Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Ways to Gain Instagram Followers That Actually Work

Instagram growth often stalls for a simple reason. Many accounts keep posting without learning much from what already happened, so every new Reel, carousel, or caption feels like another guess. That gets frustrating fast, especially when the content looks decent and the numbers still move in short bursts instead of a steady climb.

That is why reliable growth methods tend to look less flashy than people expect. Some teams start using data, testing tools, and structured support to gain instagram followers with a clearer process, and Plixi fits that pattern through AI powered targeting, real time analytics, audience insights, and content optimization features. Those methods work better because they are easier to repeat, measure, and improve over time.

1. Use Insights before changing the content calendar

There are many reasons why Instagram constantly directs users back to their analytics page called Insights. The purpose of the Insight dashboard is to give users insight into their growth, reach, engagement and many other metrics that can explain why one post attracts new audiences while another does not. By reviewing these metrics regularly, a user can easily identify which content types, subjects, and days/times of day generate the most engagement or interest and determine what is worth putting additional effort into.

This is an important concept because poor growth may not be due to lack of effort, but rather due to ineffective use of effort. If a user continually changes all aspects of their posting style every time they post, it will be impossible to determine which of those changes led to the increased or decreased growth. Instead, it’s best to focus on the types of content that have had success before and then create new posts around those metrics as opposed to starting from zero every week.

2. Make content that has a better chance of reaching non followers

Instagram’s ranking system does not treat every surface the same, and that changes how growth should be approached. Feed, Stories, Reels, Explore, and Search each rely on different signals, which means follower growth improves when content is built for discovery rather than only for current followers. Accounts that keep publishing with discovery in mind usually give themselves more chances to be found outside their existing audience.

Test ideas with trial reels instead of pushing every experiment to the main audience

Trial reels are useful because they let creators show a Reel to non followers first and check whether the idea has traction before pushing it harder. Instagram introduced the feature as a way to see what performs best, and creator success stories tied to trial reels describe stronger reach from non followers after more frequent experimentation. That makes testing a practical growth move rather than a risky detour.

Keep original posts near the center of the strategy

Instagram has also said that recommendation eligibility can be affected when accounts repeatedly post copies of original content. That means recycled material and generic repost habits can quietly limit how far an account travels. Growth tends to hold up better when the account keeps its own angle, even if the format itself is familiar.

3. Treat profile text, keywords, and search behavior as part of growth

Search is an underrated part of follower growth because Instagram uses the text people type, along with information from accounts, hashtags, and places, to rank results. A profile that clearly describes what it offers has a better shot at meeting the right search traffic than one filled with vague wording or trendy phrases that say very little. Better search alignment will not fix weak content on its own, though it can help the right people find the account in the first place.

4. Add structured targeting when manual outreach stops scaling

Manual growth works for a while, especially when the niche is small and the creator has time to engage every day. Then the workload expands, the account gets busier, and the same manual routine starts eating hours without producing the same lift. That is usually where structured targeting becomes more useful than trying to do everything by hand.

Plixi is relevant here because its current setup combines AI powered targeting, real time analytics, and audience filters around factors such as location, hashtag, gender, language, age, and similar accounts. For accounts that already know their niche but need a cleaner way to reach it, that kind of structure can reduce random outreach and make growth feel more intentional. It also gives users a way to connect audience targeting with reporting instead of handling those jobs in separate places.

There is a practical reason this helps. Growth gets easier to repeat when the account owner can see where traction is coming from, which content performs best, and whether the audience being reached still matches the account’s goals. Plixi’s analytics pages describe live activity, follower growth, engagement rate, audience reach, top sources, and follower demographics, which gives users more context for adjusting what they publish next.

That does not remove the need for strong content. It does make the process less scattered, and that is often what smaller brands and creators need most once they are past the early stage and trying to keep momentum without losing too much time to repetitive tasks.

5. Build a workflow that can survive an ordinary month

The growth methods that actually work are usually the ones an account can keep doing when energy drops, deadlines pile up, or one post underperforms. Instagram’s creator resources keep emphasizing tools for insights, testing, and faster creation, which suggests that consistency works better when the workflow is manageable instead of overbuilt. A repeatable system tends to outperform a burst of effort followed by silence.

