Mayo council moves to protect local authority from cyber-attacks

Mayo County Council is boosting its cybersecurity systems with the official launch today (October 21) of Ireland’s first tailored IT apprenticeship programme for county and city councils.

Alongside Mayo, nine other local authorities have joined the initiative, which aims to equip staff with the skills and expertise to protect local government networks and data from cyber-attacks. 

The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programme, which allows employees to train while they work, was officially launched by the Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin, and Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins, in Dundalk, Co Louth. 

When completed, the apprenticeship will equip participants with skills and knowledge to work in cybersecurity roles within the local government sector, and they will receive an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity (NFQ Level 6).

Minister Harkin said the programme opens doors for new talent but also empowers local government’s existing workforce. 

“This apprenticeship is a powerful example of how targeted education and training can support the evolving needs of our public sector,” she said. 

“By investing in both new talent and upskilling existing staff in Mayo, we are not only strengthening cyber resilience within local government, but also building a future-ready workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a digital society. In addition, this programme supports a number of Government priorities, including growing the number of apprentices within the Public Service.” 

Minister Cummins added: “The Government is committed to expanding apprenticeship and traineeship numbers on a sectoral basis alongside established primary recruitment processes. Today marks an important step in building cyber resilience within local government. 

“As global vulnerabilities continue to rise in threatening the security of our IT systems, this pioneering programme showcases the dedication of public servants in safeguarding our communities through stronger cyber resilience. This programme demonstrates the commitment of the local government sector to achieve the targets set out in the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan to provide programmes that offer a route to qualifications and careers in a range of diverse areas and to establish the sector as an employer of choice by attracting, retaining and developing its staff.”

Training takes place online and in person in the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, where the launch took place.

Representatives from the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which has collaborated with FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology) to deliver the programme, also attended the launch.

 CEO of FIT, Peter Davitt, said: “We are proud to launch Ireland’s first workforce development apprenticeship for local government.

“By embracing tech apprenticeships, this model proactively addresses the challenge of skills obsolescence in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, ensuring that public sector digital services remain robust, secure, and future-ready for the benefit of communities nationwide.”

Chief Executive Officer of the LGMA, Pauline Mulligan, added: “Upskilling current local authority employees is central to our digital transformation strategy, ensuring that they are equipped with the expertise needed to safeguard public services in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusive growth, innovation, and excellence in public service.”  She said.