Month: March 2025

PanPan Kids SmartWatch First Look

The PanPan Kids SmartWatch is a new product to the Irish market and a welcome on and from a person that uses and reviews smartwatches all year round I welcome this for kids, I myself have a large collection of both kids and general watches and it good to see how these improve over time and best of all keep me off my phone to a great extent.
There is much talk today about how old kids should be giving them their first phone and is a heated topic I have discussed before but the later the better or a dumbphone if required it is not only up to the parents to be proactive here but social media companies and more. Google and Vodafone have been the latest to take action.
Today we give you a first look of the latest device so if you have any questions feel free to ask while we test it out over the next few weeks with some more kids tech but check out the features on offer below and then check out the video and feel free to ask any questions during the next few weeks.
Key Benefits for Parents
    • Privacy-Focused – No camera or recording functions, ensuring safety at school and compliance with GDPR.
    • Affordable and Convenient – Provides essential connectivity without the distractions or risks of a smartphone.
    • SOS and Two-Way Calling – Instant connection between child and parent at any time.
    • Real-Time Location Tracking – GPS location accessible through the app.
    • Geo-Fencing Alerts – Parents can set safe zones and receive notifications when their child moves beyond them.
    • Activity Monitoring – Built-in pedometer promotes movement and healthy habits.
    • Durable & Kid-Friendly Design – Comfortable, customisable straps and available in fun colours.
    • Optional 24/7 Monitoring Support – Additional security for families (available at an extra cost per month).

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Unboxing 

How Do Optical Beam Splitters Work & Applications

Optical beam splitters are important components across multiple optical systems since they serve applications throughout telecommunications and scientific research. These devices split one light beam into two or more separate light beams. Standard Beam splitters enable light control by using  polarization orientation or wavelength properties, while diffractive beam splitter enable universal control insensitive to wavelength or polarization

Types of Optical Beam Splitters

The different types of optical splitters exist to serve specific requirements in optical applications. Multiple versions exist of optical splitters, including these main types:

 

  1. Plate Beam Splitters

 

A plate beam splitter uses thin glass combined with a reflective coating as its structure. Its compact design makes it desirable when minimising physical space is essential. However, the flat design of these devices causes minor path deviations in the split beam path.

 

  1. Cube Beam Splitters

 

Beam splitters in cube form result from the bonding technique between two prism structures. These splitters provide better alignment stability and reduce surface reflections compared to plate models, but are unsuitable to high power laser applications

 

  1. Polarizing Beam Splitters (PBS)

 

The design purpose of these beam splitters includes polarization-based light division. A PBS functions to split unpolarized light into two primarily polarised beams oriented at right angles thus becoming useful for microscopy and optical communication.

 

  1. Wavelength-Selective Beam Splitters

 

The optical filters implemented in these devices create wavelength-based reflection of light. Fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy heavily rely on this device for their operations.

 

  1. Diffractive  Splitters

 

Diffractive beam splitters, or Damman gratings, are thin window like components that split a laser beam into an array of bams with precise separations and power ratios. Unlike 1-4 types of beam splitters, they do not have to split the beams at 90 degrees, but can rather generate small separation and a fan-out array of beams all going forward to the work plane. 

Applications of Optical Beam Splitters

Many fields rely on optical beam splitters as critical or necessary for operation. These tools’ basic light manipulation capabilities are vital in contemporary technological advancements.

 

  1. Laser Systems

 

In laser applications, multiple laser beam paths emerge from single beam distribution through use of diffractive beam splitters. The functionality is mandatory in applications such as laserskin treatment, perforation, and interferometry. High-power laser equipment commonly relies on anti-reflective diffractive beam splitters because of their effectiveness.

Experts suggest using a compact beam profiler for real-time monitoring of energy distribution across these multiple paths to ensure uniformity and precision. Regularly checking the beam characteristics helps maintain the integrity of the splitters and prevents inconsistencies in the final application.

