Tag: digitally

open eir Marks Major Milestone 1.5 millionGain Access to Full Fibre

open eir, Ireland’s largest wholesale telecommunications provider, today announced it has passed 1.5 million homes and businesses with its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband network, a significant milestone in expanding the nation’s premier full-fibre infrastructure.
This landmark means that more than 4 million people across Ireland can access ultrafast full fibre connectivity, cementing Ireland’s status as one of Europe’s most digitally connected nations.
More than 54,000 kilometres of fibre has now been laid by open eir, linking urban centres, villages and remote communities, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment a digitally empowered Ireland. Backed by eir’s €2 billion multiyear investment in fibre and 5G, this rollout ensures the country’s networks keep pace with the evolving needs of citizens, businesses and public services.
When open eir completes its fibre rollout, the largest broadband build ever undertaken in Ireland, alongside National Broadband Ireland’s delivery to remaining rural areas, Ireland will achieve truly ubiquitous fibre connectivity. This nationwide infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic competitiveness, regional development and public service delivery, ensuring every community can participate fully in the digital economy.
Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport commented on the announcement: “This is a major milestone for Ireland and a clear sign of the progress we are making in building a truly connected country. Passing 1.5 million homes and businesses with full fibre means more people, in every part of Ireland, can access fast, reliable connectivity that is now essential for work, education and daily life. Crucially this is about more than speed, it’s about opportunity. It supports regional development, enables remote working, and ensures our communities can compete and thrive.”
Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, said: “Passing 1.5 million homes and businesses with full fibre is a hugely significant moment for eir and reflects years of sustained investment in Ireland’s digital future. This network is already transforming how people work, learn and do business, providing the reliability, speed and resilience that modern life demands.
Crucially, this milestone is a testament to the dedication and skill of our teams across the country, who have delivered one of the most ambitious fibre builds in Europe. Their commitment has created lasting infrastructure that will serve Ireland’s communities and economy for decades to come.”
Maeve O’Malley, Managing Director of open eir Wholesale, said: “We are delighted to have delivered our fibre to the home network to 1.5 million homes and businesses. This is Ireland’s largest full fibre network and today marks a defining moment for open eir and Ireland’s digital landscape, powered by our €2bn investment into future proofed networks. Our engineers’ skill and drive have made this possible, fuelling a forward-looking network and future ready infrastructure. With rising fibre adoption, we’re delivering the dependable, high-speed access essential for working, studying or trading from any corner of Ireland.
“Fibre is faster, more resilient and more energy efficient, and it is central to Ireland’s climate and digital ambitions. By combining our nationwide fibre rollout with 99% 5G population coverage, we are building a platform for innovation, productivity and regional development that will benefit communities for decades to come.”
Delivering up to 5 Gigabit (5Gbps) speeds to all wholesale partners, open eir’s FTTH network sets the standard for performance and dependability across homes and workplaces. Outperforming ageing technologies with superior speeds, minimal latency and top-tier uptime, fibre also cuts energy use and servicing costs. 30 retail providers on the open eir network give Irish consumers abundant choices in plans and suppliers, spurring affordability, rivalry and fresh offerings in broadband.
The importance of this rollout is underscored by findings from the eir Digital Ireland Report 2025, which show data traffic on eir’s fibre network has grown exponentially since 2019 as households and businesses increasingly rely on digital services for work, education and commerce. Delivering a fibre‑first Ireland, aligned with national and EU Digital Decade goals, will provide the resilient, future‑proofed connectivity required to support enterprise growth, remote working and emerging technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things.

One in Three Older Adults Feel Digitally Excluded

New European research conducted by the Vodafone Foundation among people aged 55+ in Ireland reveals that while daily device use is now widespread among older adults, many lack the confidence and support needed to fully engage in an increasingly digital world.
The survey, carried out in November 2025 across six European countries, was designed to inform the Vodafone Foundation’s Hi Digital programme and explore how older adults access and use digital devices, what barriers they face and how they seek support.
 The research shows that over 90% of respondents now use a digital device every day. However, 22% say they do not have anyone to turn to when they need help.
 Online safety is a major worry, with 72% of respondents concerned about being scammed or tricked online, significantly more than the global average of 55%, while one in four (25%) admit they do not know how to protect themselves, again higher than the global average of 18%.
 Despite high levels of concern, just 18% say they have experienced a bad online incident, on par with the European average, indicating that the fear may be greater than the reality.
 Feeling Left Behind in a Digital World
The findings also highlight the social implications of digital exclusion:
·         35% feel excluded in social situations when services are digital-only
·         51% stated that they don’t understand how certain apps or websites work
·         91% are open to learning digital skills
When it comes to areas where digital skills are most needed, respondents cited topics like Finance and Travel but said that Public Services were their top priority.

