Shared electric bike company Bolt partners with Sligo council, Atlantic Technological University, An Garda Síochána & NCBI to discuss safe and responsible cycling with ATU students

European shared mobility leader Bolt has joined forces with Sligo County Council, Sligo Gardaí, ATU Sligo and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland to develop and put on a training school at the university where students can learn and practise how to use shared electric bikes safely and responsibly.

The Bolt Safety Academy will be open 12-2pm on Wednesday 4th October at “The Fish” on the ATU Sligo campus and will be the first of its kind in the country.

Attendees can test their knowledge with a localised online test about how to use and park a shared electric bike safely and responsibly across Sligo. In a move that demonstrates fruitful cross-industry collaboration, the content of the test was jointly developed with the NCBI, ATU Sligo, ATU Students’ Union and Sligo County Council. Attendees will then be able to put their knowledge into practice by cycling around campus with guidance from Sligo’s Community Garda team.

The Safety Academy is expected to be busy as it’s part of the Universities’ “Connect for Success”: Your First Five Weeks” orientation programme which is dedicating a week to highlighting the various health and wellbeing resources available to students on campus. To further encourage attendance and learning, Bolt is rewarding those who complete the test with 20 minutes of free Bolt cycling which can be used at a later date, whilst those who partake in the test ride will be given a free helmet. In order to encourage usage, attendees can personalise their helmet on-site.

The Estonian-based company is also taking the opportunity to debut a brand new safety feature called the reckless rider score. Bolt’s software will calculate if a bike is being ridden recklessly according to sensors which can recognise multiple behaviours such as skidding or abrupt braking. A user’s reckless rider score is evaluated every five rides. If it falls below a certain threshold, they will receive education, a mandatory lower speed and a suspension according to how long the score remains.

The objective of the Safety Academy is two-fold. It’s intended to teach students and locals how to use a shared electric bike service responsibly – Bolt’s service has received a warm reception since arriving in June 2022. The academy is also intended to educate how to engage safely with light electric vehicles more generally, with the legalisation of shared electric scooters expected by the end of the year. Bolt is the largest scooter provider in Europe with over 260,000 scooters and e-bikes in operation.

The credentials and presence of the Tallinn-headquartered firm continues to grow in Ireland. Though Sligo was the first town to embrace the shared electric bikes, there have been launches in Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, and Carlow just a couple of weeks ago. Bolt intends to roll out the Safety Academy everywhere it has operations in due course.

In addition to the reckless rider score, it has a strong suite of technology that encourages safe, responsible usage. For those with no or little experience of bicycles with pedal assisted motors, Beginner Mode limits the top speed to 15 km/h, down from the normal 25 km/h. Though the service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the company employs an in-app cognitive reaction test 11pm-5am. This means prospective riders have to prove they are in a fit state to ride a bicycle through their reaction time and, if they’re unable to do so, are encouraged to take a taxi instead (including Bolt’s very own on-demand service in Bray and DLR).

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Gerard Mullaney said: “Sligo County Council have been impressed with the usage of the Bolt e-bike scheme. Since launch in June 2022, Sligo has had almost 7,000 unique users, with almost 200,000 kilometres travelled on the bikes. This usage is contributing to modal shift away from the private car, which is very positive in our endeavours to reduce emissions from transport. Sligo County Council welcomes the launch of the Safety Academy in conjunction with Bolt and ATU. This is a significant opportunity to promote safety and awareness, and encourage correct usage of the e-bike system.”

Sligo Councillor Marie Casserly said: “The Bolt e-bikes have been a great addition to the whole town, but especially for providing students and staff at ATU with better access to hassle-free transport. We want to make sure the bikes are being used in a safe and responsible manner so I’m delighted to be working with Bolt, ATU, NCBI, the Students’ Union and the Council to educate students and help keep them safe.”

