Category: Irish Tech News

CCPC warns of surge in online scams for Irish consumers

Irish consumers are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated online scams, according to a new set of case studies released by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The warning comes as Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the busiest shopping period of the year, creating prime opportunities for scammers to steal from unsuspecting shoppers.

With recent research revealing that almost 40% surveyed expect to make a purchase in the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, the CCPC is advising consumers to be extra vigilant and to stop and think before rushing into making a purchase.

The case studies, which date between November 2024 and August 2025, reveal losses ranging from €42 to €20,000 and highlight the wide range of methods used to scam consumers. These include fake websites, phishing emails, fraudulent job offers, rental accommodation scams, and investment fraud.

The CCPC is warning consumers to be especially wary of ads on social media, as scammers are using convincing clones of trusted websites and fake local shops to trick shoppers. To stay safe, always purchase through the retailer’s official website or app rather than clicking on the social media link.

Stop, search and stay safe 

To help consumers shop safely during the peak shopping season, the CCPC advises following three simple steps:

  • Stop: Scammers often create urgency to pressure quick decisions. If something feels off or too good to be true, stop and think before engaging further.
  • Search: Remember that logos, “about us” pages and imagery on websites can be fabricated. Always take a minute to check sites like Trustpilot or Reddit for independent reviews.
  • Stay safe:
    • Watch out for common red flags, including unusually large discounts – “up to 80% off”, unfamiliar websites, recently created social media profiles, and all five-star reviews.
    • Always use a credit card, debit card or trusted payment provider, rather than a direct bank transfer.

Grainne Griffin, director of communications at the CCPC said: 

“As the busiest shopping season of the year kicks off, it’s important that consumers avoid rushing into online purchases and transactions. Online scams have become more and more sophisticated, using convincing images and stories and carefully tailoring their ads to seem like they’re a trustworthy business.

“For the sake of your finances and your safety, take care when shopping online. Don’t let tactics like time-sensitive offers or countdown clocks pressure you into making a decision you might regret.

“Do your research, take your time, and don’t take risks, no matter how tempting the deal – you can lose an awful lot of money in just a few clicks. Always use a credit card, debit card or trusted payment provider like PayPal, rather than a direct bank transfer.”

What to do if you’ve been scammed when shopping online  

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. You may be able to initiate a chargeback and get your money back, and you may need to freeze your card to prevent further money being taken. An Garda Síochána are responsible for pursuing scam operators so contact your local Garda office and report it and of course you can ask us as many do each year.

For information on the different types of scams and how to spot them, visit ScamUniversity.ie.

Irish start-up brings first ever Irish-voiced robot vacuum into homes for Christmas

Irish families looking for a smarter way to stay on top of housework this Christmas now have a new voice in the home, and it’s proudly Irish. West Cork-based home robotics start-up HomeBot Ireland, founded by Clara Mulligan and husband Alan O’Neill, has just launched its latest innovation: Glider 6-in-1 robot vacuum and mop, now available with voice guidance in a real Irish accent, voiced by none other than DJ Louise Clarke.
With self-emptying, self-washing and drying functions, suitable for all floor types, the Glider is designed to make home cleaning effortless and fun ahead of the festive season. The Irish voiceover not only makes set-up and daily use easier, it also adds personality and warmth. With accessibility in mind, the voice makes the product more accessible to the elderly and people with mobility issues, and is much more family-friendly, by helping warn children and pets of its presence.
 “I was absolutely delighted when Clara asked me to lend my voice to the new Glider. It’s great to be part of a project that supports Irish families and makes life a bit easier, and a bit more fun. I am always very happy to support local Irish family-run companies”, said Louise Clarke.
Founded in 2024 by Clara Mulligan and her husband Alan O’Neill, HomeBot Ireland was inspired by Clara’s father-in-law, who struggled to maintain his garden during the COVID lockdowns. The company’s first product, Buddy, a user-friendly, wireless robotic lawnmower, quickly became a best seller. One year later, HomeBot Ireland has grown into a national brand with a suite of smart robotic cleaners, including vacuums and mops, all designed around the real needs of Irish families.
“We’re building products that actually work for Irish households, whether new or more traditional, for example with door saddles or no Wi-Fi in half the rooms,” said Clara Mulligan, co-founder. “Everything we do, from design to customer care, is grounded in empathy, practicality, and real problems our customers face.”
With support delivered fast via WhatsApp, HomeBot Ireland has earned a reputation for real-time, human-first customer care. “We live in West Cork, and when people message us, it’s us replying. That’s what makes us different, and why people keep coming back”, Clara adds.
“We are growing steadily and with purpose. We want to bring smart, simple, sustainable tech into Irish homes and give people their time back, one robot at a time”, added Clara.

