NSAI launches Year in Review

National Standards Authority of Ireland Reflects on a Pioneering Year in 2023 

From publishing Ireland's first Artificial Intelligence Roadmap for Standards to inspecting over 24,000 trade instruments to achieving designation to grant UKCA and CE marks for more types of products, National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has published its Year in Review for 2023. 

Moving beyond planning to action, NSAI's strategic plan for the years 2022-2026 set out ambitious goals focusing on Irish SME growth, climate action and sustainability, digital transformation, medical technology (MedTech) growth, and meeting commitments under Housing for All.  
 
NSAI marked the publication of the Year in Review 2023 with a launch event with Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins TD, NSAI CEO, Geraldine Larkin, NSAI Chairman, James Kennedy and representatives of businesses from across Ireland who benefit from a range of NSAI’s services and support in the delivery of some of NSAI’s functions also. These include : Caroline Ashe Brady of Kore Insulation, Chris O’ Neill of Wisetek and Conor Hickey of Hickey Metering. 

Highlights from the year include: 

• Publication of Ireland's first Artificial Intelligence Standards and Assurance Roadmap, under the National AI strategy. 

• Launch of a new certification scheme in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to support the Housing for All initiative. 

• Certification of Irish-made construction products with the UKCA mark for the first time, facilitating entry into the UK market. 

• Rollout of Ireland's first-ever National Timing Grid, ensuring near-real-time tracking of clock stability against Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). 

• Launch of the Retrofit Collection of standard recommendations, guiding sustainable and efficient building upgrades. 

• Inspection of over 24,000 trade instruments, ensuring compliance and accuracy in various sectors. 

• Delivery of NSAI’s responsibilities in implementing Ireland's Climate Action Plan in addition to the development of NSAI's first Climate Action Roadmap under the plan. 

• Establishment of two new centres of excellence: a Climate Action and Sustainability Centre of Excellence and a Digital Transformation Centre of Excellence. 

The achievements of the National Standards Authority of Ireland in 2023 are pivotal for Ireland's progress and competitiveness on the global stage.

Emer Higgins Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail

Commenting on the publication of the 2023 Year in Review, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins TD said, “The achievements of the National Standards Authority of Ireland in 2023 are pivotal for Ireland's progress and competitiveness on the global stage. By spearheading initiatives in areas such as sustainability, digital transformation, and medical technology, NSAI is not only driving innovation but also bolstering our nation's reputation in quality assurance and standards. These accomplishments underscore our commitment to fostering a thriving economy while ensuring the highest standards of safety and sustainability for our citizens.” 

A highlight of 2023 was NSAI's active participation in the European standardisation landscape. NSAI reinforced Ireland's role at the forefront of European standardisation by participating in the inaugural High-Level Forum on European Standardisation, convened by the European Commission. Additionally, NSAI celebrated Ireland's rich contribution to European standardisation at the annual Standards Forum and Awards, where a special award marked the 50th anniversary of Ireland's EU membership. The event, themed around the circular economy and linked to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, underscored NSAI's commitment to sustainability, a focus that will continue to drive initiatives in 2024 and beyond. 

Speaking to NSAI’s achievements on both a national and international stage, NSAI CEO, Geraldine Larkin continued, “Our successes resonate not only within Ireland but also reverberate across Europe and the globe. By actively participating in European standardisation forums and celebrating Ireland's contributions to the international standards landscape, NSAI reinforces our nation's reputation for excellence and innovation. These achievements underscore our commitment to driving positive change on a global scale, fostering collaboration, and advancing standards that benefit society, industry, and the environment alike.” 

Looking ahead, NSAI remains steadfast in its commitment to aligning its work with key government and EU priorities. The implementation of NSAI's strategic plan is poised to capitalize on opportunities that contribute to Ireland's overarching goals, ensuring the country's continued success on both national and global fronts. NSAI's achievements in 2023 underscore its pivotal role in driving innovation, sustainability, and excellence across various sectors, positioning Ireland as a global leader in standardisation and quality assurance.