Category: Irish Tech News

StoryToys Partners with the LEGO Group and BBC Studios

StoryToys, an everplay group company and award-winning Dublin-based developer of interactive and educational digital content for children, is thrilled to announce today (August 14th) the launch of the highly anticipated LEGO Bluey mobile game in collaboration with the LEGO Group and BBC Studios.

Based on the Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning global phenomenon, this brand-new game brings the charm and fun of the beloved animated TV series that follows Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo, into an engaging digital experience, designed especially for children, between two and seven.  

The game captures the spirit of the animated TV series by reflecting values, themes, and character representation. It features characters, builds, and props from the LEGO Bluey range to offer fun digital play experiences mixed with creative brick building, problem solving challenges and the chance to play out fun moments inspired by the show. It is designed to align with young children’s developmental needs to support both emotional and cognitive development.

The app will launch with four themed play packs: Garden Tea Party, Go for a Drive, Beach Day, and Around the House. Each play pack has a series of open-ended activities for endless play. New content will be added in future updates, ensuring a continually fresh and playful experience for young fans and families.

The app will feature classic LEGO System bricks for ages 4+, including minifigures, vehicles, and props inspired by LEGO Bluey sets, as well as larger LEGO DUPLO bricks for younger players, with simplified builds and vehicles for early imaginative play.

The response ahead of launch has been extraordinary, as the new Bluey app has reached three quarters of a million pre-orders before its launch this month. 

Emmet O’Neill, Chief Executive of StoryToys, shared his enthusiasm for the release of the Bluey app saying, “We’re genuinely thrilled to be working with Bluey for the first time. It’s such a special show, full of warmth, humour, and imagination that really connects with families and encourages them to play together. That spirit is at the heart of what we do at StoryToys. We’re also really excited to be introducing LEGO system bricks into our apps for the first time, giving kids even more ways to build, create, and play.”

Also commenting on the release of the app, Michaela Edgerly Stovicek, Head of LEGO Preschool Audience, said: “We’re over the moon to bring the magic of Bluey and LEGO DUPLO and LEGO system bricks together in a way that sparks creativity and imagination for our little builders in a digital world created by StoryToys! With the LEGO Bluey app, every child can dive into a world of playful adventures, where learning and fun go hand in hand and magic happens at the click of fingertips. Build mode on!”

Marina Mello BBC Studios Global Director for Gaming & Interactive said:” We’re delighted to bring together two of the world’s most beloved brands and to offer fans a whole new way to enjoy them. This game blends imaginative brick-building with playful problem-solving and memorable moments from the show—capturing the distinctive spirit of creativity and fun that defines both brands. A huge thank you to our fantastic partners at StoryToys, the LEGO Group and Ludo Studio.”

This app builds upon the success of StoryToys LEGO DUPLO apps and continues their mission to create engaging digital experiences that support children’s development through play. The LEGO Bluey mobile game is now available on the App Store and Google Play. The launch of StoryToys’ first LEGO Bluey app is part of their ongoing collaboration with renowned global brand, the LEGO Group, which began in 2018.

Bluey, which was first launched in Australia in 2018, now airs in over 140 countries and has millions of fans around the world. According to Nielsen, Bluey was the No.1 most-watched series on streaming in 2024 among total viewers in the U.S., with nearly 56 billion minutes watched (930M hours) and has continued to be for the first half of 2025, with 25.06 billion minutes (417M hours) of viewing.

 

 

New Online Safety Monitor Provides Recommendations to make the Online World Safer for Children and Young People

The first Online Safety Monitor was launched today at an online safety conference hosted by the Children’s Rights Alliance. The conference featured addresses from Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan and David D’Arcy, Digital Services Act Officer for Ireland at the European Commission office in Dublin. At a crunch point with new regulation of online platforms, the Online Safety Monitor provides a baseline analysis of the protections in place and the areas where children in Ireland remain vulnerable online.

“If laws and regulations fail to keep pace with the digital world, it is children and young people who pay the price. Failing to have adequate protections online creates space for predators to hide,” said Noeline Blackwell, Online Safety Coordinator with the Children’s Rights Alliance.

The Online Safety Monitor marks a unique and comprehensive analysis of the current state of children’s online rights; outlining key recommendations across three thematic areas in a single document and laying the groundwork for ongoing monitoring as these rights continue to evolve.