Supporting Older Adults and the Sandwich Generation 

This new research also highlights the important role played by the so-called Sandwich Generation; adults in their 40s to 60s who support older relatives with digital tools, communication and online security, while also caring for younger family members.

 With 46% of respondents preferring to learn from friends and family, intergenerational support remains a critical enabler of digital inclusion.

Closing the Confidence Gap in Ireland

Research conducted in 2022 by Deloitte for Vodafone Foundation found that only 19% of older adults in Ireland were digitally literate. Three years later, this latest study shows that while access has grown rapidly, confidence and skills may not have kept pace.

 To address this gap, Vodafone Foundation has developed the Hi Digital programme, a free, step-by-step online course designed to support those who need help developing digital skills, particularly aimed at individuals aged 65+ who may have rarely or never been online.
 To date, over 170,000 older adults have engaged with Hi Digital since its launch in 2021, through the online courses, in-person training, and drop-in sessions available in participating Vodafone stores on Friday mornings, from 10:00-13:00. The programme has now evolved into a free nationwide support programme, combining digital lessons, quick-tip videos, in-store guidance, and collaboration with community organisations delivering local digital inclusion initiatives to help older adults build confidence in everyday life.
 Participants can complete the online course independently or with support from family and volunteer tutors. The programme is also delivered in partnership with organisations, such as Friends of the Elderly, ALONE and Society of St Vincent de Paul, as well as through intergenerational initiatives like the Irish Girl Guides and Transition Year programmes in secondary schools nationwide.
 Recognising that access alone is not enough, Vodafone Foundation is also providing practical support to help older adults navigate essential online services. For instance, there is an instructional video demonstrating how to use the Transport for Ireland app, supporting older people to confidently integrate digital tools into their everyday lives.
 Since April 2025, the most popular Hi Digital module is the Introduction to the internet course, followed by Using My Smartphone, with Connecting with Others and Identifying Frauds and Scams close behind. Notably, RIP.ie is currently one of the most visited pages on the Hi Digital platform, reflecting the practical ways older adults are engaging online.
 Speaking about the findings, Liz Roche, Head of Vodafone Foundation in Ireland, said:
“This research shows that while older adults are using digital devices every day, many still lack confidence and feel vulnerable online. No one should feel excluded from essential services or social connections because they don’t feel digitally confident. Through the Hi Digital initiative, we have already supported over 170,000 and our ambition is to extend the reach and keep growing, empowering older people across Ireland with the skills and confidence they need to engage safely and independently in today’s digital world. We are also encouraging families and communities to play their part in supporting loved ones on their digital journey.”
 Drop-In Fridays
In 2023, the programme expanded to include in-person support through a nationwide Drop-In Friday’s initiative in Vodafone stores. Held every Friday from 10am to 1 pm, trained Hi Digital Ambassadors provide free, personalised support with phones and tablets.
Due to strong demand, the service has now expanded to 58 Vodafone stores nationwide. For those unable to attend in person, the free online course at hidigital.ie remains available 24/7.
 For more information go to hidigital.ie

Sport Ireland digitally maps over 12,000 recreational facilities in Ireland

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), today announces that its digital mapping system is being used by Sport Ireland to digitally map over 12,000 recreational locations and facilities across the island of Ireland.

Sport Ireland has launched Get Ireland Active, a national digital hub which maps sports and recreation facilities, walking and cycling trails, public parks, and other amenities around the country to promote higher levels of physical activity.

Sport Ireland is the national authority responsible for developing sport and outdoor recreation in Ireland. Based on Esri’s ArcGIS system, Sport Ireland and Derilinx created Get Ireland Active, which anticipates over 15,000 visitors per month and aims to inspire people to get involved in sport and other recreational activities to improve their health and wellbeing.

The interactive digital map addresses the need for a single, authoritative source of data about sports facilities in Ireland that can provide ways for citizens to become more active, and can also be used to support policy decisions and inform the development of new facilities.

Validated data, for the whole of Ireland, is available to stakeholders via the fully interactive online data hub, created with ArcGIS Hub Premium. Users can collate, verify, analyse, and share data in real-time, including development, planning, and socio-demographic information. This provides actionable insights and allows policy makers in central and local government, sporting bodies, and other stakeholders to analyse gaps in the provision of services and easily identify development land or other potential areas that might be available to site new facilities.