What tends to last longer than a lucky spike

There are so many tricks to mention when trying to gain followers, but gaining followers normally results from many good, timely decisions. Use the analytics to read results, test content across a broader audience, continue reusing original ideas, improve your search results, and add structured targeting after you move away from all manual work. Each of these are absolutely non-secrets, but collectively they have far more predictability than jumping on the latest trend attached to a popular item from the previous week.

The social media accounts that keep growing tend to become more comprehendible from the inside out. They have a good understanding of what they produce, who their audience is, and which signals warrant their attention prior to producing their next round of content. Even though this level of clarity is not as exciting as creating a viral sensation overnight, it will typically provide an account with an even better result than an instantaneous spike; it will give an account an opportunity to continue down that path into the future.

7 Must-Have Tech Tools Every College Student Should Use

College can feel like a juggling act. You are taking notes in class, replying to group messages, reading articles, preparing presentations, and trying not to miss that assignment due at 11:59 p.m. It is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. That is why the right tech tools matter so much. They do not just make student life easier. They help you stay organized, write better, save time, and reduce stress when your schedule starts to feel out of control.

The best part is that you do not need dozens of apps to succeed. A small group of smart, reliable tools can completely change the way you study and manage your workload. Think of them as your academic survival kit. Each one solves a different problem, and together they help you work more efficiently. From note-taking and file storage to grammar support and focus apps, these tools can turn chaos into structure.

Below is the full edited version of the article, including the broader paragraph with the anchor essay writing service placed naturally in the section about why tech tools matter in college.

Why Tech Tools Matter More Than Ever in College

College is no longer just about showing up to class with a notebook and a pen. Students now manage digital lectures, online research, cloud documents, group chats, assignment portals, and video meetings. It is a lot to handle. Without the right support, even smart and hardworking students can fall behind.

That is why tech tools matter so much. They help you build structure in a busy academic life. Think of them like a backpack with secret compartments. Everything has its place, and you do not waste energy searching for what you need. Instead of trying to remember every deadline in your head, you let tools do some of the heavy lifting.

In addition to productivity apps, many students use digital academic support platforms to handle common challenges such as organizing ideas, understanding citation styles, improving structure, and managing tight deadlines. Checking https://papersowl.com/ can be used as a reference point when a student is struggling with how to format a paper, build a clear argument, or approach a difficult topic. If used responsibly, this can help to sustain learning by demonstrating what a well-organized assignment looks like, while still leaving the research, critical thinking in the student’s hands. 

The best part is that many of these tools are affordabl. You do not need a huge budget to work smarter. You just need to know which platforms offer real value. Once you find the right mix, everyday college tasks become less stressful and much more manageable.

The Tools That Keep Your Work Organized

When your academic life is spread across different classes, projects, and deadlines, staying organized becomes half the battle. This is where your first two tools really shine.

Notion

Notion is one of the most useful platforms any college student can use. It combines notes, calendars, task lists, databases, and planning pages in one place. Instead of jumping between five different apps, you can create one digital space for your courses, assignments, reading lists, and weekly schedule.

What makes Notion so powerful is its flexibility. You can keep it simple with a checklist and a few class notes, or you can build a full student dashboard with due dates, project trackers, and study plans. It feels a bit like creating your own personal academic headquarters. If your brain often feels crowded with tasks and reminders, Notion gives that mental clutter a home.

It is also useful for long-term planning. You can map out the whole semester, track exam dates, and monitor progress on major assignments. That kind of visibility helps you stop reacting to deadlines at the last minute and start planning ahead.

Google Drive

Google Drive is another must-have tool because college work happens everywhere. You may start an assignment in your dorm room, edit it on your phone between classes, and finish it in the library. Google Drive keeps your files available wherever you are, which makes it one of the safest and most convenient tools a student can have.

It is especially valuable for collaboration. Group projects are much less frustrating when everyone can work in the same document at the same time. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides allow students to comment, edit, and share feedback without sending endless versions back and forth. That alone can save a lot of confusion.

Another reason students love Google Drive is security. Losing a paper the night before submission is every student’s nightmare. Cloud storage reduces that risk. Your files are backed up online, so even if your laptop crashes, your work is still there waiting for you.

Writing and Research Tools That Save Time

College writing is not just about putting words on a page. It is about building arguments, using sources correctly, and communicating clearly. That is where the next two tools become essential.

Grammarly is a smart writing assistant that helps improve grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence clarity. For many students, especially those writing under pressure, it acts like a second pair of eyes. It catches mistakes you might miss and helps polish your writing before you submit it. More importantly, it can highlight awkward phrasing and unclear sentences, which is very useful when you want your ideas to sound stronger and more professional.

