Finalists Announced for 2025 Diversity in Tech Awards

The finalists for the 2025 Diversity in Tech Awards (DITA) have been announced today. Taking place on Thursday 19th September at 6:00pm in a new location—the Gibson Hotel, Dublin—the event will gather over 300 guests to honour individuals and organisations leading the way in diversity, inclusion, and innovation across the tech sector.
Now in its eighth year, DITA celebrates a broad spectrum of diversity—from gender and culture to disability and neurodiversity—and continues to spotlight the changemakers reshaping the tech industry for the better. This year saw more than 300 entries, with the Rising Star and Startup Visionary awards attracting the highest number of submissions.
Claire Rushe, Executive Director Global Technology of JP Morgan and a member of the judging panel, said; “JP Morgan is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Diversity in Tech Awards in 2025. This year we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation and opportunity. These awards honour the trailblazers who are making the tech industry more inclusive, aligning with our belief that technology thrives when every voice is heard and valued. This is an opportunity to recognise those who think outside the box, driving ingenuity and progress through diverse insights. By supporting these awards, we not only honour the groundbreaking strides being made but also reinforce our commitment to fostering a tech landscape where bold ideas and inclusive thinking lead the way.”
Clare Kilmartin, COO of the Diversity in Tech Awards, added; “The 2025 finalists represent the very best of what our industry has to offer—bold thinkers, brilliant innovators, and inclusive leaders who are breaking down barriers in every direction. These awards are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we create space for all talent to thrive. I look forward to celebrating them in style this September.”
2025 Finalists
Cultural Inclusion Award
  • EPAM Systems
  • Fiserv
  • Integral Ad Science
  • LearnUpon
  • MEG
  • Rewriting the Code
  • SHEIN
DE&I Special Initiative Recognition
  • Access Avenue
  • Datapac
  • JP Morgan
  • TiLT Role-Play Limited
  • Yahoo International Limited
DE&I Support Network of the Year
  • BearingPoint
  • EPAM Systems
  • ESB
  • Limit Break
  • Logitech
DE&I Excellence in Leadership
  • Datapac
  • Indeed
  • JP Morgan
  • Yahoo International Limited
Disability Inclusion Award
  • Access Avenue
  • EPAM Systems
  • ESB
  • Nexus Inclusion
Diverse Company of the Year Award
  • BearingPoint
  • Cognizant
  • Datapac
  • Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)
  • Oracle EMEA Ltd.
  • Uisce Éireann
  • Yahoo International Limited
Inspirational Diversity Role Model Award
  • Accenture
  • BNY
  • Greenhouse Software
  • Microsoft
  • Optum
  • Uisce Éireann
LGTBQ+ Inclusion Award
  • Gas Networks Ireland
  • Greenhouse Software
  • myGwork
  • Shane Collective
Neurodiverse Inclusion Award
  • auticon
  • BearingPoint
  • EPAM Systems
  • ESB
  • Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)
  • Laois County Council
Rising Star Award
  • Dr. Sheetal Dash of Barclays
  • Israel Ngombo of BNY
  • Apurva Kiran Vangujar of Jaguar Land Rover
  • Lynsey Byrne of Bord Gáis Energy
  • Faith Omotayo of Rewriting The Code
  • Aisling Kearney of Squarespace Ireland Limited
  • Naa Korkoi Addo of Taighde Éireann Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Artificial Intelligence
Social Impact Award
  • Datapac
  • JLR (Jaguar Land Rover)
  • Logitech
  • Oracle
  • PayGap.ie
  • Therapix
  • Women in Technology & Science Ireland
Startup Visionary Award
  • Deirdre McCarthy – AllSkills Tech
  • Rena Maycock – Chirp
  • Cuty Gupta – Cozmotec
  • Emer Mugisha – Cyberminds
  • Corina Popov – Digitax
  • Hannah Wrixon – KELLA
  • Victoria Finlay – The MenoPal
STEM Champion Award
  • Sara Grimaldi -Amazon Web Services
  • Amy Everson – Baker Hughes
  • Elfreeda Sunny – EY
  • Catherine Casey – Fiserv
  • Faith Omotayo – Rewriting The Code
  • Svitlana Samko – Verizon Connect
  • Lidia Maria Muñoz – Vodafone Business
Tech Leader Award
  • Karen Morton – Ekco
  • Rebecca Keenan of Expleo
  • Marisa O’Shea – North (NAB_IRE Ventures Limited)
  • Marie O’Connor – Sogeti Ireland
  • Dorothy Zbikowski – Squarespace Ireland Limited
  • Svitlana Samko – Verizon Connect, W2business
  • Orlagh Lynch – Workhuman
Technical Guru Award
  • Lisa Devery – Fiserv
  • Aanchal Mittal – Integral Ad Science
  • Lee Pegas – JP Morgan
  • Daria Vasileva – North
  • Megan O’Brien – Optum
Trailblazer Award
  • Katarina Antill – Bonafi
  • Melissa Proxenos – Debtrak
  • Rebecca Keenan – Expleo
  • Veronica Rahneberg – EY
  • Joanna Haslam – Snap Finger Click
  • Máirín Murray – TechFoundHer
  • Mithra Ravichandran of Trane Technologies, Women in AI
  • Chirawan Phongkasettrakam of Vodafone Business
The 2025 Diversity in Tech Awards take place on Wednesday 17th September at 6:00pm at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin.
For more details and finalist profiles, visit: https://diversityintechawards.online