Head of Public Policy for Bolt Ireland, Aisling Dunne, said: “It’s been fantastic to see our shared electric bike service be so embraced in Sligo. With darker, wetter winter months approaching, and the regulation of shared electric scooters expected this year, it’s especially crucial to continue to remind riders how they can keep themselves and pedestrians safe. We’ve been delighted to collaborate on this important work with such respected partners.”

Healthy Campus Coordinator ATU Sligo, Yvonne Kennedy said: “ATU Sligo, through our Healthy Campus initiatives, aspires to create a learning environment and organisation culture that enhances the health, wellbeing and sustainability of its community, and enables our campus population to achieve their full potential.

“Our partnership and support of the Bolt e-bike scheme, along with Sligo County Council, has been a very positive one for us. We have embraced the Bolt e-bike service with open arms – we have several Bolt bike stations located all around our campuses, making them a convenient and alternative mode of transport. There are obvious health benefits (both physical and mental) to using an e-bike – as a mode of transport to get to and from the college campus – but it is also much more sustainable, which aligns with our Green Campus goals.

“The ATU Sligo campus population is one of the biggest users of the Bolt e-bikes and we want to ensure that they do so in a safe and responsible way. Healthy Campus, along with ATU Sligo Students Union, were delighted to work with them in the development of the Bolt Safety Academy, and are honoured to have them here at ATU Sligo for the launch. It is crucial that our campus population use the Bolt e-bikes in a safe, responsible, and respectful manner and I would encourage all our on-campus users to take part.”

Swoop and Sage unveil global partnership

Swoop, a fintech company specialising in funding solutions and Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology, are excited to announce their global partnership aimed at helping businesses and accountants access a wide range of funding opportunities. Navigating the complex landscape of funding opportunities can be daunting for businesses. The partnership aims to bridge this gap by providing a user-friendly platform that connects businesses and accountants with the financial resources they require.

In addition, the partnership will help businesses to identify opportunities to reduce costs in areas such as energy, banking and foreign exchange, providing a significant impact on the bottom line.

By integrating their Sage accounting software once, businesses can identify more accurate funding opportunities, streamline the funding process, unlock business savings, and benefit from tools such as cash flow forecasting.

Businesses often face challenges in securing the financial capital they need to grow and thrive. Research conducted by the Sage Foundation has highlighted that the lack of financial resources remains one of the most significant obstacles businesses encounter on their journey to success.

Recognising the importance of overcoming this challenge, Swoop and Sage have joined forces to simplify and expedite the process of accessing vital funding for businesses and their advisors. This innovative partnership will enable advisors and businesses worldwide to effortlessly explore and tap into various funding options that suit their unique needs.

The global partnership brings a wide range of funding opportunities for businesses, including grants, loans, and equity investments, whilst streamlining the application and approval process. Trusted advisors, such as accountants and financial professionals, will also benefit from this partnership, gaining the tools and resources to guide their clients effectively through their funding journeys.

Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Sage to bring our funding expertise to businesses and advisors worldwide. Together, we will simplify the path to financial empowerment for businesses of all sizes.”

“In a world full of fluctuations, with inflation and interest rates on the rise, businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, so it is important to make business finance more accessible and less daunting,” said Chip Mahan, Global Commercial Head, Fintech, Payments & Banking at Sage. “This partnership with Swoop aligns perfectly with our mission and will make accessing essential financial capital quick and easy, ensuring businesses have the support they need to succeed.”

Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ireland, said: “I am delighted to acknowledge both Swoop and Sage in the development of an effective funding platform for the small and medium enterprise sector. The innovative combination of the advanced technology platform of Swoop combined with Sage’s globally recognised cloud-based accounting software will provide great assistance to company leaders as they look to funding options.”

Paul O’Riordan, VP Partners, Ireland, Sage, said: “We’re excited about this partnership as we know from our research that access to finance is one of the biggest hurdles businesses currently face, yet it is crucial to any future economic recovery in Ireland. Businesses that can access finance have a bigger range of opportunities facing them to grow than those that don’t. I’m excited to see Irish businesses grab this opportunity with both hands and use it to reach their full potential.”