Grammarly is not a substitute for your own thinking, of course. You still need to form your arguments, analyze your sources, and understand the assignment. But it does help you present your ideas more effectively. In college, where so much depends on written communication, that kind of support can make a real difference.

Zotero is another lifesaver, especially for research-heavy courses. If you have ever copied links into random documents and then forgotten which source was which, you already know how messy research can become. Zotero helps you collect, organize, and cite your sources in one place. You can save journal articles, books, and websites, add notes, and generate citations in styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago.

This tool is particularly helpful when you are writing long papers or working on multiple research projects at the same time. Instead of treating citations like a last-minute headache, you can keep everything organized from the beginning. That means less stress, fewer mistakes, and more time to focus on the actual content of your paper.

Focus and Productivity Tools for Busy Weeks

Even the best students struggle with distractions. Your phone lights up, your group chat gets loud, and suddenly twenty minutes disappear. College demands focus, but focus is not always easy to protect. That is why the next two tools matter so much.

Todoist is a simple but powerful task manager that helps students break down large responsibilities into smaller actions. This is important because stress often grows when everything feels vague. A research paper sounds scary. But “find three sources,” “write introduction,” and “edit final draft” feel more manageable. Todoist turns huge assignments into clear steps, and that shift makes a real psychological difference.

You can also set due dates, create recurring reminders, and prioritize tasks. This helps you see what matters most each day instead of just reacting to whichever deadline feels loudest. For students balancing classes, part-time jobs, and social life, that kind of structure is incredibly valuable.

Forest takes a different approach to productivity. It is a focus app designed to help you stay off your phone while studying. You plant a virtual tree, and it grows while you stay focused. If you leave the app and start scrolling through social media, the tree dies. It sounds small, but it creates a strong visual reward for concentration.

Why does this work so well? Because studying often feels abstract, while the temptation to check your phone feels immediate. Forest flips that dynamic. It makes focus visible, almost like watching your discipline grow in real time. For students who struggle with procrastination, it can be surprisingly effective.

Creative and Visual Tools That Make Work Stand Out

College is not only about essays and exams. Many students also need to create presentations, posters, resumes, club materials, and visual projects. That is where Canva becomes one of the most useful tools on this list.

Canva is a design platform that helps users create clean, professional-looking visuals without needing advanced design skills. You do not have to be an artist to use it. The templates make everything easier, whether you are building a class presentation, a flyer for a campus event, or a polished resume for an internship application.

What makes Canva especially helpful for students is speed. Instead of wasting hours trying to align text boxes or choose matching colors, you can start with a strong layout and customize it in minutes. It helps you communicate ideas clearly and attractively, which can make your work more memorable.

Visual communication matters more than many students realize. A well-designed presentation can make your research feel more persuasive. A clean resume can create a stronger first impression. Canva gives students a practical way to present themselves and their ideas with more confidence.

The seventh tool is your calendar app, whether you use Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or another reliable option. It may sound basic, but a good digital calendar is one of the most powerful tools in college. Deadlines, classes, meetings, study blocks, and reminders all need a place to live. When you use a calendar consistently, you stop carrying your whole schedule in your head.

A calendar also helps you plan realistically. It shows where your time actually goes. Many students assume they have plenty of time until they map out a week and realize how packed it really is. That awareness can prevent last-minute panic and help you build healthier study habits.

How to Build a Smarter College Workflow

The goal is not to download every popular app and hope your life changes overnight. Too many tools can become a distraction of their own. What really works is choosing a few tools that solve your biggest problems and using them consistently.

If you struggle with organization, start with Notion and Google Calendar. If writing feels difficult, Grammarly and Zotero can give you structure and support. If procrastination is your biggest enemy, Todoist and Forest can help you regain control. If your classes involve presentations or student activities, Canva will quickly become one of your favorites. And no matter what you study, Google Drive remains essential because it keeps your work safe and accessible.

Think of these tools like a team. Each one has a different role, but together they make student life smoother and more efficient. You still need discipline and effort, of course. No app can do your learning for you. But the right tools can remove unnecessary friction and help you focus on what really matters.

In the end, college success is not only about working harder. Very often, it is about working smarter. With the right tech tools, you can spend less time feeling overwhelmed and more time actually making progress. That shift may seem small at first, but over one semester, it can change everything.