EXL opens new Headquarters for International Business and Launches AI Innovation Lab in Dublin

EXL, a global data and AI company, has opened its new headquarters for international business in Dublin’s Docklands. An Tánaiste Simon Harris TD hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony with EXL Chairman and CEO Rohit Kapoor, The Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam, Professor Colin Scott, Deputy President and Vice President of Academic Affairs, University College of Dublin and other distinguished guests.

The announcement underscores EXL’s continued commitment to Ireland as a strategic hub for its global operations. Since establishing a presence in Dublin in 2023, the company has been working toward its goal of hiring up to 200 technology specialists.

The Tánaiste also received a tour of EXL’s new AI Innovation Lab, a dedicated centre for the research and development of cutting-edge, industry-specific AI solutions. The AI Innovation Lab will initially employ 60 highly skilled professionals.

The lab is designed to:

  • Expand the capabilities of EXL’s EXLerate.AI platform by developing next-generation AI and data solutions.
  • Provide a collaborative environment for clients and EXL experts to co-create industry-specific AI solutions that drive transformation across sectors including healthcare, insurance, banking, utilities, travel and transportation, and retail.
  • Shape tailored data and AI strategies that align with client-specific business objectives, accelerating innovation and measurable outcomes.
  • Integrate clients’ enterprise-wide data and AI using EXLerate.AI to deliver intelligent insights that power smarter decisions and improved business performance.

Rohit Kapoor, Chairman and CEO of EXL, said: “EXL is proud to deepen its roots in Ireland with the launch of our new headquarters for international business and the opening of our AI Innovation Lab. This expansion not only reflects our confidence in Dublin as a leading hub for AI talent and innovation, but also our ambition to deliver AI-powered solutions to clients across the globe. We’re excited to grow our presence in Ireland while advancing the frontiers of AI.”

An Tánaiste Simon Harris TDDeputy Prime Minister of Ireland, said: “By investing in local talent and fostering strong partnerships with Ireland’s world-class academic institutions, EXL is helping to position Dublin as a global centre of excellence for AI. Ireland is well‑placed to be a hub of innovation in this space, and EXL’s plans to continue to collaborate with local research institutions will be an important contribution to developing the next generation of talent.”

Mary Buckley, Executive Director at IDA Ireland, said: ‘’I am delighted that EXL is officially launching its headquarters for international business and AI Innovation Lab.  Artificial intelligence is a key growth driver in IDA Ireland’s new strategy ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation. This milestone underscores EXL’s commitment to innovation and reflects Ireland’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge digital investment and talent.’’