Payrails announces 50 jobs over 3 years in new Dublin office

Payrails, the enterprise-grade modular payment operating system, today announced the opening of its new office in Dublin, marking a significant milestone in the company’s European expansion strategy.

As part of its long‑term investment in local markets, Payrails will hire 50 new staff, in both commercial and technical roles, over the next 3 years. The Dublin office will serve as a hub to deepen relationships with enterprise merchants operating throughout Europe, enhance local support, and accelerate innovation in its product portfolio while helping businesses to simplify and scale their payment operations.

Minister of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said  “The creation of 50 new roles over the next three years demonstrates the continued confidence international firms have in Ireland’s skilled workforce. Our government remains focused on supporting ambitious companies like Payrails as they scale and invest in local talent.”

“Establishing a Dublin presence is a deliberate step in our European expansion. Ireland offers both a sophisticated fintech ecosystem and access to world-class talent, making it an ideal hub for deepening relationships with enterprises in the region,” said Orkhan Abdullayev, CEO & Co‑Founder, Payrails. “Our strategy has always been to bring technology closer to clients so that we can be more responsive, more collaborative, and more effective. With this local base, we aim to deliver even stronger support, speed, and innovation to merchants operating across Europe.”

“Enterprise companies in Ireland, and more broadly across Europe, are increasingly demanding flexibility, control, and performance from their payments stack,” said Edward Moore, CRO, Payrails. “That’s exactly what Payrails offers: a modular, PSP‑agnostic operating system that gives them the ability to optimize across networks, acquirers, and markets. Opening a Dublin office is a signal of our commitment to those customers – our goal is not simply to sell a product, but to build long-term partnerships grounded in trust, reliability, and shared success.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said “Payrails’ commitment to growth in Ireland highlights the strength of our pro-business environment and the collaborative support offered by IDA Ireland. We look forward to partnering with them as they scale their operations and drive new opportunities in the payments sector.

Payrails’ expansion in Ireland complements its broader EMEA roadmap, responding to increased demand from large merchants seeking a next-generation payments stack that combines orchestration, analytics, and reconciliation in a unified, modular platform. By locating in Dublin, Payrails will also lean into Ireland’s strategic position in Europe’s payments and fintech ecosystem, benefiting from local infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and connectivity with major global operations.

Sanmina Announces Expansion of Ireland Manufacturing Site, Creating up to 150 Jobs

Sanmina Corporation a Fortune 500 company and leading global provider of integrated electronic manufacturing solutions, today announced an expansion of its Fermoy medical facility in North Cork. The investment is expected to create up to 150 highly skilled new jobs, with recruitment already underway.

The completed facility expansion will be opened today by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The operation in Fermoy dates back to the site’s opening in 1989. Since then, it has grown to become Sanmina’s largest medical facility in Europe. The expansion to the site is expected to further enhance Sanmina’s capabilities for the finished medical device market, reinforcing Ireland’s role as a leading hub for medical technology manufacturing.

The site includes advanced manufacturing capabilities, and its first new automation line is already installed and commissioned. The expansion will also include a new ISO8 clean room and several high-volume automation lines dedicated to producing wearable medical devices.

Attending this event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said “I am delighted to visit Sanmina today as they officially open this expanded facility with the creation of up to 150 new jobs in Fermoy. Sanmina has been part of the community in Fermoy since 1989, home to its largest medical facility in Europe. This expansion is a strong vote of confidence in the skills, talent and ability of the workforce in Cork and beyond, and of Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a destination for international investment and a global leader in medical technology innovation.”

Sean Moran, SVP of IMS Europe at Sanmina, said “This expansion underscores Sanmina’s long-term commitment to Fermoy and to Ireland as a centre of excellence for medical technology manufacturing. For over 36 years, our Fermoy site has been driven by exceptional talent and a strong culture of innovation and quality. That combination has been central to our success and to supporting the growth of our customers in the global medical device marketplace while creating high-quality employment and opportunity in the region.”

Mary Buckley, Executive Director of IDA Ireland, said “Sanmina has been providing significant employment in Fermoy for many decades. This expansion future proofs the site and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the Southwest Region. I wish to congratulate Sanmina and assure them of the continued partnership with IDA Ireland.”

Recruitment for the facility’s new positions is focused on roles in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and Operations. To find out more about open roles, click here www.sanmina.com.

E-Clean System Installed at the Guinness Storehouse

Euro Refrigeration Limited, part of the ERG Group, has unveiled its pioneering E-Clean chemical-free glass washing system with a high-profile installation at the Guinness Storehouse and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in St. James’s Gate, Dublin.

The project began with a full trial of the system at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, where it was extensively tested in a live brewing and hospitality environment. Following the success of this trial, the system was rolled out across all glasswashers in the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s number one visitor attraction with more than 1.7 million visitors annually. This ensures every guest experiences a perfect pint served in perfectly prepared glassware.