The partnership marks a significant step towards levelling the playing field for businesses and underscores their importance in driving global economic growth. With this collaboration, the future looks brighter for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide.

What is a Cryptocurrency and How to Start Your Own Crypto Project

The world of digital finance is rapidly evolving, with cryptocurrency at its forefront. It’s a brave new world, full of potential and challenges. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what a cryptocurrency is, why you might want to invest in it, and how to embark on your own crypto project.

Understanding Cryptocurrency: What is a Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency. The word has been making waves in the financial world for a while now. But what is a cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by central banks, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they operate on a technology called blockchain, which we’ll get into in the next section. The most famous cryptocurrency is undoubtedly Bitcoin, which was the first to implement blockchain technology and sparked the cryptocurrency revolution.

However, there are now thousands of other cryptocurrencies, collectively known as altcoins (alternative coins). Each one operates a little differently, but they all share the core principles of decentralization, encryption for security, and the use of blockchain technology. Cryptocurrencies can be used for a wide range of transactions, from buying goods and services to investing and beyond.

The Technology Behind Cryptocurrency: Blockchain Explained

Now that we’ve defined what a cryptocurrency is, let’s take a closer look at the technology behind it: blockchain. A blockchain is essentially a digital ledger of transactions that is duplicated and distributed across the entire network of computer systems on the blockchain. Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant’s ledger.

The decentralized nature of blockchain networks means that no single entity controls the data. Instead, all participants collectively maintain the network. This decentralization makes the system inherently resistant to fraud and hacking, as there isn’t a single point of failure that can be exploited.

Blockchain technology has far-reaching implications beyond cryptocurrency. It has potential applications in any field that requires secure, transparent transactions, from supply chain management to voting systems.

Why Invest in Cryptocurrency?

Now that you understand what cryptocurrency is and the technology behind it, you might be wondering: why should I invest in cryptocurrency? There are several reasons why investing in cryptocurrency could be a smart move.

Firstly, cryptocurrencies offer a high potential for return. Despite their volatility, the value of many cryptocurrencies has increased significantly over time. For instance, if you had invested just $1 in Bitcoin in 2010, that investment would be worth millions today.

Secondly, cryptocurrencies offer a level of freedom and control not possible with traditional financial systems. As a decentralized system, cryptocurrency is not subject to government control or interference. This means it can provide a level of financial freedom and privacy not possible with traditional currencies.

Lastly, investing in cryptocurrency can be a way to support the technology and the principles behind it. If you believe in the potential of blockchain technology and the benefits of decentralization, investing in cryptocurrency is a way to help make that future a reality.

How to Identify a Promising Cryptocurrency to Invest In

With thousands of cryptocurrencies to choose from, how do you identify a promising cryptocurrency to invest in? Here are a few key things to look for.

Firstly, consider the use case of the cryptocurrency. What problem does it solve or what need does it fulfill? The most successful cryptocurrencies are those that have a clear, compelling use case.

Secondly, look at the team behind the cryptocurrency. Who are they, and what is their track record? A strong, experienced team can greatly increase a cryptocurrency’s chances of success.

Lastly, consider the community around the cryptocurrency. A strong, active community can be a sign of a healthy cryptocurrency.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Crypto Project

Starting your own crypto project can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and preparation, it can also be an exciting and rewarding venture. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Firstly, define your concept. What problem will your cryptocurrency solve? What makes it unique? A clear, compelling concept is the foundation of any successful crypto project.

Secondly, assemble your team. Creating a cryptocurrency requires a wide range of skills, from programming to marketing. Assemble a team that can cover all these bases.

Thirdly, develop your blockchain. Your cryptocurrency will need a blockchain to operate on. This could be an existing blockchain, or you could develop your own.

Lastly, launch your ICO (Initial Coin Offering). An ICO is a way to raise funds for your project by selling a portion of your cryptocurrency to early investors.