EXL’s AI Innovation Lab builds on EXL’s existing partnerships with Irish academic institutions such as University College Dublin (UCD), CeADAR, and Trinity College Dublin, which were initiated in 2023, including:

  • EXL and UCD Innovation and AI Lab: an ongoing collaborative initiative with University College Dublin and CeADAR, a leading AI research agency. The objective is to provide select leaders at EXL a unique and dynamic ecosystem to experiment and build innovative solutions towards an AI-driven future.
  • Sprint by Irish innovators: a dynamic, hands-on session led by top Irish innovators to spark fresh ideas, co-create practical solutions, and inspire a culture of experimentation across EXL.
  • Sponsor of a student hackathon at UCD: fostering innovation and real-world problem solving among emerging talent in data, AI, and digital transformation.
  • EXL and Trinity AI Advantage Program with Trinity College Dublin: equipping leaders with AI-powered decision-making and innovation capabilities.

Rowan McGrath, Senior Vice President, International at EXL, said: “Through initiatives such as the EXL-UCD Innovation and AI Lab, the EXL-Trinity AI Advantage Program and student hackathons, EXL is working closely with Irish universities to drive the development of AI talent and promote real-world innovation in AI and digital transformation.”

From Dublin to Dubai: Swapping Rain for Robots

There’s nothing like swapping the drizzle-soaked streets of Dublin for the sun-scorched boulevards of the UAE, especially when you’re behind the wheel of something that makes heads turn. And let’s be honest, Bugatti hire Dubai is about as far from your everyday runaround as you can get. One minute you’re dodging puddles on O’Connell Street, the next you’re cruising past the Burj Khalifa with enough horsepower under your foot to make a racehorse blush.

From Guinness to Gadgets

For most Irish folk, Dubai is already on the radar for its skyscrapers, gold souks, and beaches that look straight out of a postcard. But what really sets the place apart is how it’s turned itself into a futuristic playground. We’re talking autonomous taxis, drone deliveries, robot baristas – it’s like stepping into tomorrow.

While Dublin has its fair share of tech hubs and innovation, the scale of it in Dubai is something else entirely. Here, they don’t just think big – they think outrageous. You’ll find AI-powered police patrols, driverless metro lines, and malls where robots greet you before you’ve even had your morning coffee.

Why Go for the Bugatti

Now, you might be wondering: “Why in God’s name would I rent a Bugatti for a few days?” The answer is simple – because you can. If you’re already in a place that’s obsessed with luxury and speed, why settle for anything less than the full experience?

Yes, it’ll cost you more than a weekend in Galway, but it’s not about the practicality – it’s about the craic. There’s something deeply satisfying about hearing that engine growl as you glide down Sheikh Zayed Road, with the desert on one side and the Gulf on the other. Besides, in a city where Lamborghinis are as common as Toyotas back home, a Bugatti is your ticket to standing out.

A Tech Lover’s Paradise

Dubai isn’t just for petrolheads – it’s a haven for tech enthusiasts. The Museum of the Future is a must-see, with exhibitions that make even the most cutting-edge Silicon Docks start-ups look like they’re still playing with Meccano. There’s also the Expo City district, still buzzing with innovation since Expo 2020, where you can walk through pavilions showcasing everything from smart agriculture to space travel.

And if you’re into retail therapy, the Dubai Mall’s VR Park will blow your mind – think roller coasters without the queues, zombie shootouts without the bruises, and flight simulators that could trick your mam into thinking you’ve actually gone to space.

Top Routes for a Bugatti Blast

Dubai to Abu Dhabi – Smooth motorways, jaw-dropping skyline views, and a quick jaunt to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Jebel Jais Mountain Road – A driver’s dream. Hairpins, elevation changes, and scenery that makes you want to stop every five minutes for a photo.

The Desert Loop – Early morning runs through the dunes when the air’s cool, the roads are empty, and the only thing in your rear-view is a trail of sand.

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re a tech buff, a speed demon, or just an Irish lad or lass looking for a change from soggy weekends, Dubai delivers in spades. With its blend of cutting-edge innovation and unapologetic extravagance, it’s the sort of place where swapping your Leap Card for a Bugatti key fob actually makes sense – at least for a few days.

So pack your sunnies, charge your phone for all those “look at me now” photos, and get ready to trade the rain for robots. Dubai’s waiting, and it’s ready to blow your mind.