Why Chasing a Jackpot Feels Different From Playing Regular Slot Games

When it comes to the increasingly influential world of online casino play, online slots have long been the go-to game for casino enthusiasts. Game developers have been able to introduce more variety to the virtual slots aisles. Technology and programming capabilities have improved significantly, allowing game developers to create a wider range of graphics and animations. 

However, most players are interested in the game play, and over the years, more diversity has been added to the online slots portfolio. Nowadays, there is a wide selection of online slots games with varying game dynamics that continue to evolve the reel-spinning action. While regular slots remain popular, the arrival of jackpot slots introduced an intriguing new game play aspect that altered the way players approach online slots.

Long term pain, bigger potential gain

The main difference between regular slots and the jackpot kind lies in the immediacy of results. The majority of online slots players are accustomed to the fast-paced reel-spinning action on the vast range of titles available. Platforms now house thousands of online slots games that produce results in seconds. The winning or losing fate of a bet is revealed almost instantly, but of course, to regulatory standards.

The format of regular slots has proved ideal for shorter windows, perhaps on a commute or waiting for a friend. With mobile play growing in use, players can access online slots games quicker and more conveniently to spin the reels just a few times. However, if players are looking to hit the jackpot, they might be waiting significantly longer.

The concept of jackpot slots, also known as progressive slots, rewards game play with the additional value of a potential larger win. It works by taking small portions of a player’s individual stake on each spin to build up a larger jackpot that can be triggered and won by hitting a certain winning combination. The chances are naturally much lower, but the reward is greater. For online slots enthusiasts, especially those that are new to the game, a different mindset is also required when targeting the jackpot.

Player Psychology

As with any online casino game, the psychological aspect has a pivotal role when players play jackpots online for real money. Without the same fast-paced experience provided by regular slots, more patience needs to be exuded when looking to hit the jackpot. Impatience in general is a characteristic best avoided when playing online casino games, but by knowing that there is an incredibly small chance of hitting the jackpot, players can set expectation levels appropriately. 

Overall, there is a balance to be struck between displaying the virtue of patience and being in it to win it. This is aided by setting personal spending limits or having these limits set by the online casino operator. This also applies to regular slots where it is slightly easier to get caught up in the fast-paced action. Entertainment and excitement levels are also intrinsically linked to the psychology of online slots play. The varying paces of regular slots versus jackpot games gives each its own unique feel.

Find Your Game Type

Alongside regular and jackpot slots, there are other versions of the game including Megaways and Slingo. Each comes with their unique game dynamics, rules, and quirks. But for online slots players, the trick is finding the type of game that fits an individual tempo or style. Some might prefer the fast-paced regular slots version. Some might want to win bigger. Some might want more winning combinations for smaller wins on Megaways titles. Or if you are a fan of slots and bingo, then why not Slingo. Each game type will bring a different feel. The best experience is gained by finding the one for you.

Breggz Zohn-1 earbuds certified for IMAX First Look

The Zohn-1 is recognised for introducing four groundbreaking audio principles into the wireless in-ear headphone—perfect anatomical fit, advanced balanced acoustic drivers, sophisticated microprocessing and greater personalization. Through these principles, Breggz introduces a new kind of listening experience, one that adapts to you. Designed for how people watch and listen today, the Breggz and IMAX partnership creates a more personal and immersive connection to content, deepening fandom and making every moment feel closer, richer, and more intentional.

IMAX Enhanced device certification ensures consumer electronics devices meet the highest standards, delivering the renowned IMAX immersive experience on personal devices for the highest-quality entertainment experiences wherever fans are watching. The IMAX Enhanced certification of the Breggz Zohn-1 introduces a new device category to the program, enabling consumers to experience the highest fidelity sound on qualifying in-ear hearables, complementing the IMAX Enhanced-certified suite of TVs, PC laptops, tablets, mobile phones, AVRs, loudspeakers and soundbars.

