GAME Spreads the Cheer this Christmas, Offering Festive Fun and Prizes with Free Web Browser Game Christmas Quest!

GAME the UK’s largest entertainment retailer, announced today a slice of festive fun for all gamers, with Christmas Quest, a free to play web game that’s guaranteed to spread Holiday cheer, and bag some lucky gamers a Santa’s sack full of GAME Reward points!

From December 1st, through to December 24th, gamers can head to christmasquest.co.uk, where they will need to practise a little Elf care as they work to help Santa’s helper navigate an isometric world full of enchantment, snow, and an overload of festive cheer!
Reindeers, polar bears, and beavers (Christmas beavers mind) will stand before you, as you work against the clock to collect as many gifts as you can, avoiding the holes in the ice and the penguins (Christmas penguins mind), racking up those points in the hope of making your way onto the daily leader board. Secure 500 points or more to be submitted to the leader board, or even set up your own leader board to challenge your friends and family! Each day, the leader board will refresh, Santa checks who’s naughty or nice, and the top ten winners will each be awarded with £10 in GAME Reward points! It’s the gift that keeps on giving, as you battle to see how many times you can make it into the top ten.
If you’re not already a GAME Reward customer, then it’s easy to sign up for free at: https://www.game.co.uk/reward/ so, don’t wait for Santa to dole out the gifts, get yourself in the Christmas spirit and start playing from December 1st!
Commenting on Christmas Quest, Nick Arran, Managing Director for GAME said, “Not content with offering some of the best gaming, toy and collectible exclusives this Holiday season, we’re beside oursElves with joy by offering a fun, festive, freebie and one which can earn gamers an early present in the run up to the big day! Christmas Quest is designed to put a smile on your face and maybe even GAME Reward points in your account, so we look forward to seeing some serious high scores in the month ahead,”
Play Christmas Quest for free at: www.christmasquest.co.uk

Swoop takes the top spot in the Deloitte 2023 Technology Fast 50 awards

Swoop is the fastest growing technology company in this year’s Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards, having risen to first place after placing fourth in last year’s ranking. Swoop is a global platform supporting businesses by bringing their data into one place to garner insights and be instantly matched to eligible finance, as well as assess their spend on cost categories such as energy, banking and FX.

The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards is one of Ireland’s foremost technology award programmes. It is a ranking of the country’s 50 fastest-growing technology companies based on revenue growth over a four-year period, and this year marks 24 years of the programme celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in Ireland’s indigenous technology sector.

Reacting to the win, Andrea Reynolds, founder and CEO, Swoop said: “Swoop’s triumph in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 ranking is a testament to our unwavering mission to provide every business access to finance, wherever and whoever they are. This award is not just recognition; it’s a reflection of our team’s relentless spirit and determination to democratise finance. Our incredible growth since 2018 is a marker of our efficient and sustainable approach, with capital efficiency at the heart of all our decisions. Partnering with industry leaders like Sage, Microsoft, NatWest, and Lloyds has fortified our journey. As we celebrate this achievement, our focus remains forward, dedicated to continued growth in 2024 and beyond. Swoop is not just winning awards; we’re pioneering change in the world of business finance.”

Cumulatively, the 2023 Fast 50 winners generated over €3 billion in total annual revenues. The average growth rate of the companies compared to four years ago was 721% and 15 of the 50 ranked companies were first time winners.

The majority of Fast 50 companies have doubled their workforce since 2019, and now employ over 8,800 people across the country. The companies ranked identified finding, hiring and retaining top talent and international expansion as two of the biggest challenges they face trying to grow their company.

Announcing the winners of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 programme, James Toomey, partner and Fast 50 lead, Deloitte said: “Congratulations to all the companies that ranked this year. The Fast 50 awards are an important and exciting moment for Ireland’s indigenous tech industry to reflect on the growth and challenges they have experienced over the past year. Even though this has been a difficult year for tech companies, there are encouraging indicators in these rankings that show the strength of Ireland’s indigenous sector and that our homegrown talent continues to play an important role in building the future of technology. Supporting this ecosystem is not just an investment in innovation, it’s an investment in our collective progress, and networks like Fast 50 are an ideal opportunity to connect and learn from other companies.