New Static Speed Camera in Dolphins Barn Live today

Dublin City Council is pleased to see the introduction by An Garda Síochána of the first ever static speed camera within the Council area.

The Council worked closely with An Garda Síochána to facilitate the installation and initial operation of the camera.

The Static Safety Camera, which is located in Dolphin’s Barn, will commence operation from Friday 1st August 2025.

Dublin City Council will continue to work together with An Garda Síochána on road safety and measures which can help to improve road safety for all. The camera is located beside the maxol garage with the details below

Current Speed Limits

The default speed limit for most roads within the Dublin City Council area is 50km/h. Speed limit signs are erected at all points where there is a speed limit change. The enforcement of the speed limits is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

Dublin City Council has progressively introduced a 30km/h speed limit to many areas of the city, and Dublin City Council implemented 30km/h speed limits in all the residential areas as per approved Phase 4 – Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2020. Please see the map below of our Phase 4 Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2020.

What is a static safety camera?

A static safety camera is in one location and measures the motorists speed at that one particular point along the road.

How does it work?

As with GoSafe vans, drivers detected by static safety cameras breaking the speed limit on that road will be automatically issued a fixed charge penalty notice.

Why use static speed safety cameras?

Static safety cameras have been proven internationally to reduce speeding. Speeding is one of the main contributors to road deaths.

Check out some dashcams

See more 

PayPal to Create 100 Highly Skilled Tech Jobs in Ireland

PayPal today announced that it will create 100 new highly skilled data science roles at its Dublin office. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the future of commerce through advanced data science and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and marks a new chapter in the transformation of its Irish operations. The new AI team in Dublin will serve as a key spoke in PayPal’s global network, working in close coordination with PayPal’s other innovation hubs.

This hiring initiative is being supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the country’s investment promotion and development agency, and comes as PayPal continues to evolve its Dublin site beyond its roots as a customer service hub into a centre for innovation at the forefront of the global digital economy.

“As we shape the next generation of digital payments, the talent and innovation coming from Ireland will play a critical role,” said Aaron J. Webster, Global Chief Risk Officer at PayPal. “This expansion reflects both our confidence in the local ecosystem and our ambition to build an AI-driven, data-powered future that embeds trust and safety in every transaction. We are proud to deepen our commitment to Ireland and to invest in highly skilled roles that will help shape the future of PayPal globally.”

The new roles will span a range of disciplines, including AI engineering, data science, software development, risk modeling, and cybersecurity. These positions will support key strategic priorities such as loss prevention and enhancing outstanding customer experiences, placing innovation at the core of PayPal’s global mission.

Webster added: “Our work to solve some of the most intricate and critical commerce challenges globally is fueled by the unprecedented scale of our platform and unmatched data at our fingertips. We are redefining what is possible by empowering data scientists to push boundaries, harness cutting-edge AI, and transform the future of fraud detection and payment security.”

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: “This announcement by PayPal is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland as a location for high-value tech investment. The creation of 100 highly skilled roles in cutting-edge fields like AI and data science reinforces our status as a global hub for innovation, and I would like to commend PayPal for its ongoing partnership with IDA Ireland.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: ‘’I am delighted with PayPal’s decision to create up to 100 new highly skilled tech jobs in Ireland. This is a testament to Ireland’s enduring appeal as a location for high-value investments. We are proud to support this growth and look forward to the continued success of PayPal in Ireland.’’

Open positions can be found here.

Fenergo creates 300 new jobs in Ireland with €100 million investment

Leading Irish Software as a Service (SaaS) financial technology solutions provider Fenergo, has today announced 300 new jobs at its global HQ in Dublin. This is part of a €100 million Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) expansion plan supported by Enterprise Ireland. In addition to the new roles in Ireland, which will double the domestic headcount, Fenergo is creating new jobs across its international markets to meet increasing demand for its AI-powered solutions. A total of 500 new positions will be filled by the company globally within the next three years.  