The E-Clean system, distributed exclusively in Ireland by Euro Refrigeration, allows glassware to be cleaned without detergent or rinse aid. The result is a brilliant shine, enhanced presentation, and superior lacing – all essential to delivering the “perfect pint.”

Developed with the hospitality industry front of mind, the system delivers both sustainability and performance, helping pubs, hotels, restaurants, and clubs to improve customer experience while reducing environmental impact. It also extends the life of glassware, prevents common issues such as streaks, lines, or chemical residues, and keeps machines scale-free.

“E-Clean is not simply an innovation – it is a redefinition of how we approach glass care in hospitality. We are proud to deliver a smarter, greener, and more efficient solution that aligns with the industry’s growing focus on sustainability,” said Peter Wynne, Director, Euro Refrigeration Limited. “We are delighted that, following its successful trial at the Open Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse has adopted E-Clean as its glass-cleaning system of choice.”

At the heart of the system is advanced filtration and reverse osmosis technology, produced in partnership with Aquaphor, a global leader in water treatment innovation. Through ERG’s exclusive distribution in Ireland, this world-leading technology is now available to hospitality venues as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glass washing methods.

The official launch took place at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Dublin and was attended by leading members of the licensed trade, representatives from Diageo, and the ERG Group.

Sky’s the limit for Inflight Dublin as Landmark Technologies secures operations

Landmark Technologies, an Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, today announces that it is helping to secure daily operations for in-flight entertainment provider Inflight Dublin. Together, Landmark and Inflight Dublin’s IT team have developed a customised cybersecurity solution tailored to Inflight Dublin’s specific needs. This integrated solution counters rising cyber threats, safeguards critical data, and provides a secure foundation for innovative in-flight entertainment solutions that enhance the passenger experience.

Headquartered in Dublin and with locations in North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Inflight Dublin provides blockbuster movies, popular TV programmes, music, apps, games, and moving maps to leading airlines worldwide. These include Qatar Airways, Condor Flugdienst GmbH, Copa Airlines, Gulf Air, Philippine Airlines, Sunclass Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines.

As Inflight Dublin collaborates closely with Hollywood studios to provide top content for customers, data security is paramount. The nature of the business requires many employees to travel overseas, and Landmark secures all devices and networks for the company’s 55-strong team – wherever they’re working.

As cyber threats continue to grow more sophisticated, Landmark works closely with Inflight Dublin’s internal IT team to provide rapid response and remediation should an incident occur. In addition, the tailored solution is boosting resilience for Inflight Dublin with onsite and offsite data backups to ensure business continuity in the event of an incident. Regular penetration testing identifies any cybersecurity gaps or vulnerabilities, and Landmark provides cybersecurity awareness training to employees.

Landmark’s technology, seamlessly integrated with Inflight Dublin’s bespoke solutions, enables a secure, immersive, and uninterrupted entertainment experience for airline passengers. Inflight Dublin recently completed a major IT infrastructure upgrade, deploying data centre-grade systems engineered for fault tolerance, redundancy, and maximum uptime. This enhancement ensures the continued rapid delivery of content and publication updates to in-flight entertainment systems worldwide including Inflight Dublin’s own wireless platform, Everhub.

Additionally, Inflight Dublin recently announced a new partnership with TED to bring thought-provoking TED Talks to its onboard content offering.

Pat Nolan, Director of IT & Information Security, Inflight Dublin, said: “Against the backdrop of a changing cyber landscape, this advanced security solution from Landmark and our teams gives us the confidence to continue to roll out our services, safe in the knowledge that our data and operations are fully protected. Effective cybersecurity is of the utmost importance in the aviation industry, and we are committed to providing secure solutions for customers which offer passengers an engaging and entertaining in-flight experience. In addition, even when located in different regions and time zones, our teams can work and collaborate securely to ultimately drive innovation for the business.”

Ken Kelleher, Managing Director, Landmark Technologies, said: “We are providing peace of mind and resilience for Inflight Dublin as the company continues to grow and evolve. Seamless access to movies and TV is a top priority for many airlines and as customers’ needs become more complex, our ultra-secure services reduce cyber risk and enhance capabilities. Meanwhile, our customer-first ethos and proactive support is crucial for Inflight Dublin, particularly as its team is often dispersed. Landmark is enabling Inflight Dublin to take off and deliver its services quickly and efficiently, while futureproofing operations and supporting seamless scalability in line with business growth.”

Galway County Council Launches Revamped Bilingual Website

Galway County Council has launched a completely redesigned bilingual website aimed at delivering faster, clearer, and more accessible information to residents, businesses, and visitors.

The new site, available at Gaillimh.ie and Galway.ie, was developed by award-winning Irish web services company Annertech. It now offers 100 per cent Irish-language content, improved translation management, and the ability to deliver dynamic updates including rich media, event announcements, and severe weather alerts.