Toomey added, “The majority of the Fast 50 companies have grown their workforce and more than one in five of the companies ranked are new entrants, showing a continued growth in the tech sector and the outreach of Fast 50. M&A is also high on a lot of our Fast 50’s agendas which is supporting them to scale by either taking on investment or acquiring strategic bolt-ons.”

In addition to announcing the ranking of the Fast 50 companies, the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 awards included several award categories. The ‘Rising Star’ award in association with Enterprise Ireland was a new addition, won by Green Rebel, an Irish data company providing site investigation services to the offshore wind sector. It specialises in a full suite of data services from acquisition through processing, interpretation, reporting and delivery across three key divisions: Geophysical, Aerial Ecology and MetOcean.

The winners of the awards this year were:

  • Growing New Technology Award in association with Google

Winner: Brightflag

This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.

 

  • Impact Award in association with Meta

Winner: XOCEAN

This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.

 

  • Scale up award in association with Scale Ireland 

Winner: Siren

This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.

 

  • Advocate for Women in Technology 

Winner: Laura Haldane, Co-Founder and VP of Sales and Marketing, SciLeads

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by the promotion of women in the technology sector.

 

  • Rising Star Award in association with Enterprise Ireland 

Winner: Green Rebel

This award is given to a company who demonstrates a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of two years and less than four years.

 

  • Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland 

Winner: ID-Pal

This award recognises a company with an innovative product or services that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.

 

  • Alumni Award 

Winner: Fenergo

This honorary award recognises a company that has played a major part in the Fast 50 Programme to date.

 

The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 ranking features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders. Full details on the winners can be found at www.fast50.ie.

Strategic Shift: 55% of CISOs Now View Cybersecurity as Top Priority

The issues that Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) encounter are changing dramatically in the ever-changing cybersecurity world. Stott & May’s Cyber Security in Focus report for 2023 offers a comprehensive look at the trends impacting CISOs, shining a light on the industry’s most urgent concerns. Notably, this year’s survey reveals a significant strategic shift, with 55% of CISOs now identifying cybersecurity as their top priority, a break from previous worries.

One of the report’s significant findings is the increasing significance of budget restrictions as the principal barrier to implementing cybersecurity roadmaps. Over the last year, there has been a significant 16% year-on-year rise in CISOs citing financial constraints as their top challenge. This move is representative of a wider industry trend in which economic concerns force security officials to accomplish more with fewer resources.

The scarcity of internal capabilities is a continuous concern for CISOs, as emphasised by 34% of survey respondents. A startling 66% of security leaders say sourcing personnel is a significant challenge, emphasising the continued difficulty of locating and keeping skilled individuals in the area. Organisations are wrestling with the requirement to bolster their defences against an increasingly complex threat landscape as demand for cybersecurity knowledge continues to exceed supply.

The roadblocks to effective plan implementation are numerous, ranging from internal talent gaps to gaining leadership backing and building a security-centric culture. What sticks out in the present scenario, however, is the rising effect of economic issues, which forces CISOs to manage their cybersecurity projects with limited finances.

According to this year’s Cyber Security in Focus poll, money restrictions have eclipsed internal capabilities as the top impediment to plan implementation, with 51% of security leaders citing budgetary constraints as their primary impediment. Internal skills, while still a major issue for 34% of CISOs, have taken a second seat to the acute financial difficulties that organisations worldwide confront. Board-level buy-in (11%) and technology (3%) are also mentioned as hurdles by the CISOs polled.

The cybersecurity talent shortage is a chronic issue, with 66% of security leaders failing to fill open jobs inside their organisations. Alarmingly, approximately 69% of security openings remain vacant even after an 8-week period, highlighting the severity of the skills shortage.