The Online Safety Monitor calls on the Government to:

  • Establish an effective and accessible Public Individual Complaints Mechanism where complaints made by children or involving a child are given priority

 

  • Strengthen oversight of platform compliance with the Digital Services Act to ensure accountability mechanisms are effective and child-centred, and include safety-by-design, transparency, privacy and algorithms

 

  • Lead reform of EU Laws that combat the production, hosting, access and use of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and ensure these laws properly address grooming, encryption, detection and secure storage of both new and existing CSAM

 

  • Introduce targeted initiatives to raise awareness and increase understanding of online harms to children, focusing on child sexual abuse, CSAM, grooming, and sexual exploitation.

Ms. Blackwell continued:

“As we launch the Online Safety Monitor today, several platforms are under investigations in several jurisdictions because of the harms that occurred on their sites. We cannot trust platforms to decide and design their own safety rules for children. These platforms are inherently risky in their set-up, favouring profit over protection. While there have been significant strides in recent years to end this era of self-regulation, there are gaps that ultimately put children at risk.

In Ireland, there is huge public appetite for the Government to stand up to big tech and they have made a start. We have a new law, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, a dedicated Online Safety Commissioner and the introduction of legally binding Online Safety Codes. However, children are still being subjected to unnecessary levels of online harm.

The Online Safety Codes offer the first real chance to ensure there are significant consequences for platforms doing too little to safeguard children but in their current form, they give too much scope to platforms to determine their own safety standards. The recommender algorithms these companies designed that feed children harmful content are not included. On top of that, children and young people are still waiting for an accessible individual complaints mechanism that they can turn to when they do experience harms online. Leaving children and their families lost in a maze of complex and inconsistent reporting processes for every site they engage with.”

The Online Safety Monitor places a particular focus on the growing threat of online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), calling for national and EU action to crackdown on the proliferation of this material.

Ms Blackwell concluded:

“The horrifying reality of an unregulated internet is children are left exposed online to the worst crimes and content you can imagine. Last year, it was estimated that over 300 million children globally were victims of online sexual exploitation. That is 10 cases every second. We have reached a grim milestone, and yet, EU regulation to address this has stalled.

Predators hide behind blind spots that current laws fail to acknowledge sufficiently, and online platforms ignore entirely, and all the while the industry profits rise. Reports of child sexual abuse material in Ireland have skyrocketed in recent years, with Hotline.ie receiving over 29,000 reports in 2023 – the highest number in its history. What should be enjoyable activities, such as chatting with friends online or playing video games, can open the door to some of the worst offences.

Online predators are skilled at identifying young internet users and are ready to exploit them, leading to children being exposed to, or in many cases, sharing their own, explicit content. Just a few minutes online at the wrong time, can have lasting impacts on children and young people beyond the screen including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and struggles with trust and self-esteem.

Despite occurring behind a screen, this is not a victimless crime, and it is not one that will disappear with a power off button. It is essential that our new Government make this an absolute priority and push for stronger EU laws and more effective ways to detect, remove, and prevent this content which has irreversible effects on countless children every minute.

There would be outrage if harms online happened offline, in our communities. Our government must step up to ensure our regulation is as robust and child-centred as possible, and that are significant penalties for platforms if they fail to comply. The online world is being shaped by digital technologies that are developing at a rapid rate. We cannot afford to wait and see what may happen if we don’t take action immediately.”

  • The Online Safety Monitor is available here.

The Strategic Importance of Centres of Excellence in the IT Industry and at Noesis

At the start of another exhilarating Formula 1 season, it’s fascinating to draw parallels between the high-speed world of racing and Ireland’s rapidly accelerating IT sector. While Ireland may not have an extensive Formula 1 history, it is making significant strides in a different kind of global competition, innovation and digital transformation within the IT industry.

Ireland’s IT sector has long been recognized as a hub for innovation. The country’s strategic location, pro-business policies, and access to the European market have attracted major global players. However, the true differentiator lies in the local talent, highly skilled, creative professionals who bring a unique perspective to the challenges of modern IT. Its tech-savvy workforce continues to make tech innovation thriving and at Noesis Ireland, we are proud to contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. 

At Noesis, we deeply appreciate the parallels between precision, performance, and continuous improvement, principles equally vital in technology and motorsport. Our Dundalk Centre of Excellence (CoE) represents the personification of these values, harnessing Ireland’s outstanding local talent to drive cutting-edge innovation in artificial intelligence, software development, quality assurance, low-code development, and data analytics.

