ARTIFICIAL intelligence is increasingly becoming a routine part of how women‑led businesses operate, according to new data from Network Ireland released for its national International Women’s Day event at the Limerick Strand Hotel.
The survey of 1,400 members of the country’s largest business networking organisation for women shows that 68 per cent of respondents now use AI in some form, most commonly in marketing, finance, or HR.
The trend is set to continue, the report said, with 72 per cent planning to increase their use of the technology this year, despite two out of three saying they are worried about regulatory or ethical issues linked to AI.
Rising operational pressures are also evident, Network Ireland said. 76 per cent of those surveyed said costs have increased this year, driven primarily by labour (32 per cent), energy (17 per cent), taxation/compliance (15 per cent), supply‑chain input (13 per cent), insurance (four per cent), and commercial rates (three per cent).
Inflation pressures (38 per cent) remain the biggest risk for 2026, followed by a domestic economic slowdown (29 per cent), global instability (21 per cent) and access to finance (five per cent).
Customer demand trends are mixed, with 47 per cent reporting stronger customer demand than in 2025, 31 per cent saying it is unchanged and 22 per cent reporting weaker demand.
LinkedIn and Instagram remain the most important platforms for business growth, Network Ireland said, with eight in 10 business owners posting regularly.
Network Ireland’s International Women’s Day event was headlined by entrepreneur and social innovator Sonya Lennon.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran commented: “International Women’s Day urges us to turn celebration into action, ensuring that equality, respect and opportunity are not aspirations, but realities for all. Network Ireland continues to champion women who lead, innovate and uplift others.
“I particularly want to commend Limerick native Karen Ronan for her work as President of Network Ireland, while wishing Barbara MacCarthy the very best of luck in her term as Limerick branch President throughout 2026.”