 

  1. Scientific Research

 

The scientific community depends on optical splitters as essential components for their experiments, mainly in fields such as quantum mechanics and optics. The operation of Michelson’s interferometer depends on beam splitters, which split and unite light paths to conduct precise distance and phase shift measurements.

 

  1. Biomedical Imaging

 

Chromatic Beam splitters in fluorescence microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) serve to transmit particular wavelengths towards a sample while acquiring the sample-produced emissions. Including optical filters in the splitter system improves the quality of imaging results. In applications such as STED microscopy, diffractive beam splitters generate arrays of donut illumination to enable faster scanning of samples. 

 

  1. Telecommunications

 

The signal routing and multiplexing operations in fiber optic communication systems depends on beam splitters. Wavelength-selective splitters extended data transfer capacity through simultaneous multiplexing of multiple data streams which run across single optic fibers.

 

  1. Optical Instrumentation

 

Beam splitters efficiently direct light beams in spectrometers and rangefinders. Semi conductor metrology often relies on diffractive beam splitter gratings to generate reference points with absolute angular accuracy. 

FAQs

 

  1. What is the difference between a cube and plate beam splitter?

 

The cube beam splitter is more robust during sensitive alignment procedures compared to plate beam splitters as it adds no beam deviation . For high power applications, a plate beam splitter is often referred  to their higher laser damage threshold compared to cube beam splitters. 

 

  1. How does polarization affect a beam splitter?

 

A polarizing beam splitter uses polarized light to determine its transmission and reflection outcomes. PBS devices are essential optical components because they apply specific polarization-based splitting to light signals for advanced systems. Other types of beam splitters are unaffected by polarization.

Conclusion

Current optical technology heavily utilized   optical beam splitters because they deliver exact light control in multiple applications. Engineers and scientists can select appropriate beam splitters for their applications by comprehending the operational mechanisms and practical implementations of the different beam splitter types. These flexible devices continue to influence future optical developments in laser systems while enhancing biomedical imaging and telecommunications applications.

Useful travel gadgets and accessories for holidays and trips in 2025

Need to up your tech game for your trips and holidays well here below is some you might want to check out for the year ahead with the latest tech on the market from cables to watches bluetooth speakers and more there is something for everyone that is also affordable and will make life easier in 2025
Twelve South PlugBug Travel Kit
Price: £79.99 (50w), £129.99 (120w)
Available from Twelve South UK and Apple
Twelve South’s PlugBug is the first ever USB-C plug with built-in Find My! Travellers will never leave their charger in the hotel or airport lounge again. Simply launch the Find My app on an iPhone so see exactly where it is, even if it’s on the other side of the world. The PlugBug can also act as an AirTag tracker for any bag it’s in, allowing users to find both their bag and charger. Users can even utilise the Notify When Left Behind feature to help ensure it’s not lost in the first place.

It can charge Power Delivery compatible devices much faster than a standard USB-C charger and detects which devices are being charged and delivers the right amount of fast charging power to them. Available in 50W with two ports or 120W with four ports, the Plug Bug also includes EU (Type C) and UK (Type G) interchangeable adaptors.

Folding prongs and ports that are accessible from the bottom of the charger rather than the back, make it easy to plug in to wall outlets in tight spaces, such as behind a sofa or side table. The all new travel version includes adaptors for US, UK, EU, AU KR and CN as well as a handy travel case to keep things organised.

QDOS PowerMotion Ultra 4.0 USB cable
Price: £39.99
Available from QDOS
The new QDOS PowerMotion Ultra USB-C to USB-C cables offer high performance both in terms of power delivery and data transfer. Users can enjoy up to 40Gbps of data transfer, making it the ideal travel accessory for creatives who travel, gaming, and those who want to transfer large files.
What’s more its 100% recycled TPE stepped connector means it’s compatible with all USB-C and high power enabled devices including Macbooks, laptops, smartphones, tablets and more.
Vango Tempest Airbeam pump from Outdoor World Direct
Price: £89.99
Available from Outdoor World Direct
The most intuitive pump for air tents available, the Vango Tempest pump offers easy inflation of any air tent or awning (not just Vango’s), meaning there is no need to carry and work a manual pump. The rechargeable pump simply plugs into the valve and inflates any tent to the correct pressure, offering effortless, fast-pitching when camping. The included attachments mean it can also inflate other gear like airbeds. It also has a deflate function to safely set down the tent. The LED screen features PSI (pressure gauge) and there’s even a USB port so it serves as a powerbank for charging other devices, like phones. What’s more it weighs just 1kg, so doesn’t add to a backpacker’s or festival goer’s load.
Highlander Ben Nevis 52L rucksack from Outdoor World Direct

