Project Governance – Issues and Assurances (Online Masterclass)

12 February 2026

11:00–12:30

ON-LINE

Each year public bodies are responsible for spending public money on projects of varying scales and complexity, from a new service offering, to a new IT system, and all the way up to a large infrastructural project.

Projects from initiation through to delivery and benefits are not necessarily straightforward, and when issues arise in terms of unforeseen events or issues, time delays and/or cost overruns, it naturally is a cause for concern. In some instances, this can give rise to public attention and scrutiny and reputational damage.

This Forum event will be led by Dr. Éamonn Kelly, an expert in project management at the University of Limerick who brings both academic and extensive industry experience to the table, to better equip members with the ability to understand, navigate and seek assurances in respect of project governance.

Framed as an interactive masterclass, the session will focus on:

This will be an interactive session and include audience polls and opportunities for questions and discussion on key issues.

This Forum event will be of interest to those in governing positions as Board and Committee members, to Senior Executive Team members, to Department Officials who oversee projects or agencies which are delivering projects, and to others in governance and project governance roles.

Speakers

Dr Éamonn Kelly

Dr Éamonn V. Kelly is a respected authority in project governance and strategy execution, combining academic leadership with over 30 years of senior industry experience across public sector reform, healthcare transformation, and large-scale programme delivery. He is a lecturer at the University of Limerick and Programme Director for the MSc in Project Management and the MSc in Programme and Project Management, where his work focuses on governance, assurance, and organisational transformation. 

Throughout his career, Dr Kelly has advised and worked with senior leaders across government and industry on complex enterprise system implementations, major business transformations, and the design of effective project and programme management offices. His experience includes leading and assuring large-scale initiatives in collaboration with global consulting and delivery organisations, and he played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of Ireland’s National Postcode Project (Eircode).

Dr Kelly holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Strategy and Innovation. He is a Certified Professional in Managing AI (CPMAI) and holds formal qualifications in Sustainable Project Management, reflecting his focus on responsible, future-oriented delivery. He is a sought-after international speaker on project governance, assurance, and strategy execution, has presented at PMI® global conferences, contributed to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, and co-authored The Green PMO: Sustainability Through the Project Management Lens.

Beyond academia and advisory work, Dr Kelly is actively involved in mentoring emerging project leaders through initiatives such as JA Europe and Formula 1 in Schools, reflecting his ongoing commitment to strengthening professional capability and governance standards.