The rising expectation of wage levels in the cybersecurity arena is exacerbating the personnel scarcity. A significant 47% of CISOs say that salaries have climbed by more than 11% year on year, while another 31% estimated salary inflation is between 6 and 10%. The competitive market for cybersecurity specialists is heating up, causing organisations to rethink their remuneration structures in order to recruit and retain top personnel.

Strategic cybersecurity investment remains a priority but with limited flexibility for innovation. A significant 44% of CISOs report that their budgets will either remain the same or decrease, emphasising the importance of resource allocation. Only 53% feel security expenditure is keeping up with digital business expectations, indicating a possible divergence between security goals and organisational strategy.

In terms of investment priorities, CISOs are focusing on cloud security (25%), identity and access management (IAM) (20%), and security and vulnerability management (18%). These goals demonstrate a thorough understanding of the changing threat landscape and the need to strengthen defences in key areas.

 

A notable shift in viewpoint may be seen as CISOs try to link cybersecurity with larger business initiatives. Moreover, 60% of respondents believe that the security function improves the total value proposition to clients. This change highlights the evolution of cybersecurity from a technical requirement to a strategic imperative that directly contributes to corporate objectives.

The Cyber Security in Focus study is a yearly in-depth investigation that draws insights from a high-quality sample of 60 CISOs and security professionals. The report, which was sourced from Stott and May’s professional network across EMEA and North America, combines quantitative research with qualitative interviews with key industry professionals. 

In the fast-expanding realm of cybersecurity, Haris Pylarinos, Founder & CEO of Hack The Box, emphasises the need to be outward-looking and ensure internal capabilities remain current. Crossbeam’s CISO, Chris Castaldo, underlines the need to know the company as a critical barrier to successful cybersecurity roadmap implementation.

Ultimately, the 2023 Cyber Security in Focus study presents a complete picture of the problems and possibilities that CISOs face. The industry’s transformation, driven by fiscal limitations, personnel shortages, and the requirement to connect security measures with larger business plans, has resulted in a strategy shift towards cybersecurity as a primary priority. As CISOs face these issues, intelligent decision-making and creative solutions will be essential in navigating the complicated and evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Tech Review – Creative Zen Hybrid Pro SXFI Headphones

Gaming headphones are a big deal these days and there is plenty on the market to pick from and come in all price brackets so there is something for everyone here, As a user of Creatives products some years it is a brand I know I can trust with their audio products and even not being the huge gamer I once was and now a casual user  with all the consoles, Creative is a brand you will most likely see on my big head be it headphones or earbuds for gaming and not only gaming but audio in general as they are well build solid products offering you great value for money and more via their apps which enhances any experience.

The Creative Zen Hybrid Pro SXFI boasts an array of core features, including Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode, giving users the flexibility to fully immerse themselves in their audio or stay attuned to their surroundings with modes that seamlessly adapt to any environment. It also comes equipped with custom-tuned 40 mm, powerful yet light Neodymium drivers, which ensure every note is reproduced with power and precision, delivering a rich and captivating sound experience. We take a look at all this in the video review below and also the apps which gives you enhancements like no other and I tested these on my machines here at home to see what is on offer this time around.

The build quality again is robust and solid yet lightweight which for the more avid gamer is critical, the soft cups rest nicely on the ears and the headband is comfortable as well you also get a removable mic which for me is the best option to go over the fixed ones we see as it is something I personally would not use much as I game on my own rather than go into multiplayer online rooms etc.

You get the RGB effects thrown into the  mix too which gives a little flair to what otherwise looks like a regular set of gaming headphones and makes these stand out and the look sleek and clean, you also have other controls on them too such as the power on/off which doubles as a broadcast search and pairing mode, mic mute control, volume wheel and ANC/Ambient control button and trust me the ANC on with the volume maxed out you will hear nothing outside, I mean nothing. Within the SXFI app you have EQ settings and the magic SXFI can be turned on and off. You also get music controls such as play and pause skip and reverse tracks so you can use these not only for gaming but your music and it all plays out well.