Key Considerations Before Launching a Blockchain Startup

Before you launch your blockchain startup, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, consider the legal implications. The legal landscape for blockchain and cryptocurrency is complex and varies by jurisdiction. It’s crucial to understand the laws and regulations that apply to your project.

Secondly, secure your funding. Starting a blockchain startup can be expensive, and securing adequate funding is crucial to your project’s success.

Lastly, consider your marketing strategy. How will you attract users to your platform? How will you differentiate yourself from other blockchain startups?

Potential Challenges and Solutions in Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Startup

Like any venture, starting a cryptocurrency and blockchain startup comes with its own set of challenges. However, with careful planning and strategic decision-making, these challenges can be overcome.

According to Coinseeker, one of the biggest challenges is the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Laws and regulations around cryptocurrency and blockchain are still being developed and can vary greatly by jurisdiction. To navigate this challenge, it’s crucial to stay informed about regulatory developments and to seek legal counsel when necessary.

Another challenge is the technical complexity of blockchain technology. Building a blockchain platform requires a high level of technical expertise. To overcome this challenge, you’ll need a strong technical team and possibly the assistance of blockchain development consultants.

Lastly, attracting users to your platform can be a major challenge. To overcome this, you’ll need a strong marketing strategy that clearly communicates the benefits of your platform and differentiates it from others in the market.

Conclusion: The Future of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Startups

In conclusion, the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain startups is bright. Despite the challenges, the potential rewards are immense. As blockchain technology continues to evolve and mature, we can expect to see an increasing number of innovative applications in a wide range of industries.

Whether you’re considering investing in cryptocurrency or starting your own blockchain startup, I hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical advice. Remember, the journey might be challenging, but with the right approach and preparation, it can also be an exciting and rewarding adventure.

More people can now make money on YouTube with the expansion of its Partner Program to cater smaller creators

YouTube opened up today a new tier in its partnerships program (YPP), enabling eligible creators to activate fan-funding features known as Super Chat, Super Thanks, Super Stickers, and channel memberships in Ireland.

“Creators are the lifeblood of YouTube and we’re invested in making it the most rewarding place for them — creatively, emotionally and financially. We hope that this lower eligibility criteria will help support creators who are early in their YouTube journey, paving the way for a new generation of content creators,” said Julie Dilger, Google Ireland Head of External Communications.

According to a study by Radius, a majority of creators in the Middle East and North Africa, France, Germany, and the UK surveyed in 2023 say YouTube offers more creative freedom and more ways to create than other platforms. In Ireland, over 3,000 channels have more than 10,000 subscribers, an increase of more than 15%, year over year.

These new fan-funding features will be available to creators in Ireland with:

  • 500 subscribers

  • 3 public uploads in the last 90 days

  • Either 3,000 watch hours in the last 365 days or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days

  • No active Community Guidelines strike

Community engagement and connecting with viewers is at the core of these new fan-funding features. Super Chat & Super Stickers will allow viewers to purchase brightly colored, pinned chat messages and stickers during live streams and Premieres hosted by creators. Fans can support their favorite creators and stand out from the crowd, while creators get to identify and connect with their top fans + access new revenue.

Super Thanks is an easy way to give back and show appreciation for creators and their content. Viewers have a fun way to show support and stand out in the comments section with colorful comments, while creators can feel the love for their content with every contribution and connect directly with fans.

As for Channel memberships, these will allow viewers to join a creator’s channel through monthly payments and, giving paying viewers members-only perks like badges, emoji, and other goods. Creators can access these new features through the “Earn” tab in YouTube Studio where they will see if they’re eligible to apply for this new tier. Automatic emails will also be sent once a creator qualifies to apply. It can take up to four weeks for the feature to rollout to 100% of creators.