 

So far I am impressed with how these have been presented and how they sound they are quite unique look different to your standard earbuds today and so far the sound is impressive any questions ask on our socials

To learn more about the Breggz Zohn-1: www.breggz.com

See the largest range of earbuds reviewed in Ireland

Unboxing

KPMG’s Global Tech Innovator 2026 opens for entries

KPMG in Ireland has opened entries for the 2026 Global Tech Innovator (GTI) competition. Now in its sixth year, KPMG is inviting ambitious Irish technology and tech‑enabled companies to compete for the chance to represent Ireland at the global final in Lisbon this November.
Commenting on the 2026 launch, Anna Scally, Global Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at KPMG said:
“Dublin healthtech company Akara’s achievement in Lisbon was one of the competition’s strongest years for Ireland. Akara finished as first runner up at the 2025 global final and it showed the world that Ireland punches well above its weight in
technology. We now want to find the next Akara, an ambitious Irish tech founder ready to compete on the world stage.”
Reflecting on last year’s journey, Niamh Donnelly, co-founder and CTO of Akara, said:
“Winning the Irish competition validated years of hard work and confirmed that what we’re building at Akara genuinely matters. But representing Ireland on the global stage and finishing as first runner up out of 21 of the world’s most promising tech startups has opened doors we couldn’t have imagined. For Akara, this competition wasn’t just an award, it was a launchpad.”
Who can enter?
The competition is open to pure technology or tech enabled, tech driven, or tech led businesses which have operated for seven years or less, have generated revenue of between USD $1–15m, or have raised at least $500,000 in equity, and are registered and based in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Shortlisted entrants will pitch their innovations and present their growth ambitions to a panel of judges – including successful entrepreneurs and investors – for the chance to be crowned Ireland’s winner and to compete at the global final.
Applications must be submitted by 22nd of May 2026 and you must be available to appear in-person for the Ireland final, which will be held in Dublin on the 30th of June 2026.
Benefits for the Irish winner include:
  • National and global exposure: Showcasing your innovation to industry experts, investors, partners, and customers; boosting local profile via media and social coverage. The Irish winner advances to compete globally in Lisbon in November.
  • Networking opportunities: Connecting with fellow tech innovators, join local and global peer networks, collaborating, and gaining insights from seasoned professionals.
  • Mentorship and growth: Accessing KPMG mentors and advisors for guidance on scaling; receiving ongoing feedback from judges and peers to refining your innovation and presentation skills.
Previous Irish finalists
Ireland’s track record Irish finalists and winners to date reflect the breadth of the country’s innovation, from Niamh Donnelly of Akara (2025 Irish winner) and Emma Meehan’s Precision Sports Technology (2024 Irish winner) to Conor Sheridan’s AI powered hospitality platform Nory, Barry Lunn’s accident prevention firm Provizio, and Terry Canning’s Belfast based CattleEye, the world’s first hardware independent autonomous livestock monitoring platform.
To enter, find out more about the competition and watch all the previous Irish finalists’ pitches, visit www.kpmg.ie/GTI

National Archives publishes records of the 1926 Census

The publication of the records of the 1926 Census for the first time has been marked at an official state function at Dublin Castle, hosted by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD. The National Archives officially released the 1926 Census records at midnight, following the expiration of the one-hundred-year limitation on their publication under the Statistics Act 1993.

The Release of the 1926 Census

The National Archives made the entire census freely available and fully searchable on www.nationalarchives.ie at midnight. The newly released records provide an unprecedented resource, allowing users to efficiently navigate detailed household returns from 1926.

The preparation of the 1926 Census for public release has been a major project for the National Archives and the State, supported by a €5 million Government investment. The initiative which took almost three years, saw the careful conservation, preservation, high-resolution digitisation, and transcription of over 750,000 individual household and enumerator returns.

Speaking at Dublin Castle today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD commented:

“I’m honoured to mark the official release of Census 1926 by the National Archives, the first census undertaken by the independent Irish Free State. 

“When we think back to 1926, ten years after the Easter Rising and following a decade of conflict and upheaval; from the War of Independence to the Civil War, Census 1926 shows the ambition of the new state to carry-out a census of the 2.9 million people living in Ireland as part of its programme of nation-building and to do so, so soon after independence was a bold and visionary decision. As such, Census 1926 marks a historic moment in the development of modern Ireland.

“For people across Ireland, the release of the 1926 Census offers something deeply personal. It allows us to step back in time and encounter our own families, neighbours and communities as they were almost a century ago. It brings history out of the abstract and into the everyday.”

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD added:

“This is a significant day for the country and our diaspora as we see for the first time in a century the records of how we lived in 1926. I want to congratulate the team at the National Archives for their trojan work in getting us to today – not only through carefully cataloguing and preserving the records for generations to come, but also in putting together such a comprehensive programme of activities to allow people to engage with this important part of our history. 