Price: £99.99

Available in petrol blue for women and grey for men from Outdoor World Direct in March

Ideal for those who love hiking, and embark on multi-day hikes for pleasure or  the Highlander Ben Nevis 52L Rucksack in men’s or women’s from Outdoor World Direct is specially tailored for women’s bodies and designed for comfort.
The adjustable height system and dual webbing on the shoulder and hip straps prevents shoulder pain from long periods of carrying. Hydration bladder compatibility means no need to lift the rucksack off once it’s comfortably in place to drink to stay hydrated.
Large front and side pockets provide easy access and the included rain cover keeps belongings dry in wet conditions. It also features dedicated points for ice axes, walking poles, and a Pole-Park system for more technical hikes.
Highlander Venture Backpack from Outdoor World Direct
Price: £24.99
Available from Outdoor World Direct
This 20L day pack by Highlander is ideal for day trips, whether exploring the mountains or cities. It is also within cabin baggage size guidelines (H48 x W27 x D16cm) and so can make a useful hand luggage option, especially as it’s packed with features.
The main compartment has compression straps for neat packing and hydration bladder compatibility for outdoors activities. A bungee corded front pouch makes handy storage for a helmet or compressing a jacket, while the elasticated side pockets are perfect for a water bottle and umbrella.
Adjustable chest and shoulder straps allow for correct load distribution, preventing aching shoulders.
Groov-e Kidz Headphones – new upgraded version
Price: £17.99
Available from Amazon now and Currys and Robert Dyas in March
New and improved for 2025, these headphones now have a volume limiter switch of 85db or 100db to help protect little ears. Ideal for keeping them entertained on long car journeys or flights, they can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or with the included 3.5mm cable (so compatible with in-flight entertainment).
The integrated mic is ideal for catching up with friends or gaming online. The generous 20-hours playback, adjustable headband and soft, padded ear cups make them ideal for long durations. When they’ve finished listening, the Kidz fold down to a compact size for storage or transportation.

Styletech Portable LED Speaker

Price: £19.99

Available from Very

This affordable, compact Bluetooth speaker is ideal for enjoying music and more when travelling. Enjoy up to 11 hours playback and punchy sound from the 5w speaker, while the 11 RGB animated light options on the LED ring – including 5 static colours and 6 animated – are perfect for setting the mood, or turn them off entirely. Just remember to get an eSIM for the country you’re travelling, such as a Maaltalk Australia eSIM if you’re heading down under, so you can stream your favourite songs without incurring high roaming charges.
Integrated buttons mean controlling playback can easily be done on the speaker, as well as from the connected device. Standing just 105mm tall and with a handy carry loop, it’s the perfect speaker for holidays and adventures.
Maxcom Gold and Silver 2

RRP: £79.99

Available from Amazon in gold and silver

Maxcom Gold and Maxcom Silver 2 smartwatches combine a classic look with advanced technology for managing life on the go. Designed to look and feel like a stunning piece of jewellery, perfect for dinners out when on holiday, its round stainless steel body and shiny gold or silver bracelet accessories any outfit perfectly.

The watches are ideal for travel; make calls and texts, check the local weather and receive important notifications on the go, as well as track steps and outdoor activities. They also continually measure pulse and blood pressure and analyse sleep quality, suggest breathing exercises, measure stress and mood and send reminders to stay hydrated.

