About - IRDG Innovation Network

Who We Are

IRDG – Industry Research & Development Group – is Ireland’s only non-profit, business-led innovation network of companies working together to achieve excellence in research, development and innovation. We are 100% focused on research and development in industry, and supporting our 300+ member companies to accelerate their return on investment. Our mission is to foster a cross-sectoral culture of innovation and drive sustainable value for members leading to growth, jobs and prosperity.

Founded in 1992, we are the only independent, business-led innovation network in Ireland totally dedicated to industry research, development and innovation. We are uniquely placed to help businesses develop the right capabilities and access the right supports for innovation success.

IRDG is the bridge connecting the entire innovation eco system within Ireland. We provide member companies with representation, funding support as well as opportunities for networking, collaboration and learning.

We believe in the power of this unique industry network to deliver the intelligence, inspiration and innovation necessary to create an exclusive and vibrant economy for the 21st century.

How to Become a Member

Our Executive Team

The IRDG team is highly experienced in all aspects of industry research, development and innovation, and spends many hours guiding and advising members on their individual needs.

Dermot CaseyChief Executive Officer

Dermot joined IRDG in November 2021 as incoming CEO and took over in January 2022. He joined IRDG from Resolve Partners a leading Innovation Consultancy where he built accelerators, supported fundraising, and worked with founders, researchers, Universities, and Corporates.

Over his career he’s ranged from investing and supporting deep technology companies in NDRC, as COO growing Storyful from 2 to 35 staff and over a decade in technical and management roles in GE. Dermot has been an adjunct lecturer at the UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School and is a Director of the Festival of Curiosity.

Bernadette McGahonResearch & Innovation Services Manager

Bernie joined IRDG in January 2017 as Research and Innovation Services Manager in a new role to provide the IRDG membership with an expert resource and service in relation to innovation matters and incentives support.

Bernie has over 17 years’ experience in the area of research, development and innovation spanning across the academic, industry and public sectors. She has been involved in international research and innovation roles with InterTradeIreland, supporting companies to leverage national and EU funding.

Phone: 083-8213177

Mary ByrneMembership Development & Communications Manager

Mary joined IRDG in November 2011, and has responsibility for Membership Development and Communications within the Group.

Throughout Mary’s career she has championed the role of people, learning and communications within business, engaging people in development programmes, introducing innovative communications media, and organising and hosting events and conferences to support people share experiences and learning.

Phone: 087-6501215

Lorraine O’FarrellExecutive Assistant

Lorraine joined IRDG in 2005 as Executive Assistant. In this role, Lorraine supports IRDG through coordinating events and conferences, performs market research to support IRDG growth, supporting members with queries and correspondence, managing of IRDG social media activity, and general administrative duties to assist the Executive Team.

Prior to joining IRDG, Lorraine held similar roles with Statoil HQ, AIB, Bank of Ireland and AIG.

Phone: 01-2374671

Darragh GaffneyResearch & Innovation Services Manager

Darragh joined the IRDG team in 2020 as a Research and Innovation Services Manager. He spends a considerable amount of his time with members on a one-to-one basis, working through needs and interests across diverse sectors, and supporting individual members achieve their RD&I goals.

Darragh has many years’ experience in R&D activities, previously acting as R&D Manager for Monaghan Biosciences (MBio) and consultancy roles.

Phone: 087-3473222