“Indeed, there are over 1,000 people alive today who were recorded in the 1926 Census. These individuals offer a unique, living perspective on the past century of Irish life. The National Archives launched a Centenarian Ambassadors Programme last year which captures the first-hand personal testimony of those who see their own original family records made public today.  It is wonderful to see some of them here this afternoon.”

Also speaking at the launch Director of the National Archives, Orlaith McBride said:

“As we open these census records to the public, we honour those who came before us their resilience, their ambition, and their contribution to the Ireland we know today. 

“But perhaps most importantly, today reminds us that the history of Ireland is not only found in great events or political milestones — it is found in the lived experiences of its people. Every entry in this census represents an individual life, a family unit, a shared human story that together forms the fabric of our nation.”

Central Statistics Office (CSO) Director General Jennifer Banim added:

“The Census is a record of our past, a measure of the present and a plan for the future. Today’s release of the 1926 Census records shows the value of gathering, and preserving, this data. I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of the National Archives, and all those in the CSO, who have contributed to this historic release. We in the CSO are proud to continue the long tradition of census taking in Ireland with Census 2027 providing an online option for the first time, marking another milestone in the history of the state.”

The Story Of Us Exhibition

To mark the release of the 1926 census, the National Archives has opened a major exhibition that explores what life was like in the newly independent Ireland of 1926. Using contemporary documents and images, audio-visual displays and, above all, the census returns themselves, The Story of Us explores the 1926 census to present a picture of life in Ireland in 1926: from sport and entertainment to language, culture, religion, gender and the working lives of the inhabitants of the Irish Free State a century ago.

The exhibition, which was also officially opened by An Taoiseach and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport today, will run at Dublin Castle, opening to the public from 19 April until 15 August 2027.

The exhibition will visit London and Boston, before touring Ireland, as part of a partnership with ten local authorities, as well as a visit to the National Ploughing Championships in September.

Centenarian Ambassadors

Among the attendees at Dublin Castle on Saturday were some of the ‘Centenarian Ambassadors’ announced earlier this week. The programme captured the first-hand personal testimonies of those who were alive at the time the census was taken in 1926, which offer a unique and fascinating perspective on the past century of Irish life.  Almost 100 people contacted the National Archives throughout the programme, and the 48 selected ambassadors today live all over Ireland as well as in North America, the UK and Australia.

National Archives Director Orlaith McBride said:

“The census has never been about lists and numbers; it’s the story of us. It’s about the people living in Ireland in 1926 and all of their descendants today. Whether through the centenarian ambassadors, this exhibition, the book and all the other elements of our extensive public programme, throughout this project we have aimed to ensure the stories, information and human connections revealed by the census reach as many people as possible, in Ireland and around the world.”

Broader Public Programme

As well as the exhibition, The Census 1926 public programme also includes a number of other key components.

A new book, The Story Of Us – Independent Ireland and the 1926 Census has been published by Irish Academic Press and is on sale now. Featuring contributions from key members of the National Archives team and leading social historians, the book captures a number of unique perspectives on the census and the Ireland in which it was taken.

On 4 June, The National Archives in partnership with the OPW, will host the Exploring the 1926 Census Conference, a full-day programme of keynote lectures, thematic panels, and discussions, exploring the census as both a historical document and a contemporary resource.

The Good Luck Club, presented by ANU Productions, will run on site at the National Archives, opening on 27 May, while a major two-part documentary series Come to your Census, will air on RTÉ television next month, with an accompanying six-part RTÉ podcast series released.

Cork Airport to deliver Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport

Cork Airport has announced that it will deliver Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport, in conjunction with Greenvolt Next. A solar carport is a dual-purpose structure, where a canopy is being constructed and fitted with a roof of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The solar carport will provide shelter for parked cars in the Holiday Blue car park while also generating up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs into the future.

The landmark project, which is expected to be completed in August 2027, has been grant supported by the Department of Transport and Department of Climate, Environment and Energy. Minister Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer TD attended the contract signing by Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport and John Carty, Chief Commercial Officer, Greenvolt Next.

The 1.7 MW carport, which is being constructed over the existing Holiday Blue car park, shall be rolled out in two phases – the first of which will start in early summer, with the second stage to commence in October. Once completed in late summer 2027, it is envisaged that the 3,696 solar panels and 5 inverters will generate 1.5 GWh of renewable energy each year for the airport

As well as delivering renewable energy and lowering CO₂ emissions at the airport by 355,056 KG based on Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) data, the carport will reduce annual electricity costs and boost operational efficiency by enabling on-site energy generation.