Dedicated female focussed features allow women to track their menstrual cycle, fertile periods and pregnancy. A versatile fitness trainer, it also counts calories burned, distance travelled and supports over 70 sports disciplines.

The 1.2-inch AMOLED touch screen is bright and easy to read. Always-On-Display mode allows users to display the time on a blank screen, giving it the feel of a traditional watch. Users can choose from unique, original dials or from over 100 free watch faces that are available in the app. Its efficient battery lasts for up to seven days without charging.

Maxcom FW66 IronR review

Groov-e Triton
RRP: £20
Available from Groov-e, Moto motorway services, House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Amazon

Ideal for keeping your devices charged on the go, Groov-e Triton is a folding 3-in-1 portable magnetic wireless charger. Compact and no bigger than a post-it note when folded, it fits easily in a handbag, backpack or carry-on bag, meaning users don’t need to take multiple cables or chargers with them.

When unfolded, it has three separate Qi wireless charging pads that lay flat to provide power to multiple compatible devices. Whether that’s an Android or Apple mobile device, Apple Watch, AirPods or wireless earphones, users can charge them at the same time. Triton can also be folded into a rigid stand, allowing users to watch videos or take calls whilst charging.

TAGRY H08 ANC Headphones Review

The TAGRY H08 ANC Headphones are the latest on offer from the brand and are affordable and comes with a nice presentation which some could take note of.

The headphones are light , comfortable and do not clamp around the ears and fit really snug blocking out lots of the outside noise which is good as there is no app here for ANC fans who want the best in the business, they do however do a good job without the aide of an app and mostly more useful indoors rather than outdoors.

The H08 as mentioned will reduce most of the noise but not all and for the most that will do and calls are also clear here both ends on testing.

There is several buttons on the headset all on one side which keeps it simple and all the functions are at hand including skip and reverse tracks, lower and higher the volume and of course voice assistant access is on board.

With no EQ your stuck with the sound on offer which is slightly on the bass side which for many is ideal you can try third party apps but most are useless being honest.

The buttons are tactile and work really well to be fair meaning no wrong commands which again most would prefer and being on one side helps.

The sound overall is decent with no lag latency noted nor tinny sound when maxed out on all genres tested in my test runs which are pretty extensive and if you like bass these are for you they are decently loud and pack a punch on all genres.

Battery life is excellent here not only that 5 minutes charging gives you 10 hours of charge and with no EQ or app to enhance the experience this should be the case and is you can expect around 98-100 hours of playtime depending on volume control there is however an ANC button on these you can turn on an off and will of course affect the battery longevity regardless it is still pretty good.

 

 

 

Features

  • Noise Cancelling and Fast Charging：With advanced Active Noise Cancellation tech, which reduces up to 95% of ambient noise. Whether it’s the noise from a subway,the engine sound of a car or airplane, the H08 headphones minimize distractions, allowing you to fully enjoy your music.The fast charging tech lets you enjoy 10 hours of music with just a 5-minute charge. Less time spent charging means more time for music. With a full charge, you can use the headphones for a whole week without recharging.
  • 100Hrs Playtime and Punchy Bass:Up to 100Hrs playtime on a single charge,H08 headphones is perfect for long trips and daily commutes. Whether you’re catching up on favorite podcast during a trip or immersing yourself in music for hours at the office, this earphones keep the beat going. Punchy bass adds depth and richness to every track, delivering energetic, punchy sound that makes your playlists come alive. Enjoy all-day comfort and high-quality audio that keeps you going from morning to night.
  • Wireless and 3.5mm Wired Connection:Enjoy versatile listening options with the H08 headsets. Seamlessly switch between wireless Bluetooth connectivity and a 3.5mm AUX wired connection for maximum convenience. Whether you’re on the go and prefer the freedom of wireless, or you need a stable wired connection for your home stereo or plane entertainment system, the included 47.2-inch audio cable has you covered. H08 Wireless Headsets gives you the flexibility to enjoy your music exactly how you want.
  • Light Weight and Comfort Fit:Weighing just 0.54 lbs, the TAGRY H08 headphones are so light you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them. The ultra-soft protein leather ear cups provide a luxurious, cushioned feel that keeps you comfortable during long listening sessions. Whether you’re working from home, hitting the gym, or just relaxing with music, the H08 offers a snug, comfortable fit that stays gentle on your ears all day long.
  • Adjustable,Foldable and Portable:H08 headphones are designed for convenience and comfort. The ear cups rotate up to 105 degrees and the adjustable headband ensures a perfect fit for all head sizes, so you can wear them comfortably no matter your head shape. Comes with a handy travel pouch for carrying this Bluetooth headset. Whether you’re packing them in your bag or just tucking them away at home, this headphone is built for portability.