RGB Lights on the headphones

The sound is what people are after lets get to it, You need to do the head mapping it only takes a few minutes and you will need someone to help you, you have an EQ to suit your needs and two apps to use what more do you want here, the ANC is great the volume is LOUD and when gaming you wont miss a beat or a footstep and if you do use the mic it works well I done a quick test for audio and it was well received after calling up a buddy or two to waste their time for a few mins to test the headphones, they dont mind and know what I am like but sorry lads no time for gaming right now. BUT that is going to change going forward.

For the money you will fork out here you are onto a winner in short with plenty of features and great audio no matter what they might be plugged into.

The Apps 

For the money you will fork out here you are onto a winner in short with plenty of features and great audio no matter what they might be plugged into.

BUY

Video Review 

DAACI Announces Natural Series: a highly anticipated product roadmap launching with their first editing tool ‘Natural Edits’

DAACI launches ‘Natural Series’, a comprehensive product portfolio, that will see the release of plugins, music tools and editing technology released over the next year, kicking off with ‘Natural Edits’, a powerful music editing tool for the global sync market to make any track instantly adaptive.

The Natural Series has evolved from DAACI’s development of patented AI and musician-led core technologies. Each element will satisfy the needs of different audiences and use cases, from creators who want to enhance their process, to Music Rights Holders looking for solutions that satisfy the rapidly growing demand for creating personalised music experiences.

The first element in the Natural Series is Natural Edits, now available to Rights Holders within the global sync market. Future elements of the series will include Natural Sync which will enable any type of user, with any ability to create new track edits against films, to supercharge the creative process. DAACI is also beta testing their first plugin for producers and composers.

DAACI’s CEO Rachel Lyske comments: “From the beginning of our journey, we have been on a mission, working on our core technology, the brain of DAACI, to build a solid, ambitious ecosystem. Our ethical, artist-led approach has been welcomed by our partners and the music industry and we’ve been eagerly asked when there will be products to test, ‘buttons to press’. Now we have them. The time is right to put these tools into the hands of users and introduce people to ‘the DAACI way’, and we can’t wait to hear what people will create with them.”

About Natural Edits

Natural Edits brings powerful, patented music editing technology to Rights Holders and their Licensees within the global sync market. By embedding Natural Edits into their entire catalogues within their existing web-based platforms, Rights Holders can enable internal and external users to engage with a track at a level of detail and control as never before. Natural Edits can also be added to web-based platforms incrementally with functionality initially added to a small number of test tracks, then smoothly scaled up. To support this, DAACI will provide a fast, simple API that Music Rights Holders’ web-based platforms can use to dynamically query which tracks are supported and place an ‘Edit’ button on them.

From the moment they begin considering a track, users will be exposed to the track’s latent potential to fit countless contexts from looping beds for background music, to topped-and-tailed snippets for adverts, extended pieces for arbitrary length videos, and precise edits matching specific narratives and music briefs.

Natural Edits enables any user of any skill level to create and deliver a personalised edit of any track in a few simple clicks, driving discoverability and, just as importantly, licence potential of a track.

Natural Edits has already been adopted by music platforms including Pure Sync. Julian Goodkind, CEO of Pure Sync says: “Pure Sync are delighted to be incorporating Natural Edits. We see this as a pivotal moment in our adoption and utilisation of Ethical AI tools. This elevates and amplifies our creative capabilities as Music Supervisors within the Sync world, to deliver more creatively, efficiently and cost effectively.”