Much like an F1 team’s pit crew, which fine-tunes every element for maximum efficiency, our Centre of Excellence is structured to ensure seamless integration of expertise, best practices, and emerging technologies. It serves as a hub where the latest advancements in IT are developed, tested, and deployed at speed, allowing our clients to stay ahead of the competition.

Strategically positioned between Dublin and Belfast, Dundalk offers a unique advantage. It allows us to tap into the talent and innovation potential of both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Its proximity to prominent universities, dynamic tech startups, and leading enterprises creates a thriving collaborative ecosystem, which helps us produce agile, scalable solutions designed for global impact.

Nelson Pereira CTO Noesis and Ricardo Batista MD UK&I Noesis

Our Dundalk CoE is more than just an operational hub; it is a powerhouse of collaboration and expertise. It specialises in key technology domains, including artificial intelligence, software development, quality assurance, low-code development, and data analytics. By consolidating knowledge and fostering continuous improvement in these areas, we ensure that our solutions remain innovative, adaptable, and impactful across industries.

Just like in Formula 1, where teams rely on real-time data, strategic decision-making, and continuous iteration, Noesis leverages the CoE model to enhance efficiency and deliver cutting-edge solutions. Whether it’s optimising software performance, ensuring seamless automation, or delivering scalable AI-driven insights, our CoE provides the agility and expertise needed to meet the evolving demands of the digital world.

Additionally, the CoE is pivotal in adapting to today’s hybrid work environment. It balances remote flexibility with essential physical collaboration, creating a space for meaningful innovation and team cohesion. This approach mirrors a well-coordinated pit crew, each member contributing precisely to the overall performance and success.

Ireland has long been a hub for technological advancement, and the Dundalk CoE further cements its position on the global stage. As Noesis continues to push the boundaries of IT excellence, we remain committed to fostering innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions, and driving success—both for our clients and for Ireland’s growing reputation in the digital economy.

Just as an F1 team never stops refining its approach to gain an edge, we at Noesis embrace that same relentless pursuit of progress. Through our Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, we are accelerating Ireland’s digital transformation, ensuring that the country remains a leading force in global IT innovation.

Our vision is clear, to harness the power of Irish expertise to solve the world’s most pressing IT challenges, meeting and exceeding our clients’ needs and making their businesses better. Whether it’s enhancing operational efficiencies, driving digital transformation, or championing sustainability, our Centre of Excellence, here in Ireland and across the Noesis network, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local innovation meets global ambition.

By Ricardo Batista, MD Noesis UK and Ireland

Digital investment in Ireland at risk due to data centre regulation

A seminar on Ireland’s energy future will discuss how regulation and infrastructural challenges in energy are negatively impacting economic growth in Ireland.

Taking place on Wednesday 2 April and hosted by Engineers Ireland’s Energy, Environment, and Climate Action Division, The Merging Energy Landscape – A Pivotal Shift in Industry to Address the Carbon Budget Challenge Seminar, will also highlight the challenges businesses face to reduce emissions, the pressure on industry to meet targets, and the impact on the environment and economy if we fall short.

Speakers at the seminar will include Ciara Ahern, senior lecturer of Building Engineering, TU Dublin and Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Ireland, Equinix a global data centre provider.

According to Ciara Ahern: “The future of smart buildings lies in their ability to act as flexible demand assets within our evolving energy systems. Yet, there is still a significant gap between where we are and where we need to be. This seminar will explore how emerging guidelines, scalable solutions, and digital infrastructure can enable buildings to participate in energy markets—reducing carbon emissions and enhancing grid resilience while facilitating greater penetration of renewable energy.”

Equinix owns 268 data centres globally, including four retail colocation facilities and 2 xScale facilities in Dublin. Peter Lantry will discuss the need for Ireland to address existing barriers to further digital investment if the country is to avoid missing crucial economic opportunities. “Ireland, especially Dublin, has successfully attracted digital services companies, including data centres, over the past 40 years. The challenge now is how to keep pace with other tech nations amid energy distribution and supply issues that have deterred data centre development, which impacts Ireland’s economy.”

Additional speakers at the seminar will include Conor Minogue, Senior Executive at IBEC discussing the business case for meeting climate action targets, and Heidi Duffy, Operations Environmental and Sustainability Manager at Iarnród Éireann, sharing insights on the challenges and solutions to the transition to sustainable public transport.

This event will take place in Engineers Ireland, 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Tickets are available at www.engineersireland.ie or by following this link.

Have Your Say: Coimisiún na Meán seeks public’s views on the future of Public Service Media

Coimisiún na Meán is today (28.03.25) inviting the Irish public to have their say on the future of Public Service Media.