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Vision Ireland and Benetech Join Forces to Launch EU-Compliant Global Certified Accessible Certification

Today, Vision Ireland and Benetech announced a collaboration to launch a groundbreaking partnership to provide the Global Certified Accessible (GCA) certification program for European Union (EU) publishers.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring digital accessibility and compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) for eBooks across the European Union. By combining Vision Ireland’s deep expertise in EU accessibility standards with Benetech’s leadership in digital inclusion, the partnership streamlines the certification process, providing publishers with a globally recognized, EU-compliant credential. With certification from an EU-based organization, publishers gain enhanced credibility and assurance that their content meets the highest accessibility standards for European readers. “This partnership is a major step forward for digital accessibility across the European Union,” said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. “As the first independent third-party digital accessibility certification, Benetech’s GCA certification helps publishers meet global standards.

With over 80 organizations already benefiting from our services, including Elsevir, Taylor & Francis, and McGraw Hill, we are proud to drive the global movement toward more inclusive digital content.” The certification process involves a thorough review of eBooks to ensure they meet the highest accessibility standards, including the EPUB Accessibility 1.1 specification and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA.

Chris White, CEO of Vision Ireland: “Ensuring accessibility in digital publishing is not just a compliance requirement, it’s a fundamental step toward equality. Vision Ireland is proud to collaborate with Benetech to support EU publishers in meeting the highest accessibility standards. This partnership reinforces our commitment to breaking down barriers and making digital content truly inclusive for all readers, particularly those who are blind or vision impaired.”

Lina Kouzi, Head of Library Access Service at Vision Ireland: “Accessible publishing is the gateway to equal participation in education, employment, and everyday life. By working with Benetech to deliver Global Certified Accessible certification for EU publishers, we are ensuring that digital content is designed for everyone from the outset. This initiative will be transformative in fostering a more inclusive reading experience across Europe.”

Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer at Vision Ireland: “Vision Ireland is thrilled to partner with Benetech to drive digital accessibility forward across the entire EU,. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of accessible publishing practices, ensuring that inclusive digital content becomes the standard for readers across Europe.”

Publishers seeking the EU-compliant GCA certification can contact Vision Ireland for details on the certification process, requirements, and benefits. Together, Vision Ireland and Benetech are fostering a more inclusive digital landscape for all readers in Europe.

James Dyson Award 2025 seeks groundbreaking inventions from young engineers and scientists

The James Dyson Award, an international student design and engineering competition, opens for submissions today to its 2025 programme in 28 countries and regions. From everyday challenges to the world’s most pressing issues, the Award calls for current or recent students to submit problem-solving ideas that could make a real difference to people’s lives.

Since it was established in 2005, the James Dyson Award has supported more than 400 student inventions with €1m in prize money and a global platform. Those who progress to the final stages and are selected by James Dyson as the global winners will claim a prize of €36,000 and a chance to gain international media exposure, providing a springboard to commercialise their inventions.

Previous winners include mOm incubators, a low-cost, inflatable incubator to provide flexibility to caring for newborns in less developed areas. Invented by James Roberts, Product Design & Technology graduate from Loughborough University in the UK, mOm has gone on to support over 10,000 patients, and continues to expand its operations worldwide, including in conflict areas such as Ukraine. This year, James received an MBE for his services to engineering and entrepreneurship with mOm.