DAACI invites Music Rights Holders to enquire about Natural Edits integration at hello@daaci.com.
To find out more, or to sign up for future beta testing visit: daaci.com

Minister Michael McGrath launches This City Works, marking the expansion of Google’s Local Employment Task Force

Minister Michael McGrath TD was joined by Adaire Fox-Martin, Head of Google Ireland in St Andrews Resource Centre, Pearse Street in Dublin to announce the launch of This City Works, a newly expanded programme that helps long-term unemployed people to find sustainable employment solutions.

The launch of This City Works represents the next stage in the evolution of Google’s Local Employment Task Force. Established in 2020 by Google’s Community Affairs team in collaboration with local community employment, training and education services, the Employment Task Force aims to find sustainable employment solutions for long-term unemployed people and provide them with training, education and development opportunities.

The task force is made up of a diverse coalition of community experts who are identifying ways to drive inclusive economic growth in Dublin. Members include St Andrews Resource Centre Employment and Training Hubs, Ringsend Community Services Forum, Inner City Renewal Group, The Anchorage Project, Ringsend & District Response to Drugs, Irish Nautical Trust, Department of Social protection, Dublin City Council, the Fair Play project, City of Dublin Education Training Board and Google Ireland. This year, the task force welcomed two new members; the Dublin Port Company and Dublin Waste to Energy. In recognition of the expanding partnership the Employment Task Force is today rebranding to the name – This City Works.

Attendees at the event had the opportunity to meet community representatives and participants in the current Employment Task Force as well as seeing a video showcase of programme case studies.

Speaking at the event, Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Finance said:

“The impact that has been made by Google’s Employment Task Force is truly commendable. This is a unique programme, one that has been driven by the local community for those who live there. I am delighted to officially announce the launch of This City Works today, representing the expansion of the Task Force. I want to thank Google and all of the expert partners for their continued commitment to this important work.”

Adaire Fox-Martin Head of Google Ireland said:

“I am proud to be here today as we expand the Employment Task Force and see it evolve to This City Works. Google has been part of the Ringsend and Pearse Street community for over 20 years now, and we remain committed to helping create meaningful, sustainable and long-term employment for members of our local community. Today’s announcement is testament to the positive impact that this programme has, and I want to commend those involved, our community partners, those in Government and most importantly our participants – it is a joy to recognise the potential and to celebrate the achievements of this group.”

Also announced today was the creation of a dedicated website for This City Works at this cityworks.withgoogle.com. Created by Google, the site is a one stop shop for job seekers and those seeking to enhance their skills or change career path. The site also provides information for businesses seeking staff or for those curious about training and support services in their community.

Blake Hodkinson Director of Further Education – City of Dublin Education Training Board and Employment task force representative, said,

“This City Works is an important initiative, one that brings together people, businesses and community groups to provide support like mentoring and skills training to local unemployed people. I am delighted to be here as we mark the expansion of the programme and would like to officially welcome our two newest members, the Dublin Port Company and Dublin Waste to Energy. This City Works is a fitting new name for this programme, the positive impact we see in the local community is remarkable, this initiative works!”

Created and enabled by Google, This City Works is an initiative that is driven by the local community and made up of Google representatives, community based training employment and education services, local businesses, Dublin City Council and the Department of Social Protection. Today’s announcement follows a commitment of over €500,000 by Google in 2021 at the launch of the Employment Task Force and a further €300,000 funding provided by Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google in 2022.

Tech Review – Tranya Nova Lite earbuds

The Tranya Nova Lite are the lite version of the Tranya Nova we recently reviewed here and look similar to each other on the outside, the colour on this model though is better than the dark navy one and for me the best looking of the duo however this is down purely to my choice and my choice alone and it does look good.

So does the lite version lack in many ways to the original Nova earbuds, not so much but cheaper and sound almost as good and look good so for the money there is little to give out about really as now the entry level earbuds today have come a long way when it comes to features and these are no different and also come with an app.

The design and build is familiar however they settle well in the years and will not fall out and are comfortable to wear for several hours and for the gamers this will be great to coincide with the game mode option present so it will enhance the gaming experience which for me is little use but tried it out and works well.