Sport Ireland conducted audits of all sports facilities in Ireland to create the central data hub, which is flexible and scalable and will continue to be updated as data is made available.

Dr Úna May, CEO, Sport Ireland, said: “Esri Ireland’s expertise has been crucial in bringing the Get Ireland Active database to life. Their technology allows us to offer a user-friendly platform that has comprehensive information about recreational activities across Ireland.

“Technology is transforming how we approach our everyday lives, and it’s vital that we use this to our benefit. Our collaboration with Esri Ireland has made this a reality, and we are excited to build upon this work through the continued development of the Get Ireland Active database.” 

Padraig Quinn, Senior Account Manager, Esri Ireland, said: “We are proud to have supported the development of the Get Ireland Active national database, Ireland’s interactive activity, sport, and recreation hub. The benefits of having an interactive hub which can direct members of the public to their closest sport or recreation facilities are invaluable, especially coming into the winter months. Furthermore, the hub will continue to inform future development of sporting facilities across Ireland and embed a love of sport and the outdoors for both present and future generations. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Sport Ireland as the hub continues to grow.”

Aer Lingus Chooses Salesforce to Digitally Transform Customer Journeys

Salesforce today announced that Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, is using Service Cloud and Marketing Cloud to transform its customer experiences.

Why it’s important: 96% of customers say excellent customer service builds trust, according to Salesforce research.

With Salesforce, Aer Lingus will digitally transform to deliver personalisation and seamless customer experiences at scale. This includes introducing a centralised management capability and omni-channel approach across all marketing, transactional, post purchase/travel, loyalty, support and disruption communications.

Creating a customer-first approach across all touchpoints will remove friction, optimise the right message at the right time, and also help Aer Lingus consolidate its technology stack.

  • With Service Cloud, Aer Lingus will allow customer service teams to respond to customers more efficiently through data, automation, UI and guided workflows.  average case handling time and increase agent productivity through guided workflows. This will enable teams to respond to customers more effectively and quickly during peak travel periods.
  • Marketing Cloud will streamline all customer communications, increasing the quality of communications through richer, more relevant data and increased consistency.

 

Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said: “At Aer Lingus, we are constantly striving to enhance our customers’ journey with us. Salesforce will allow us to understand our customers better and offer them a personalised, digital led experience. As we grow our airline, this will become an integral part of how we ensure we are giving customers the dedicated care that they expect from Aer Lingus.

“We’re delighted to be working with Salesforce as we use their game-changing technology as part of our ongoing digital transformation.”

Carolan Lennon, Salesforce Ireland Country Leader, said: “The airline industry is increasingly competitive, and how brands communicate with passengers will continue to be a key differentiator. From booking travel to receiving notifications of new routes, Aer Lingus recognises the power of personalised customer journeys in the air and in their digital offer. Enhancing personalisation and reducing friction experiences are key ingredients driving success with Aer Lingus. We’re excited to help Ireland’s flag carrier to unlock the opportunities that digital transformation has to offer.”

Stocktaking.ie and DigiTally Launch Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Charity with Marathon and Steps Challenge

Ireland’s leading stocktaking service Stocktaking.ie, supported by food service software DigiTally, has launched its 2023 fundraiser to support the Cancer Fund for Children, an all-Ireland charity that provides emotional support to children diagnosed with cancer and their families. The fundraiser officially kicked off on Tuesday 18 April with a coffee morning, while on Sunday 23 April, CEO Patrick McDermott ran the London City Marathon in aid of Daisy Lodge Mayo, a short break centre for families.

Last year, Patrick also successfully ran the Chicago City Marathon, raising funds for Daisy Lodge Mayo. This year, the Stocktaking.ie team will support him with their own Steps Challenge to the equivalent of 55 marathons. The steps challenge also commenced on 18 April and will end on 25 May.

Daisy Lodge, in Newcastle Co. Down, is a nurturing and restorative space that provides families with a chance to connect during a difficult time. The charity urgently needs to build a second centre in Mayo, and the funds raised by Stocktaking.ie and DigiTally will contribute to this effort.

In 2022, Stocktaking.ie raised over €4,000 for the Cancer Fund for Children through a local table quiz and the Chicago City Marathon, with an additional €1,300 raised from the coffee morning. The fundraiser will now continue with former Irish rugby captain Rory Best’s walk from Dublin to Cong, which Patrick will assist with, to raise additional awareness for the cause.