SoaPen, a previous runner-up in the US, continues to transform hand hygiene education. Invented by Parsons School of Design graduates Shubham Issar and Amanat Anand, SoaPen is a colourful pen made from soap, to teach young children handwashing in a fun way. After receiving recognition from the James Dyson Award, the team launched SoaPen in the US in 2018, and continues to pursue its mission to make hand hygiene fun and accessible, worldwide.

Sir James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, said: “I started the James Dyson Award 20 years ago with the mission to inspire and support the next generation of design engineers. The brilliant ideas we’ve seen since then prove that young people are passionate about providing solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, using design, engineering and technology – in medicine, the environment and much more. I look forward to discovering what inventions will be put forward this year – good luck!”

The deadline to apply is midnight on 16th July 2025. Shortlisted entries in each participating country or region will then be evaluated by national judging panels with expertise across design and engineering, based on functionality, design process, differentiation, and commercial viability.

The National Winners, selected by these judging panels and each winning a €6,000 prize, will be announced on 10th September, the Global Top 20 Shortlist, selected by Dyson Engineers, on 15th October, and the Global Winners, selected by James Dyson, on 5th November.

London Bus Network to benefit from AI-powered Optimisations through CitySwift and London Bus Operators Partnership

London has one of the largest public transport networks in the world with nearly 9,000 buses serving approximately 1.8 billion passenger journeys annually. It is operated by seven bus operators on 675 routes franchised by Transport for London (TfL). CitySwift has the potential to over time enable all of London’s Bus Operators to use data, AI optimisations and simulations to mitigate disruptions, optimise resource use and facilitate collaboration. Increasing the performance of the network will deliver more reliable bus services to drive increased passenger volumes and a better passenger experience.

“Our work with both authorities and operators in multiple regions since 2016 has consistently delivered tangible results in improved reliability, efficiency, and passenger and driver satisfaction. We are thrilled to bring these advantages to all operators, drivers and passengers in the London bus network, contributing to TfL’s vision of providing the most efficient and reliable transport network,” said CEO and Co-founder Brian O’Rouke on today’s announcement.

CitySwift currently employs 17 people in the UK and 50 people in Ireland, with ambitions to double headcount in both countries over the next 3 years. Founded in 2016 by Brian O’Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift empowers private operators and public transport authorities to achieve unmatched efficiency by using data to solve problems. CitySwift’s AI-powered performance optimisation platform delivers insights, simulations, and actionable recommendations to support the provision of high-performing bus services.

This news follows a year of rapid growth for CitySwift in 2024. During that time, the company secured €7 million in funding and announced renewed and new partnerships with Transport for Wales, National Express, Transport for Greater Manchester, Go-Ahead Group, and more.

AI + Satellite Data: The Tech Solution to America’s Aging Grid Problem

CATALYST is revolutionizing one of Electric Utilities’ biggest operational challenges with the launch of INSIGHTS Vegetation Management, a satellite-based monitoring service that helps reduce outages and enhance reliability by identifying where networks are at greatest risk.

Vegetation is a major cause of power outages and contributes to infrastructure damage and wildfires. As extreme weather events become more frequent, Utilities face increasing challenges in maintaining grid stability. Managing vegetation is costly with major U.S. Utilities spending over $100 million annually. However, this spending can be inefficient – without insights into current vegetation conditions, traditional inspection and pruning programs are forced to revisit areas on fixed cycles rather than prioritizing areas at highest risk. 

A Targeted Approach to Vegetation Risk Management

CATALYST’s INSIGHTS Vegetation Management replaces fixed maintenance schedules with condition-based working informed by regular network-wide intelligence. Its insights enable arborists to optimize operations by focusing inspection and maintenance crews on areas where risk is highest. The solution also provides post-work verification to confirm the effectiveness of completed vegetation management activities. Additionally, it can deliver critical insights into the extent and relative intensity of vegetation damage following extreme weather events.