In 2025, Cork Airport experienced its busiest year ever for passenger traffic, with a total of 3.46 million passengers. It was also named as Europe’s Best Regional Airport by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, acknowledging its efforts in promoting inbound tourism, adding new routes and its commitment to sustainable business. Cork Airport was also named as the “Best Performing Commercial Semi-State” for energy reduction by SEAI for two years running (2021, 2022).

This new solar carport will further strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy.

The works on the construction of the new solar carport will be swiftly followed by an extension to the existing Holiday Blue Car Park, with 669 more long-term car parking spaces. Of those new spaces, 32 will be dedicated spaces for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM). The car park extension will also include new internal roadways, more trolley bays, attenuation and drainage work, along with tasteful landscaping works with a focus on native Irish plant species.

Speaking at Cork Airport, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD said: “The project was supported with over €2 million in Exchequer funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This programme was developed in 2024 to support regional state airports to reach their carbon emission reduction targets and build resilience against climate change.

Cork Airport was named as the “Best Performing Commercial Semi-State” for energy reduction by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for two years running (2021, 2022). This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy. The solar carport will generate up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs into the future.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, added: “Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Cork Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025 with 3.46 million passengers choosing to use the airport which plays an important role in connecting the region to global markets, attracting investment and boosting inbound tourism. This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional State airports developing sustainable energy practices.”

Niall MacCarthy Managing Director, Cork Airport, said: “We understand the need for more sustainable operations at airports, which is why Cork Airport is investing in Ireland’s largest solar carport today. We acknowledge the support of daa Group, the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy for making this exciting project happen. We will meet our 2030 energy reduction targets and we are proud to confirm that.”

Owen Power, CEO, Greenvolt Next Ireland, added: “Our aim is to make renewable energy easy, and this solar carport does exactly that by enabling Cork Airport to be more resourceful, have more control, and use more reliable infrastructure. It will also deliver tangible benefits from both a financial and environmental perspective. We look forward to working with Cork Airport to both creating the largest solar carport in Ireland and future-proofing the aviation sector.”

Kinetic7 HODbox is a UK/ Ireland clean energy soluiton

KINETIC7 the disruptive tech company – founded by Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist Rick Parish – has announced that it has developed a cheap clean energy platform and delivery solution to help tackle the global energy crisis. It comes at a time when energy prices are hitting unprecedented levels and impacting both the UK and Irish business and domestic energy markets.

It comes at a time when the British and Irish governments are under increasing pressure to do more to help consumers with their rising energy and fuel costs. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced emergency support measures for UK households worst hit by the energy crisis.

The £57M package of targeted measures have been introduced to those ‘off grid’ households not covered by the energy fuel cap and not served by legacy mains gas utility companies.Over 4 million households across the UK currently using LPG and oil have seen the cost of heating their homes rise by 80% in just one week! The Prime Minister has also promised legal action against energy firms ‘exploiting’ the crisis, while the competition and markets authority (CMA) are now investigating heating oil suppliers over ’blatant profiteering’ from the Iran war.

With the world debates and procrastinates on how to produce and use sustainable hydrogen gas safely, Kinetic7 has achieved a global breakthrough in developing and safely producing hydrogen gas on demand. It comes at a time of growing global concern over the short and medium-term security and supply of gas energy in the UK, Ireland and across Europe. Rapidly increasing costs and scarcity of supply have been directly impacted by recent geopolitical issues with Russia and Ukraine and the current war between the US, Israel and Iran.

The Abu Dhabi based company – with offices in the UK, Australia, Italy and the US – has pioneered a unique multi-patented delivery mechanism and several portable delivery platforms that have safely harnessed the production and delivery of hydrogen gas on demand (HOD). The innovation dispenses with the need to capture and store hydrogen gas, which has traditionally been dangerous and is extremely expensive to build infrastructure and storage.The Kinetic7 technology produces hydrogen (HHO) gas on demand as and when needed with zero emissions, making it safe, clean, affordable energy that is accessible to everyone, everywhere and even in the remotest of locations.

