Cyber Ireland Cluster Manager Eoin Byrne has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO), giving Ireland a stronger voice in shaping cybersecurity policy, collaboration and innovation across Europe.
Hosted by Munster Technological University (MTU), Cyber Ireland is the national cybersecurity cluster, connecting industry, academia and government to support the continued growth of Ireland’s cybersecurity sector. Byrne’s appointment to the ECSO Board reflects both the increasing maturity of Ireland’s cybersecurity ecosystem and the country’s growing influence within the European cybersecurity community.
ECSO is Europe’s leading non-profit cybersecurity organisation, bringing together businesses, public bodies, research organisations and academic institutions to strengthen Europe’s cyber resilience. The organisation works closely with the European Commission and plays a key role in shaping cybersecurity policy, supporting innovation and fostering cross-border collaboration.
Byrne’s appointment will help ensure Ireland has a stronger voice in discussions that influence the future of cybersecurity across Europe. It also creates new opportunities for Irish-based cybersecurity companies, researchers and educators to build partnerships, access European funding and contribute to initiatives addressing emerging cyber threats.
Commenting on his appointment, Eoin Byrne, Cluster Manager at Cyber Ireland, said: “Cybersecurity is a challenge that no country can solve on its own. Ireland has built a diverse and innovative cybersecurity industry over the past decade, and this appointment provides an opportunity to ensure that our experience and expertise are represented at European level. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across ECSO to strengthen collaboration and help create opportunities for Irish organisations to engage more deeply with Europe’s cybersecurity ecosystem.”
The appointment also highlights MTU’s growing role in advancing cybersecurity capability in Ireland. Alongside hosting Cyber Ireland, the university leads and supports several nationally significant initiatives, including Cyber Innovate, CyberSkills and Cyber Futures, while delivering events that bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and students.
Hazel Murray, Chair of Cybersecurity at MTU and member of the Cyber Ireland Advisory Board, welcomed the appointment, saying: “Eoin’s appointment is an important milestone for Ireland’s cybersecurity sector. Having Irish representation on the ECSO Board strengthens our ability to contribute to the conversations shaping Europe’s cybersecurity priorities while creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and growth. It reflects the progress the Irish cybersecurity ecosystem has made and reinforces Ireland’s position as a trusted partner in building Europe’s cyber resilience.”
Cyber Ireland represents more than 250 member organisations spanning indigenous cybersecurity companies, multinational organisations, higher education institutions and public sector bodies. Recent industry reports published by the cluster show Ireland’s cybersecurity sector continues to expand, supporting thousands of jobs and making a significant contribution to the national economy. Cyber Ireland was selected by the Irish Government in 2025 as one of three national clusters.
By strengthening Ireland’s representation within ECSO, the appointment reinforces the country’s ability to influence European cybersecurity priorities while helping Irish organisations develop international partnerships, showcase their expertise and compete on a global stage.