Core services, including Planning, Housing, Environment, Libraries, Climate Action, Community, and Business and Economy, are easily accessible from the home page. Visitors can also sign up for location-based alerts on road works, planning applications, severe weather, and community notices through the MapAlerter service.

With the majority of users accessing the site on mobile devices, page layouts automatically adjust to fit smartphones and tablets.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said, “We have incorporated the views of elected members and the public, along with best practices in local government web service delivery, when redesigning the site. This ensures that the most up-to-date information about our services is presented in a modern, user-friendly interface with improved navigation and accessibility features.”

Katie O’Connor, Director of Finance, Motor Tax, ICT and Digital Transformation, described the launch as “a major step forward in making our services clearer, faster, and more accessible.”

She added, “The upgraded bilingual site ensures reliable access to council information and services at all times. It follows the Local Government Service Catalogue, presenting information around what people need.”

Michael Martyn, Head of Information Systems, commented, “By rewriting all content in plain English and Gaeilge, building on an open-source platform, and making Irish-language content a core feature, we are making it easier for people to find what they need, when they need it. This is about putting the user first, whether they are a resident, a business, or a visitor to Galway County.”

The site is built on Local Government Drupal, an open-source platform shared by councils in Ireland and the UK, with sharing of additional development and features on a build-once, share-many basis.

Visit www.Gaillimh.ie and www.Galway.ie.

‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ DCC Podcast now available

Want to learn more about your local council? Tune in to ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ – the official podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Dublin City Council

Seasons one and two of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ The Official Dublin City Council Podcast are now available in full on podcast platforms. Whether you’re a resident of Dublin city, a student, or eager to learn about local government, this podcast offers a fresh and accessible look at how Dublin City Council supports your city and keeps it moving. Podcasts are also a new thing with me and now listening to more of them as time goes on and I will tune into this one.

Highlights of season two include a deep dive into Dublin Fire Brigade with Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer, a chat with Assistant Chief Executive Aidan Blighe about what the senior management role entails, and a reflection with Public Domain Officer Sid Daly on the challenges of waste management and recycling in Dublin city.

The ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ podcast delves into the roles and responsibilities of the various sections and departments of Dublin City Council, showcasing the work, initiatives, and services that impact both residents and visitors.

Topics covered so far range from Housing and Biodiversity, to Sports and the Night-Time Economy, with more special episodes to come before the end of 2025.

Producer and host of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ Deirdre Molumby says: “We’ve had such a wonderful range of guests and perspectives on the ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ podcast and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished this year.

“I’ve learned so much presenting this podcast and I believe listeners have too. There is a broad range of audiences who will get something out of ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’, whether you’re interested in working for the public sector and want to brush up on it, a community member who wants to use services provided by Dublin City Council, or students who want to learn about how local council works. I’m looking forward to seeing the podcast grow and grow.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to fellow producer Michael Ryan, sound engineer and editor Robert Fay, everyone in the Communications sector of Dublin City Council, and senior management for their support.”

Subscribe to ‘What’s the Story, Dublin?’ on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Goodpods, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.

Viatel Technology Group has secured three significant Cisco specialisations

Viatel Technology Group, Ireland’s leading SD-WAN provider, has secured three significant Cisco specialisations, solidifying its commitment to end-to-end customer value, systems integration, and environmental sustainability.

The achievement, a ‘hat-trick’ of Cisco Customer Experience Specialisation, Cisco Select Integrator, and Cisco Environmental Sustainability Specialisation, reinforces Viatel’s standing as a strategic partner driving digital transformation for Irish enterprises.

Eilish O’Connor, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Viatel Technology Group, commented on the achievement:

“Securing these three Cisco specialisations is a powerful validation of our team’s deep expertise and our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. For our customers, it means they are partnering with a provider that not only understands complex Cisco technology but is also deeply invested in their success at every stage, from initial strategy to long-term sustainable operation.”

This strategic milestone builds on Viatel’s established reputation as Ireland’s   number one SD-WAN provider, managing over 300 networks and nearly 1,000 configured devices across the country.

Sheila Greaney, Partner Account Manager at Cisco, congratulated the Viatel team:

“Viatel, as an indigenous Irish company, truly embodies the spirit of trust and collaboration that defines our partnership. Together, we have built a strong, enduring relationship grounded in shared values and mutual success.”

Damien McCann, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Viatel, added:

“Customer success drives everything we do. We’ve invested heavily in our capabilities, and that appetite for excellence has enabled us to maintain our position as Cisco’s number one SD-WAN partner. These achievements reinforce our ability to deliver real results for our customers and push the boundaries of what’s possible in technology and service delivery.

“These specialisations open up new opportunities for Viatel to deepen our partnerships, deliver even greater value, and help our customers unlock the full potential of their technology investments at every stage of their journey.”.