Dublin Uses “Digital Twins” to Build a Safer, Smarter Future

• 8 March 2026
• Construction Focus
• 234 Views

The city of Dublin is turning into a high-tech testing ground to solve everyday urban problems. By using “digital twins”—which are virtual, 3D copies of the physical city—leaders are finding new ways to protect residents from floods, fires, and traffic jams.

This project is part of a partnership between Dublin city officials and the technology company Bentley Systems. Instead of just buying ready-made software, the city is working directly with engineers and citizens to build tools that fit Dublin’s specific needs.

One of the most important parts of this tech is helping the Dublin Fire Brigade. In the past, firefighters had to rely on paper maps and binders when rushing to an emergency. Now, they are testing digital models that show exactly where water hydrants are located and identify high-risk areas before they even arrive at a scene. Chief Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer says that having this clear information when seconds count can truly change the outcome of an emergency.

The city is also using sensors along the River Liffey to watch for rising water. This data is fed into the digital twin to predict where flooding might happen, allowing the city to act before it becomes a disaster.

Dublin is being called a “smart sandbox” because it is the perfect size to test these new ideas. While the technology uses advanced artificial intelligence and data, the goal remains simple: making life better and safer for the people living in the neighborhoods. By proving these tools work in Dublin, other cities around the world may soon follow their lead.

• Digital and Smart City
• Bentley
• Digital Twin
• AI
• Bentley Systems
• Dublin