffs to the increasing occurrences of extreme weather events and prevalence of cybersecurity threats, resilience is no longer a luxury; it is a strategic economic imperative.
As part of the industry event of the Department of Transport’s Logistics & Supply Chain Skills Week 2026, Ibec is convening industry leaders for a morning briefing on the resilience our supply chains, the necessary infrastructure investments, emergency preparedness, business continuity and the skills needed to ensure resilience.
Join us for this morning event consisting of Ibec’s work on security and defence, a legislative briefing on the upcoming Internal Market Emergency & Resilience Act (IMERA) and two in-depth discussions with industry leaders on infrastructural and operational resilience:
Ibec Paper - Security and Defence: Pillars of a resilient Europe
Jackie King, Executive Director at Ibec Global, will discuss the intersection of European competitiveness and security. Drawing from Ibec’s campaign for Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency, "Making a Resilient, Competitive EU a Reality", she will outline how recent geopolitical shocks have demonstrated that the ability to protect, adapt, and innovate is central to economic competitiveness and how resilience has become the essential foundation that connects Europe’s security, defence and industrial strengths.
Briefing on the Internal Market Emergency & Resilience Act (IMERA)
IMERA serves as the European Union's legislative response to the supply chain fragilities exposed by recent global shocks. Set for implementation in late May, this critical piece of regulation is designed to safeguard essential trade routes and will ensure that Ireland remains a resilient and competitive FDI. Consisting of mandated and voluntary supply chain stress tests and simulations, the Act shares protocols and best practices to build robust emergency preparedness. DETE will be taking this opportunity to brief industry leaders on these measures and discuss how Government intends to engage business when the next crisis hits.
Building to Last: Resilient Infrastructure in Our Supply Chains
A discussion on the capital investments required to future-proof Ireland’s critical enabling infrastructure, the interconnectedness of our supply chains with our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) model, of the time-sensitive nature of Ireland’s on-time logistics networks alongside the essential role of our air freight and maritime connectivity.
- Cormac Kennedy, Head of Commercial at Dublin Port Company
- Stephen Prendiville, Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Government Lead at Deloitte
- Jackie King, Executive Director, Ibec Global
Weathering the Storms: Skills for Operational Resilience
Industry experts will share practical experiences and strategies for emergency preparedness, risk management, and overcoming infrastructural challenges across digital and critical utilities as well as discussing the skills gaps that must be addressed to bolster our supply chain resilience.
- Dr. Michael Gillen, Head of OSH Policy in Ibec
- Barry Whelan, CEO at Excel Recruitment
- Aaron Murphy, Head of Distribution and Fulfilment at Tesco Ireland
- Jim Hackett, Supply Chain Senior Director at BioMarin
Who should attend?
- Supply Chain Directors
- Logistics Managers
- Risk Managers
- Infrastructure Operators
- Procurement Specialists
- OHS Professionals
- HR Directors
- Education & Skills Providers
Logistics & Supply Chain Skills Week 2026 is a national initiative led by the Government of Ireland and the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG) to highlight the critical role of the sector as the "backbone" of the Irish economy. Established in 2023, the week aims to promote diverse career paths, educational opportunities, and sustainable employment to students and professionals alike. The 2026 iteration, themed "Global, Innovative, Resilient," features a mix of in-person and virtual events designed to address modern challenges such as digital transformation, climate action, and the urgent need for a highly skilled, adaptable workforce.