The YouTube Partnerships Programs was one of the first revenue-sharing models on the internet. Creators with more than 1,000 subscribers and have 4,000 watch hours in the last 365 days (or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days) will continue to have access to the revenue share from ads and YouTube Premium. Fan-Funding features were announced at YouTube’s Made On YouTube keynote last year.

Get the latest tech review from our channel HERE

Don’t Roll The Dice On Security: Protecting Yourself While Betting Online

The allure of winning big in online betting can be irresistible. However, amidst the excitement of chasing jackpots and placing wagers, it’s easy to overlook the critical aspect of security. The landscape of online betting is expanding rapidly, but so are its associated risks. From scams and phishing attempts to identity theft, the digital realm of online betting poses significant threats to your personal and financial information. This article will examine online betting security, providing valuable insights on protecting yourself while enjoying your favourite games.

Understanding Online Betting Security

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of security measures, let’s take a moment to understand the online betting landscape. Online betting has experienced explosive growth recently, with numerous platforms and services catering to enthusiasts worldwide. However, with this growth comes an increasing need for robust security measures to safeguard your personal and financial information.

The Risks You Face And Staying Safe

As you venture into the world of online betting, you must be aware of the potential risks you may encounter. Scammers and cybercriminals always prowl, seeking opportunities to exploit unsuspecting bettors. Phishing attacks, fraudulent websites, and identity theft are just dangers lurking in the shadows.

Selecting trustworthy betting platforms is one of the first steps in ensuring your online security. Look for sites that hold valid licenses and have a strong reputation in the industry. User reviews and recommendations from fellow bettors can also be invaluable when making your choice.

Securing Your Financial Transactions

When it comes to financial transactions on online betting platforms, security is paramount. Using secure payment methods and encrypted connections ensures the safety of your funds and personal details. Consider using an eWallet, like MiFinity eWallet, to enhance your security further.

An eWallet can offer a convenient and secure way to manage online betting transactions. Not only does it provide a safe and encrypted environment for your financial data, but it also facilitates faster transactions. Additionally, many online casinos offer exclusive bonuses, some of which you find at the MiFinity Bonus, and promotions to eWallet users, giving you added value for your bets.

Creating Strong and Secure Passwords

A strong password is your first line of defence against cyber threats. Whilst it might be easy to go for a password that is easy to remember, a general rule of thumb is to avoid using easily guessable passwords. If you struggle, consider using a reliable password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for your betting accounts.

Along with creating a strong password, consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) to your account. This is a powerful tool that can help to enhance the security of your online betting accounts. Simply enabling 2FA means that you ca add an extra layer of protection, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to access your account.

Betting Safely

Online betting can be an enjoyable and potentially lucrative pastime, but it’s not without risks. Protecting yourself while betting online should be a top priority. Don’t roll the dice on your online security. Take proactive steps today to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. Your winnings should be a reward for your skills and luck, not a windfall for cybercriminals.

HMD begins manufacturing 5G smartphones in Europe.

Following the recent announcement of its transition to a new multi-brand portfolio strategy, HMD Global, the largest European smartphone manufacturer, today announces another major milestone: HMD have started manufacturing 5G1 smartphones in Europe.  The company’s first device off the line, the Nokia XR21, is now available for purchase by Enterprise customers. This aligns with the overall growth potential for smartphones in Europe, with Canalys forecasting that the European smartphone market will increase by 7% in 2024.

“We are thrilled to be manufacturing the Nokia XR21, our signature rugged 5G smartphone, in Europe. We are dedicated to investing in security, technology and manufacturing processes that make our devices more secure and longer lasting,” said Jean-Francois Baril, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of HMD Global.

‘Our future plans include further investment into software security, with the intention to offer customised software and security features directly to customers.’

Responding to the evolving needs of Enterprise customers, HMD developed capabilities and processes to bring device production to Europe. Every device undergoes rigorous software and malware testing in Europe, with some Enterprise customers requesting additional security in conjunction with a number of IT security partners. Data is stored securely in the EU: With a focus on software security and privacy by design, consumer and corporate data from all smartphones made by HMD has been stored and processed on HMD’s servers in Finland since 2019.