Commenting on the breakthrough Kinetic7 Chairman and founder Rick Parish said

“The current energy crisis has highlighted once again how vulnerable the UK, Irish and European energy supplies are and the steps that need to be taken to ensure long term energy security is preserved at all costs. We have become far too reliant on legacy gas providers oil and LPG suppliers who control the supply and price of energy.  The cost of energy has also risen steeply over the last few years amidst market volatility and geopolitical instability. Hydrogen on demand is the future for safe, clean and affordable energy that can be rolled out at speed.

Hydrogen gas has existed since the very start of evolution, but understanding how we can create, capture and store hydrogen gas safely has eluded even the greatest of minds. When we were innovating Kinetic 7, we asked ourselves what if we didn’t need to store hydrogen gas but instead could create it on demand. Today we have managed to harness the method of creating, producing and delivering hydrogen gas safely, on demand, without the need for storage. This circumnavigates the process of storing hydrogen gas and means that our Kinetic 7 gas is 100% safe and can be created as and when it is needed and most importantly its 100% carbon free.”

Originally the technology was conceived as a portable cooking stove for humanitarian use in developing nations. Kinetic7 has designed and produced the Tribe™️ and Nomad™️ stoves which are currently in production and will be ready to launch in the coming months. Both portable cooking stoves run off battery and solar power and will also be used for humanitarian, disaster relief, military and emergency services use.  The technology meets 13 of the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG).

The Kinetic7 technology was then pivoted to address the wider global energy crisis impacting both the business and domestic energy markets. A much larger hydrogen on demand HODbox™ was designed and created specifically for the commercial catering and restaurant sectors and one for the domestic energy market.  Further prototype pivots are currently being worked on for other industrial sectors of business and industry.

Not only does the residential HODbox™ produce carbon free hydrogen gas for cooking, hot water and heating, but it is produced and delivered from an adaptable ‘plug and play’ unit that can be simply attached to the side of a residential property. The Kinetic7 HODbox™ can produce clean gas at a fraction of the price delivered by LPG and heating oil companies and legacy mains gas suppliers. It’s simple plug and play instillation dispenses with the need for costly upstream infrastructure and extensive utility pipe networks and connections. It works on the same principle of how existing LPG and oil tanks connect into a residential property.

Each UK household will be able to effectively create its own supply of clean energy from the Kinetic 7 HODbox™, thus ensuring domestic energy supply and security to the home. Kinetic7 provides a viable alternative to the business and domestic energy markets.

It is believed that the hydrogen on demand system could represent savings of as much as 30-45% off household energy bills each year, without the reliance on legacy mains gas supply. It will also provide a 100% carbon free alternative energy source to the off grid residential market which is currently served by LPG, propane and biofuel.

The residential HODbox™ simply attaches to the side of a property and is then plumbed into the interior of the house. After an initial outlay cost for the purchase of the Kinetic 7 unit, the only other running costs to produce hydrogen gas on demand would come from the minimal supply of water and a small amount of electricity/or solar to power needed to power the unit and its auxiliary battery.

Rick Parish added.

“The crisis in the UK, Irish and European domestic energy market continues to impact households and squeezing incomes. Kinetic 7 can be delivered safely to the domestic energy markets. Householders and developers will have a real alternative energy source that is 100% carbon free and that can simply bolt onto the side of a house at very minimal cost and disruption. Kinetic7 will provide ultra clean and ultra cheap gas for cooking and heating a boiler for ambient heat and hot water. We expect to make further announcements on this exciting phase over the coming months.”

The UK government are currently piloting several residential schemes and trials using hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas has historically been seen as unsafe and unstable due to its low flash point, making it very volatile under storage. Typically, hydrogen gas needs to be created, captured and stored in large storage facilities. It requires expensive infrastructure and is costly to produce and store.

The Kinetic 7 HODbox™ dispenses with the need to store hydrogen gas. It provides a completely safe and reliable clean energy source which requires no storage and is produced at the point of demand. It has minimal cost outlay over the traditional hydrogen pilot schemes currently operating in communities which have significant cost implications in the creation, storage and delivery of the hydrogen gas.

The technology was also recently demonstrated at the Palace of Westminster using the prototype Kinetic 7 Nomad™️ stove to an audience of peers, dignitaries and members of the House of Lords at the invitation of The Baroness Uddin, a sitting member of the House of Lords.

The Kinetic 7 portable stove technology has also been subjected to independent academic assessment, expert analysis and opinion by Professor Paul Fennell and Dr Andrius Patapas from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Imperial College London, via Imperial Consultants.