The Call for Inputs, which opens today, Friday 28 March and closes Friday 23 May, asks the public what they want, need and value in Public Service Media in Ireland, and what they would like to see more of in the future.

Coimisiún na Meán is looking for views on what sorts of content the public care most about, what platforms people use to watch programmes and if people feel that Public Service Media in Ireland accurately represents them and their viewpoints.

Commenting on the launch of the Call for Inputs, Coimisiún na Meán Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner Aoife MacEvilly said: ‘’Ensuring that Ireland’s media landscape serves the needs of Irish audiences is a priority for Coimisiún na Meán. We know that the media landscape is constantly evolving, technology is changing and the way audiences engage with content is transforming rapidly. The Call for Inputs that we are launching today is a great opportunity for people across Ireland to have their say on the future of Public Service Media.

‘’The Public Service Broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4, and the licensed broadcasters all have a crucial role to play in educating, entertaining and informing the public. This Call for Inputs is the first step to developing a new Position Paper on Audience Needs and the Principles and Values of Public Service Media, which will be completed in 2026. I would encourage the public to take this opportunity to let us know their thoughts by Friday 23 May, and to help us shape Ireland’s media landscape into the future.’’

The Call for Inputs is the first step in a multi-year programme of work from Coimisiún na Meán on the future of Public Service Media. There will be opportunities for broadcasters, and other stakeholders to provide their views as this work progresses.

Call for Inputs

Hillwalk Tours Partner With HiiKER

Hillwalk Tours, a leading provider of self-guided walking holidays across Ireland, the UK, Spain, and Portugal, are thrilled to announce an innovative new partnership with Hiiker, a fellow Irish-based company, and experts in hiking and navigation technology. This collaboration brings the best of both worlds together: world-class hiking tours and state-of-the-art navigation support.

The partnership will allow Hillwalk Tours’ customers to seamlessly navigate their self-guided walking tour using Hiiker’s advanced GPS navigation app. Built with the customer experience in mind, Hillwalk Tours has meticulously curated and integrated their own GPS tracks for each hiking trail onto the Hiiker platform, which customers can access directly via the Hiiker app.

This strategic collaboration enhances the hiking experience by providing Hillwalk Tours’ customers with comprehensive offline GPS navigation, as well as a host of powerful features such as the ability to change to different, more detailed mapping layers and receive real-time “off-trail” alerts. The offline capability ensures that even in remote areas with limited connectivity, hikers will have access to reliable trail guidance.

“Our mission at Hillwalk Tours has always been to create experiences that make people happy” said Anthony Barrett, Managing Director of Hillwalk Tours. “By partnering with Hiiker, an Irish company that shares our passion for the great outdoors, along with providing exceptional navigational technology, we’re elevating our offering to customers. This partnership represents a major leap forward in ensuring our customers can safely and confidently explore the trails, while also enhancing the experience of our walking holidays.”

Hiiker, renowned for its expertise in creating intuitive navigation solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “We are excited to join forces with Hillwalk Tours, who have been creating first-rate self-guided hiking trips for over 15 years now,” said Paul Finlay, Founder of Hiiker. “Our technology will provide Hillwalk Tours’ customers with peace of mind, even in the most remote and beautiful landscapes, thanks to our app’s ability to provide detailed maps, offline navigation and trail safety alerts.”

Both companies, deeply rooted in Ireland, are passionate about promoting outdoor exploration in a safe, accessible, and enjoyable way. The collaboration is a testament to the shared values of innovation and quality, and it highlights the strength of Irish entrepreneurship in the global hiking and tourism industry.

Key Features of the Partnership:

  • GPS Navigation Made Easy: Customers of Hillwalk Tours will have access to Hillwalk’s own meticulously crafted and custom-built tracks on the Hiiker app, ensuring they can easily follow their hiking route.
  • Offline Capability: Hiiker’s offline navigation feature will keep hikers on track even in areas with no phone or cell coverage.
  • Detailed Mapping Layers: Customers will have access to switch between a wide array of comprehensive maps for navigation. This includes OSI, EastWest Mapping, and historical maps in Ireland; OS Mapping, Harvey Maps, and historical maps in the UK; as well as IGN and other national and independent maps across continental Europe.
  • Off-Trail Alerts: Automatic alerts notify walkers if they wander off the designated path, adding an extra layer of safety to their adventure.

This partnership marks a significant enhancement for hiking enthusiasts who value the freedom of self-guided tours without compromising on safety or convenience.