Beyond its security credentials, the XR21 is also built to last and designed with sustainability in mind. With military-grade durability certification3 and IP69K rating, this smartphone is certified to withstand dust, heat, impact, and water. As part of HMD’s on-going commitment to sustainability, the Nokia XR21 is crafted to minimise impact on the environment: The chassis is made from 100% recycled aluminium and its two-day battery life4 supports 60% more charges over its lifetime.

Additional stages in the European production process will help to further reduce emissions.

Pricing and availability

The Nokia XR21 European Edition in Black will be available soon from €649 in the Ireland from nokia.com/phones/en_ie

Tech Review – Edifier W320TN Earbuds With Adaptive Noise Cancellation And AI Multimodal Adaptive System

The Edifier W320TN Earbuds are the latest on offer from the brand that delivers great audio products at decent prices and we are no stranger to them here and as always look forward to their latest tech when it drops, speaking of their latest earbuds have been here some time now and we have been testing them over the last while and today we will take a look at what you get for your money in a very saturated market.

Packaging is the same as always which is clean and to the point which we like and all is straight forward from there as you will see in the video review below, you get your earbuds,books and cable and you are good to go, there is no tips this time around.

The case is quite nice and will fit any pocket and has a glossy finish that matches the earbuds, I do like the colour here and it is different than the normal black and white colours we tend to see all the time, the earbuds have a small stem with a pinch area on the end, so it is not a touch sensitive area or button which some might need some time to adjust but they work well after a few minutes even for me who uses so many earbuds.

The design is a standard one however the angle of the earbuds is better and fit well in the ears and will not fall out and look nice when worn. Battery life is decent and on par with the company’s suggestions.

When it comes to sound you can only expect decent quality sound from Edifier and this is exactly what you will get here and overall the sound is excellent, gamers can also avail of gaming mode with up to 80ms latency which is now becoming a standard feature, with all the usual testing runs I do there was no lag latency no distortion when maxed out either and all highs lows and mids in all genres, Netflix and movies listen to which makes for a really good audio experience.

The controls have all the options required to save you the hassle of taking out your phone and so on and you can see all this in operation in the full review below and finally for calls these were excellent too with no issues either end on my testing.

 

The App 

 

 

Main Features:

  • Long Battery Life. Playtime with ANC off is 5.5 hours plus 22 hours with the charging case.
  • Open Fit & light weight design – reducing the pressure you may feel.
  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation automatically offers the most suitable noise cancellation mode., The ANC mode can also be adjusted manually using the Edifier app.
  • Hi Resolution Sound provided by larger 13mm dynamic drivers plus LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio Wireless.
  • Crystal clear call quality identifies voices and filters out disruptive noise.
  • Wear Detection – Music will play / pause automatically.

Price & Availability:

The W320TN is available at £99.99 from https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C7Q43WRR

Video Review 

Tech Review – Kevin – Burglary prevention from Mitipi

Kevin is a different approach to home security and we mean different, on the face of it this looks like a bluetooth speaker and on the rear it looks like a lamp, In the real world it can also be used as a speaker and a lamp but the primary purpose of it is to secure your home and it also uses those features to secure it, this is a pretty clever idea and nobody would know the difference unless you told them because the light effects part faces the wall and the front speaker part faces out so it is best to say nothing here.

This is a simple plug in and play device from Mitipi that takes 5 mins or so to set up fully with all the customising involved which is not much however this only protects the room it is in so to speak so if you have one leave it downstairs, again you could leave it upstairs but in my opinion downstairs is best but you can add more to the set up if you like which is good and again they will all do the same thing from how you set it up which we go through in the video below.

Kevin comes with preset sounds or you can record your own which is fun but it is best you use the ones installed as the fun ones you could make would not be taken to seriously I dont think from clever burglars who these days do reconnaissance on houses or businesses and know who is in or out and at a given time, we show you these again below in the video and see the app screenshots.