Commenting on the fundraiser Patrick said: “We are proud to launch this effort to support the Cancer Fund for Children and contribute to the building of a second Daisy Lodge in Mayo. We hope to raise as much awareness and funds as possible to support families affected by childhood cancer.”

For more information visit www.stocktaking.ie

85% of organisations are not Digitally Optimised or Strategic

Digital Transformation Services specialist ActionPoint, A Viatel Technology Group Company, has published its second consecutive Digital Transformation Index Report. The report, which takes an in-depth look at the current state of digital maturity in Ireland, will allow business leaders to benchmark their organisations to identify blind spots and potential opportunities to respond to the developments and shifting trends of technology.

While the COVID-19 pandemic moved into the rear-view mirror in 2022, it has had a lasting impact on how organisations work, and how they embrace technology to improve performance. Yet, the report highlights that there is a risk that attitudes towards technology and digital capability regress to pre-pandemic levels.

The report is based on data gathered from 405 (234 Irish-based, 171 International) respondents from across 18 industries; who completed the ActionPoint Digital Maturity self-assessment, which focuses on six predefined pillars of an organisation’s overall digital maturity, giving them an insight into where they are leading, lagging, and how they’re doing overall. Organisations from Manufacturing, Retail and Technology make up 42% of survey respondents, and 57% of respondents analysed were Board Members, Director Owners, C-Level, VP, or Senior Managers.

Findings show that 85% of respondents are not Digitally Optimised or Strategic, which shows a huge opportunity for businesses to better leverage digital technologies. However, the report shows a 30% increase in low-code and no-code technology adoption year on year. No-code development is a type of web development that allows non-programmers and programmers to create software using a graphical user interface, instead of writing code.

Almost three in four organisations cite productivity and efficiency as a key reason behind technology adoption; while competitive advantage ranks second in this list at 63%.

While 70% of companies surveyed consider digital fundamental to their business strategy; less than one in three organisations (32%) have a digital training plan and budget in place; with just 27% considering development of digital skills during performance reviews.

David Jeffreys, CEO, ActionPoint explains “Our businesses are now faced with different economic challenges; we have high levels of inflation, COVID impacted supply chains, increasing input prices, and high levels of salary inflation; along with the continued challenges of managing a distributed workforce. Putting digital at the core of our business strategy means introducing a continuous digital transformation mindset, offering us a way to address many of these challenges by leveraging better insights from data, optimising processes, and improving resilience. 

“But a business cannot outperform its capability, and embracing a digital business strategy requires investment in digital capability. Yet this year’s report shows the lowest average score across the six dimensions of digital maturity was for digital capability, coming in at just 35%. There are many more interesting insights in this year’s report showing where there are opportunities for Irish businesses to embrace a digital transformation mindset, to improve productivity, and remain competitive in the face of economic challenges.”

27% of Irish companies are increasing technology investment to help with sustainability goals. This figure has increased from 23%, marking an increase in organisational focus on the climate emergency. However, internationally, 29% of respondents are prioritising similar initiatives.

Adoption of HR Management Systems has increased 16% year on year, indicating the growing importance of EX (employee experience). Another key factor in adopting such systems is a renewed focus on managing the remote workforce more efficiently. And with Hybrid working here to stay, 57% of organisations are sticking to collaboration tools like Teams and Zoom, with the uptake remaining close to 2021 levels.

Risk and Compliance received the highest self-assessment score, pointing to a wide understanding of the critical-nature of data and information security. 70% of organisations follow data backup best practice. Furthermore our data shows that 61% have a disaster recovery plan in place. Almost one in two (47%) of organisations conduct regular security audits through third parties to assess their vulnerability.

65% of organisations have indicated digital still remains a priority in the marketing of products and services. However, this number has dropped from 70% in 2021. And when it comes to engaging with their customers, social media continues to grow as a preferred CX (customer experience) tool. The live nature of platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Messenger enables customers to ask questions and receive responses on their preferred medium. ChatBots have become easier to integrate, programme, and cheaper to operate meaning more organisations are pressing ahead with this increasingly ubiquitous CX technology (+54% YoY).

In the past 18 years, Limerick based ActionPoint has delivered Digital Transformation to more than 500 organisations at all levels of digital capability; helping them to implement new processes, transform customer experiences and bolster their data security.

For more information on ActionPoint’s work in Digital Transformation, visit www.actionpoint.ie/digital-transformation.