For more information on Hillwalk Tours, visit www.hillwalktours.com. To learn more about Hiiker, visit www.hiiker.app.

Tech Industry Alliance Announces TechFest 2025: Tech, AI & Humanity

Tech Industry Alliance is proud to announce the official launch of TechFest 2025, the South West’s leading technology conference, bringing together industry pioneers, AI experts, and business leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, space innovation, and tech talent are shaping our future.

TechFest is the Alliance’s annual flagship technology conference and will be held at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, from 08:00am on May 15, 2025. This year’s theme, “Tech, AI & Humanity – Shaping Our Future,” will examine the profound impact of AI on society, business, and the workforce of tomorrow. Tickets for the main conference are now on sale at:  https://techindustryalliance.ie/techfest-2025/?doing_wp_cron=1742820112.6130120754241943359375

TechFest 2025 is delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster, and author Dr. Hannah Critchlow as keynote speaker. Named a “Rising Star in Life Sciences” by Nature, Dr. Critchlow is a Fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, and a respected voice in neuroscience and AI. With frequent appearances on BBC, ABC, and global media, including The Life Scientific, Tomorrow’s World Live, and BBC Radio 4’s Destiny and the Brain, Dr. Critchlow will explore the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and human potential.

Keeping the energy high and discussions insightful, Jonathan McCrea, an acclaimed science communicator and AI master trainer, will guide attendees through the event. Passionate about harnessing AI to drive productivity and innovation, Jonathan will ensure an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Other expert speakers on the day include Dan Rapp Chief AI and Data Officer – Proofpoint, Dr. Laura Maye – UCC Lecturer specialising in human-computer interaction and inclusive technology design, Rory Fitzpatrick – CEO of the National Space Centre, Cormac O’ Sullivan from Mbyronics,  Dr. Niall Smith – Head of Research at Munster Technological University, Tim Crowe, Co-Founder and CEO of WrxFlo, Emily Brick  – Founder of Athena Analytics, plus many more.

This year’s conference will feature four engaging tracks addressing the biggest challenges and opportunities in tech:

  • Tech, AI & Humanity – How Will Artificial Intelligence Reshape Society?
  • The Future of Tech Talent – What Skills Will Define the Workforce of Tomorrow?
  • Showcasing Evolving Tech Companies – Meet the Innovators Transforming the South West’s Tech Sector
  • Space & the Future of Humanity – Exploring the Next Frontier of Innovation

Gerry Murphy, Tech Industry Alliance Chairperson, commented: “We are delighted to be announcing TechFest 2025, which will feature rare content, rich dialogue, and facilitate real connections. This event would not be possible without the vital support of our sponsors, who all recognise the importance of our sector to the Munster region. Following a highly successful TechFest last year, we are thrilled with this year’s incredible lineup of speakers and the even greater opportunities to network with colleagues and businesses across the South West region.”

With over 400 attendees expected, TechFest 2025 will be an unparalleled opportunity to network, connect, and collaborate. Given the high demand, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as the event is expected to be a sell-out.

TechFest 2025 sponsors – Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, AIB, Proofpoint, PepsiCo Ireland,  Skillnet Innovation Exchange, FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology), Barden, Trend Micro, Park Place Technologies, CyberSkills, NetApp, Aspen Grove, Deloitte, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, We are Cork, Kerry County Council, Discover Kerry, Voxxify, MTU, Nimbus

Secure Your Spot Now: TechFest 2025 is THE must-attend event for tech professionals, business leaders, startups, and innovators who want to stay ahead of the curve. Register today and secure your spot:
https://techindustryalliance.ie/techfest-2025/?doing_wp_cron=1742820112.6130120754241943359375

Teen-Turn and PayPal host coding boot camp for global Technovation competition

Teen-Turn and PayPal recently joined forces to host a coding and app development boot camp at PayPal’s Dublin campus. This boot camp saw approximately 50 participants from schools and colleges across Ireland working with mentors and volunteers from PayPal for the global Technovation competition.

Teen-Turn, a volunteer-led organisation and registered charity, aims to support course decision-making processes, advise on education and career options, and promote the accessibility of STEM career environments for girls from underserved and underrepresented communities. Meanwhile, Technovation is a tech education nonprofit that offers interactive learning programs in which young people and adults learn how to use technology to solve real-world problems.

