National MND Conference held in Dundalk as leading experts highlight latest research and future of Smart Home Care
Ireland set to host International MND/ALS Symposium in 2027
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) today brought together the nation’s leading clinicians, researchers and people living with MND at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, for its national annual conference. The landmark event focused heavily on transforming the daily quality of life for people living with MND through cutting-edge Smart Home technology, while officially launching the countdown to Ireland hosting the International MND/ALS Symposium in 2027.
The morning sessions opened with an address from IMNDA Chairperson Norman Hughes, followed by a strategic organisational briefing from CEO Kevin Burn.
The future of MND care: 2026–2030 strategic vision
A key theme of the opening addresses was the long-term sustainability of MND care in Ireland, highlighted alongside the rollout of the association's newly launched 2026–2030 Strategic Plan: By Your Side. While the IMNDA successfully maintains robust frontline services, a testament to relentless, year-round national fundraising and advocacy efforts, the organisation highlighted that relying on public fundraising for more than 90% of its annual income must change. The new five-year strategic roadmap establishes a clear path to secure increased government funding and statutory support, ensuring these essential services are not only protected but structurally expanded for the future.
Advancing Research
The conference spotlighted Ireland’s significant contributions to global neurological science. Sophie Leonard and Anne Lambert from the Academic Unit of Neurology at Trinity College presented vital new insights into “Understanding the Non-Movement (Motor) Aspect of MND and Why This Matters,” detailing the cognitive changes that accompany the condition.
Following this, Dr. Narin Suleyman (Beaumont Hospital & Trinity College) provided an extensive update on current clinical trials, charting the steady, meaningful scientific progress toward targeted therapies.
Delegates also heard from Katie Burke of Trinity College Dublin, who delivered insights into the critical, evolving role of Speech and Language Therapy in managing communication and swallowing difficulties.
Technology impact
A major highlight of the day was a demonstration by Padhraic Dormer and Sean Hall from Enable Ireland's National Virtual Service. They demonstrated how integrated Smart Home technology is actively restoring autonomy to MND patients by allowing them to control their environments independently.
Lived experience
Grounding the day's clinical updates, advocate Cathal Tivnan delivered a powerful, first-hand account of his lived experience with MND, reminding attendees of the vital human urgency behind the IMNDA’s services.
The event concluded with a major preview of Dublin being selected to host the prestigious International MND/ALS Symposium in 2027, a move that places Irish research at the absolute centre of the global scientific stage.
Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Kevin Burn, CEO of IMNDA, said:
"Today's conference demonstrated the momentum building across MND care and science in Ireland. From the smart home innovations keeping people independent in their own homes, to the world-class clinical research happening in our hospitals, we are seeing steady, real-world progress. We are also immensely proud to look ahead to 2027, when the global research community will gather in Dublin, solidifying Ireland’s position as a key player in the fight against this disease.
“The relentless efforts of our team, families, and donors over the past year have continued directly into this year, ensuring that our essential frontline care remains completely active, reliable, and secure for everyone who needs us today. However, relying on public goodwill for more than 90% of our annual income places an unfair long-term burden on our community.
"With the launch of our new strategy, By Your Side, our core promise is that no family affected by MND will ever stand alone. To fully realise that vision as demand grows, we are calling on the government to step up as a true partner, match the incredible generosity of the Irish public, and provide the statutory funding needed to guarantee and expand long-term care.”
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Notes to the Editor:
- About the IMNDA: The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association is the only national organisation in Ireland providing specialised support, advocacy, and care for people with MND, their families and caregivers.
- About Motor Neurone Disease: MND is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading to weakness and wasting. There is currently no cure.