“INSIGHTS Vegetation Management expands CATALYST’s suite of risk monitoring solutions, equipping Utilities with essential intelligence to improve resilience and operational efficiency,” said June McAlarey, President and CEO of PCI Geomatics, “By leveraging advanced satellite technology, Utilities can actively target vegetation risks, reducing outages and ensuring safer, more reliable service for their customers.”

INSIGHTS combines high-resolution satellite imagery with Utilities’ and environmental data to identify high-risk trees and quantify threats. Unlike black-box AI models, it offers transparent, science-based risk assessments that can be customized to utility needs. 

As a data-as-a-service (DaaS) solution, INSIGHTS integrates with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms and field management tools, providing Utilities with accessible actionable intelligence. Developed through CATALYST’s extensive experience in Earth observation analytics and advanced library of processing algorithms, INSIGHTS Vegetation Management delivers reliable and precise risk assessments tailored to Utility operations.

INSIGHTS Vegetation Management is now available as the latest addition to CATALYST’s wide-area monitoring capabilities that also include INSIGHTS Ground Displacement Monitoring, change detection, and terrain modelling. 

Coimisiún na Meán awards over half a million euro for Media Sector training initiatives

Coimisiún na Meán has today (06.03.2025) awarded €550,000 to deliver training and development initiatives for the Media Sector in Ireland.

Coimisiún na Meán’s Sectoral Learning and Development Programme assists organisations to undertake training, learning and development activities that support the broadcasting and audiovisual industries, and helps realise An Coimisiún’s aim of ensuring a thriving, diverse, safe, creative and trusted media landscape.

Coimisiún na Meán’s Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: “Coimisiún na Meán is committed to ensuring a media landscape that is sustainable, pluralistic and participative, and that reflects and shapes who we are as a society. The Sectoral Learning and Development Programme underpins our work as it delivers training and development opportunities to those working in the media. By funding these initiatives, we can continue to support sector sustainability and capacity, and the ability of media workers to create content that reflects diverse voices and viewpoints in contemporary Ireland.”

During this round of funding, Coimisiún na Meán received 38 applications seeking a total of €1.2 million. The successful 29 applicants include organisations representing commercial and community media; industry specific groups such as producers, animators, and journalists; and advocacy organisations for gender, equality and inclusion, and promotion of the Irish language. The provision of funding to these organisations enables them to undertake of range of training and development activities, for example workshops, masterclasses, training programmes, seminars, and networking events.

Among the successful applicants awarded funding for 2025 are:

  • Craol – funding to support skills qualifications for trainers, workshops on mobile journalism and media production, the annual community radio féile, and other operational activities.
  • Ecoscope Limited – funding to support a sustainability demonstration day for electrical departments in film productions.
  • Storyhouse – funding to support a script and screen writing programme, and a panel discussion on Irish language film-making as part of the 2025 Storyhouse festival.
  • GORM Media – funding to run a training course for early- to mid-career media makers from under-represented, and to deliver bite-sized workshops for local communities.
  • Mediastrong – funding for a pilot initiative to equip newsroom staff with essential skills to recognise and manage trauma effectively.
  • Women in Film and Television – funding to support representation at Berlinale: Power to transform – Global Forum for Women; the Canne Film Festival; and the Greater Later Summit
  • Oireachtas na Gaeilge – funding for Gradaim Chumarsáide an Oireachtais, and other Irish language development work.
  • Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme – funding for internships in commercial radio stations for journalism graduates

A list of successful Sectoral Learning and Development funding recipients for 2025 can be found on their website.

Coimisiún na Meán supports the development of a thriving media sector in Ireland through funding schemes including the Sectoral Learning and Development Programme, Sponsorship Scheme, Sound & Vision Scheme, and through its Journalism Schemes, covering Local Democracy and Courts Reporting.

In 2024, Coimisiún na Meán published the first Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy for Ireland’s audio and audiovisual media sector, to enhance the diversity of the media sector in Ireland.