Whilst many of the attendees are taking part in this year’s Technovation competition, some of the attendees on the day were from previous years of the competition and presented the apps they have created and the social enterprises they have launched through the Teen-Turn Incubator and Accelerator Program – including HerdSync and UNdump. In addition to coding and app development, boot camp participants worked with mentors and volunteers on business plans to support the rollout of their innovations.

The attendees came from a range of areas and schools including Archbishop McHale College (Galway), Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School (Dublin), Coláiste Bríde (Dublin), Coláiste Nano Nagle (Limerick), Dominican College (Galway), Dunmore Community School (Galway), Galway Educate Together Secondary School, Glenamaddy Community School (Galway), Kylemore College (Dublin), Millstreet Community School (Cork), Mount Carmel Secondary School (Dublin), Mount St Michael Secondary School (Mayo), Mungret Community College (Limerick), Presentation Secondary School Warrenmount (Dublin), Salerno Secondary School (Galway), St Jarlath’s College (Galway), St Patrick’s Comprehensive School (Clare), and St Vincent’s (Cork).

Speaking about the event, Jacquie Murphy, Munster Co-ordinator with Teen-Turn, said: “We were blown away by the number of mentors in attendance to work with the girls on the day! The range of expertise was second to none, as was the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. The girls were given expert advice, help and encouragement to make significant progress on their apps.

“Working with mentors in the STEM industry, including leaders such as PayPal, gives the girls an opportunity to visualise themselves in those roles in the future. Visiting the campus is an invaluable experience that many girls would not get to do as a second-level student in Ireland. We are incredibly grateful to the team at PayPal for their work on this boot camp visit.”

Siobhan Grogan, Community Impact lead for Dublin, PayPal, added: “We were delighted to host the Teen-Turn Technovation event at our Dublin campus. The talent and potential of the participants were truly awe-inspiring, with their innovative thinking impressing even our most experienced colleagues! Their passion, entrepreneurship, and determination, combined with the incredible support from our employees, made for an unforgettable experience. The future is certainly in great hands with the next generation.”

At PayPal, Employee Community Impact is important as a means of both helping the communities in which the organisation operates and empowering employees. Every year, PayPal employees make a positive impact through volunteering, charitable giving, and other engagement programmes. In 2023, PayPal employees contributed more than 118,000 volunteer hours in their local communities. The company’s ongoing commitment to making employee impact opportunities more accessible resulted in 67% of PayPal employees globally mobilising to support their communities.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris and Minister James Lawless announce €3.2 million to develop Defence Force Technology

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD today, 5th March, announced €3.2 million in funding to develop new technologies in the Defence Forces.

The funding will assist innovative research projects including proposals to enhance the Naval Service’s capabilities in maritime situational awareness, encourage the use of drones in search and rescue operations, support aeromedical emergency services, develop advanced shelter designs as well as ideas for disruptive/radical technologies.

Announcing the funding, Tánaiste Simon Harris said: 
“I am delighted to announce this €3.2 million investment, which will help develop new and innovative technologies in our Defence Forces. 
“This funding is not only designed to benefit our Defence Forces personnel, but also wider society as a whole.
“I welcome the fact there are members of the Defence Forces, Civil Defence and the Office of Emergency Planning embedded into each research team.
“This collaboration will foster a deep understanding of both the challenges and the role research can play in addressing them. 
“I look forward to seeing the progress the teams make over the coming months.”

Minister James Lawless said:
“Today’s announcement builds on and reinforces the partnerships we have developed between the research community and the Defence Forces, Civil Defence and Office of Emergency Planning. It demonstrates the value and potential of collaborative research in addressing the challenges faced by our Defence Forces and Irish society as a whole. I congratulate the 10 teams receiving funding and wish them success as they work to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges they are addressing over the coming months.”

Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, said: 
“Óglaigh na hÉireann is proud to support the Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge with military subject matter experts. These personnel will provide both operational context and an understanding of the key challenges faced by Defence personnel in an effort to enhance defence capability. Four key challenges were identified by the Defence Forces which were posed to Irish Researchers: Maritime Situational Awareness, Advanced Shelter Concepts, Aeromedical Emergency Service Dispatch and Search & Rescue. The Defence Research, Technology and Innovation Office co-ordinates the programme with Research Ireland and supports the defence subject matter experts during engagement with the research teams.”

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO, Research Ireland, said:
“Challenge-based research funding is a solution-focused approach that encourages researchers to work directly with those most affected by the problems they seek to address. Using this kind of collaborative funding model with agencies such as the Defence Forces ensures that research can help deliver innovative and impactful solutions for significant national challenges.”