The audio experience again here is great at the price point and being the Lite version you have EQ settings to toggle with to get that perfect sound for you and also the earbuds are fully customizable with their control options again nodding up to 5 taps to set a control if wish to do so, for me 4 is more than enough. The audio is great, crisp and clear you have bass and sliders to adjust the tone, highs lows and mids are fine and overall a decent audio experience and no tinny sound or distortion maxed out and again being the lite version you might expect this but it is not the case here at all.

The App

Tranya Nova Lite App – techbuzzireland

Features 

IPX5 rated – For the active audiophile.Rain, sweat and splashes pose no threat to the Tranya Lite. An inspiring sonic companion for your run, hike, bike or workout.

Low latency – With ultra-low 38ms latency, synchronized audio-visuals offer an immersive gameplay experience.

Dual device connection – Effortlessly connect to two devices simultaneously, whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Seamlessly switch between calls and grooves without missing a beat. Stay in the rhythm of your work and play, all while enjoying the pristine sound quality you deserve.

Custom EQ App – EQ settings to transform your playlist into an auditory delight using the Tranya Audio app. Empowering you with enhanced control over your music, our app lets you finely tune your sound to match your preferences. Effortlessly maneuver the sliders and craft a sound that resonates with your unique taste.

Tranya Nova Lite earbuds and case – techbuzzireland

12 mm Drivers – Immerse yourself in audio as if you’re at the forefront. Equipped with 12mm speakers, coupled with Nova Lite’s ergonomic design, we bring you expansive sound. The substantial driver and bass duct collaborate to produce resonant bass, allowing air to flow naturally, for a seamless soundscape.

Overall it is hard to find out what the lite is here with these bike most brands have a standard pro or light version of products and this is the case here and for the money you can’t give out really and ideal for and xmas present or a spare pair of earbuds that are cost effective and come with good features.

BUY

Video Review

Bord Gáis Energy, Centrica Energy and Mitsubishi Power Announce Development of Europe’s First Ammonia Fired Power Generation Facility

Centrica plc and Mitsubishi Power Europe Limited “Mitsubishi Power Europe” have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the development, construction, and operation of Europe’s first-ever ammonia-fired power generation facility at Bord Gáis Energy’s Whitegate Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station in Cork, Ireland.

The project is being led by Centrica through its Bord Gáis Energy and Centrica Energy businesses and Mitsubishi Power Europe and would become Europe’s inaugural ammonia-fired power generation facility and one of only two such facilities in the world.

The utilisation of low carbon ammonia as a clean and sustainable fuel source for power generation has the potential to provide security of supply while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Low carbon ammonia has a higher volumetric density than hydrogen, enabling the utilisation of low carbon hydrogen in a form which is easy to transport and store, resulting in a fuel that can be combusted with no carbon emissions at point of use.  Its use as a fuel is a promising long-term energy solution for the transition to a low-carbon energy value chain.

Bord Gáis Energy’s facility at Whitegate CCGT power station would serve as a global demonstration site for ammonia-fired power generation technology, providing insight into the feasibility and scalability of low carbon ammonia as a green fuel and shaping the future of power generation worldwide, with low carbon ammonia being sourced through Centrica Energy’s global trading network.

Following the signing of the MOU, the project team is being established to commence project feasibility assessments. Upon the successful outcome of this assessment, extensive local stakeholder engagement will commence.

Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive, Centrica said: “At Centrica we believe that all energy can be green energy and that this can also improve energy security. This is one of the many projects Centrica is working on to demonstrate how the hydrogen economy could work in practice. In this instance, we hope to be able to show how hydrogen could be stored and transported as low carbon ammonia, delivering cleaner energy for customers at the point of use. Centrica Energy continues to be a pioneer in supporting the development of these new international value chains and we’re delighted to have the expertise of our partners in Mitsubishi in delivering the project”.