So what does Kevin actually do then. KEVIN simulates your presence with different light scenarios projected through the device

KEVIN simulates your movements with different visual and shadow effects projected for one or more people KEVIN also  simulates your activities different sounds such as cleaning, cooking, discussions and playing.

The App 

 

Overall KEVIN is a simple plug in and go security system which works well and takes a different approach over traditional security measures and sits there in your house not looking suspicious it also doubles a a side lamp and a bluetooth speaker which makes it more useful than you think.  Check out the full video review below for all the details.

BUY

Video Review

Pinergy & Kearys driving an electric future for Munster Rugby

Energy specialist Pinergy, in partnership with Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, was joined by Munster Rugby players Simon Zebo, Niall Scannell and Patrick Campbell at Musgrave Park for the announcement of the installation of EV (electric vehicle) charging technology and the distribution of electric vehicles to Munster Rugby staff.

The new initiative sees Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group working alongside Munster Rugby to begin migrating their car fleet to electric, supporting Munster Rugby’s ambitions to reduce staff emissions in their day-to-day travel. Pinergy will also install the latest Easee EV charging technology in Munster Rugby’s staff members’ homes, to help power their battery every morning. The Munster Rugby staff included in the partnership range from players, coaches, Development Officers, and administrative staff. Based on their needs, staff members availing of the new charging solutions will also be supported with the new Pinergy PowerUp App for EV drivers which enables the drivers to control and manage their charging needs.

Pinergy has supported Munster Rugby since 2017, through the provision of renewable energy as the province’s Official Energy Partner and through the offering of essential expertise to efficiently manage their energy use.

In November 2021, Munster Rugby – having taken steps to reduce carbon emissions since 2008 – first signalled their ambition to become one of the most sustainable clubs in world rugby by becoming one of a number of signatories to the Sports for Climate Action Framework (S4CA), run by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Munster Rugby pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2040.

Pinergy is serving as a lead partner to Munster Rugby in the development and implementation of its sustainability policy and supplies clean, renewable energy to Munster’s Thomond Park and Musgrave Park to help achieve their Net Zero ambitions by reducing their carbon footprint through a range of energy supply & solutions.

Speaking at the launch at Musgrave Park today, Pinergy Chief Executive Officer, Enda Gunnell commented: “It is fantastic to see the tremendous work and collaboration between Pinergy, Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, who all share the same ambitions and values for a better, more sustainable future. This new partnership allows Munster Rugby staff members to drive change in their everyday lives, ensuring the sustainability of Munster Rugby remains a priority for the future. The new EV charging solutions showcases Pinergy’s commitment to helping Munster Rugby become one of the most sustainable sports clubs in the world, with our focus over the past six years remaining in innovation, collaboration, and a collective determination to make positive changes. We are delighted to support Munster Rugby on this journey and have no doubt that our long-standing partnership with the province will continue to lead towards a brighter, greener future for all at Munster Rugby.”

Ian Flanagan, Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Munster Rugby, we are proud to continue developing our sustainable habits for a greener future.

“We are delighted to have Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group supporting our staff in making a difference first-hand to our carbon footprint and contributing to our greener ambitions.

“This EV project partnership is an inspiring step forward in our sustainability commitment as we continue to target reaching Net Zero by 2040.”

Brendan Keary, CEO, Kearys Motor Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Munster Rugby and Pinergy to contribute to Munster Rugby’s vision of a more sustainable future, not just for rugby in the province, but also life in the community. Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation makes this partnership a truly exciting one, and through providing electric vehicles to some of the dedicated staff members of Munster Rugby, we are not only supporting the club’s journey towards Net Zero carbon emissions, but also setting a new standard for responsible, sustainable living nationwide.”

Committed to Munster Rugby, Pinergy is also proud sponsor of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club Choir as well as being title sponsors of the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup continuing to back the future of rugby in the province.