Dave Kirwan, Managing Director, Bord Gáis Energy said: “The signing of the MOU represents a significant step in advancing our commitment to a sustainable and low-emission energy landscape, underscoring Ireland’s position as a leader in green energy initiatives. We believe that the strategic combination of Centrica’s vision, investment and global trading capability, along with Mitsubishi Power Europe’s innovation and technology, complemented by Bord Gáis Energy’s existing assets will effectively drive the success of this transformative project.”

Javier Cavada, President and CEO, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mitsubishi Power stated: “Mitsubishi Power is the frontrunner in the development of technology to enable the direct firing of ammonia for power generation, harnessing our 50-year pioneering experience in low carbon gas turbine and hydrogen fuel combustion technologies. This collaboration with Centrica Energy and Bord Gais Energy for Europe’s first ammonia-fired power generation facility demonstrates Mitsubishi Power’s relentless commitment to pursue cutting-edge decarbonization solutions to meet the demand for electricity while transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future. It is truly a leap forward toward a cleaner, greener energy future, enabled by Europe’s first ammonia-fired power generation facility utilising low carbon ammonia.”

ZEUS Urges Irish Government to Put Safety First in E-Scooter Regulations

In a bid to foster innovation and prioritise safety, Ireland’s only homegrown eScooter micromobility company, ZEUS Scooters, has been at the forefront of discussions with industry and the Irish government regarding proposed regulations that may inadvertently hinder progress.

ZEUS, who currently operates in more than 60 cities in Europe and the UK, has diligently communicated concerns about the government’s intention to impose a weight limit of 25kg on e-scooters. Unfortunately, it appears that a crucial misinterpretation by the Irish government of the EU’s motor insurance directive has occurred, leading to a potentially stifling restriction rather than an incentivised safety measure.

“ZEUS stands as a champion for safety and innovation in the e-scooter industry. Our commitment to providing a secure and reliable mode of transportation is reflected in the exceptional safety record of our 3-wheeled scooter, proven to be significantly safer than the European average for 2-wheeled shared scooters,” says Damian Young, CEO of ZEUS Scooters.

Contrary to the EU directive, which merely requires insurance for e-scooters exceeding 25kg, the Irish government’s current approach risks excluding a multitude of cutting-edge e-scooter models that prioritise durability and incorporate new technologies. ZEUS operates a 3-wheeled scooter that, by design, exceeds the 25kg limit due to its enhanced sturdiness and safety features.

“Our 3-wheeled scooters are not just a mode of transportation; they represent a commitment to safety, durability, and technological advancement. We urge Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and the Irish government to reconsider these restrictive regulations. By embracing sturdier scooter designs, we can create a safer environment for riders while unlocking the economic benefits that the e-scooter industry promises for Ireland,” adds Young.

Incident reporting demonstrates that ZEUS’ 3-wheeled scooter is verified to be significantly safer than the European average for 2-wheeled shared scooters. This outstanding safety record emphasises the need for a more nuanced approach to regulations that considers the inherent safety benefits associated with sturdier scooter designs.

Moreover, these regulations threaten to impede Ireland from reaping the rewards of a swiftly expanding industry, one poised to generate employment opportunities nationwide and invigorate foot traffic in city and town centres. Numerous studies have underlined the positive impact of e-scooter adoption on local businesses, making them an indispensable component of urban mobility solutions.

ZEUS calls on the Irish government to prioritise safety over arbitrary weight limits and to embrace the technological advancements that make e-scooters not only safer but also more resilient. By doing so, Ireland can position itself as a leader in fostering innovation, supporting local economies, and ensuring the continued growth of the e-scooter industry.

The team at ZEUS remains committed to working collaboratively with the government and City and Town Councils to find a balanced approach that considers both safety and the potential for economic growth. Together, we can create an environment that encourages innovation, job creation, and the development of a sustainable and safe e-scooter ecosystem for all.