With support from Enterprise Ireland, Fenergo has also invested in a new RD&I Centre of Excellence at its Dublin HQ where the new Irish roles will be based, supporting Fenergo’s innovation strategy. The new roles will enable Fenergo to further deliver on its mission to support financial institutions in fighting financial crime and creating a safer world. Fenergo will continue to build out its intelligent, AI-powered solutions for client lifecycle management (CLM), anti-money laundering (AML) and Know your Customer (KYC). This suite of solutions forms Fenergo’s FinCrime Operating System, which addresses all anti-financial crime events and operations, transforming compliance from a burden into a strategic competitive advantage. 

Recruitment for the new roles is now underway, with candidates being sought for a wide range of mid-level engineering and R&D positions. Fenergo is also rolling out a graduate programme with the intention to appoint up to 30 university graduates. Interested candidates can find more information about the new jobs and submit applications via: Let’s Grow Together | Fenergo. 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD welcomed the jobs announcement: “The government and Enterprise Ireland are committed to supporting and accelerating the scaling of ambitious, innovation-led Irish companies. Fenergo is a clear example of ambition in action – a company that has expanded at pace since it first launched in 2009, and one which today represents a standout financial technology solutions provider both globally and domestically. Today’s announcement not only represents significant job creation within the Irish market and excellent opportunities for our homegrown talent, but it also reinforces our position as one of the largest and most important tech hubs in Europe. I would like to commend Fenergo on this milestone expansion and their continued investment in Ireland, which I’m confident will underpin further growth for the company while supporting our economy.”  

Marc Murphy, CEO and Founder of Fenergo, said: “I am delighted to announce Fenergo’s significant expansion in Ireland with the creation of 300 jobs at our new RD&I Centre of Excellence, which was made possible with the considerable support and investment we have received from Enterprise Ireland. This investment and growth of our Irish operations reflect our confidence in the excellent talent pool we have in this country, and a market where innovative thinking, entrepreneurship and evolving technology will propel Fenergo to new heights. With AI at the core of our RD&I strategy, we are committed to delivering future-proof solutions for financial institutions in Ireland, across Europe, the UK, America, Middle-East and Asia – supporting them during times of intensifying geopolitical tension and regulatory uncertainty.  

“We are actively recruiting for the new roles already, and I would strongly encourage prospective candidates to consider applying and join our world-class team of change-makers at Fenergo – shaping the future of financial services operations through innovation and AI.” 

Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland said, “Ambitious companies like Fenergo embody Enterprise Ireland’s mission that Irish owned, globally focused companies will be the primary driver of our economy. Fenergo, announcing 500 new jobs today, is a great example of an innovative Irish company growing customers, adding RD&I to drive forward AI powered solutions and creating an impact in global markets. I’d like to congratulate Marc and the team on this expansion and we look forward to working with them.” 

Due to the continued strength of Fenergo’s export activity, along with a growing portfolio of financial services clients in the Irish market over the past two years, Fenergo delivered a substantial profit in FY25 and is tracking well to deliver strong EBITDA profitability in this financial year, FY26.  Fenergo’s investment in its Irish and international expansion is expected to further bolster its ability to serve international markets while also growing its domestic business. 97% of Fenergo’s revenue in the year ending March 2025 was generated from exported business. 

Enterprise Ireland Export Results 

This expansion announcement was made in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland’s client company export results for 2024. Enterprise Ireland today announced that its clients have achieved record exports of €36.75bn in 2024, up 7% on 2023, with all territories and major sectors recording increases, surpassing the 2022 – 2024 strategy target of €30bn exports.  

Exports to Europe, grew by 8% to €10.63bn representing 29% of total exports. This is the first time that exports to this region have surpassed the UK, making Europe now the largest export territory for Enterprise Ireland’s client base. 

·       Within Europe, the Eurozone, which represents 26% of total exports, continued to perform. Exports increased by 9.6% to €9.42bn in 2024 with growth across the majority of countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and France. 

·       The UK, now the second largest export territory for clients achieved €10.52bn exports in 2024, up 4% on 2023 and surpassing the €10bn mark for the first time.  

·       North America also delivered growth, with exports of €7.30bn in 2024, up 8% on 2023. USA, the main export market had exports of €6.66bn, up 8% on 2023. 

 

All sectors showed strong export growth. The Food and Sustainability sector reached €16.25bn, up 5% on 2023. Non-food exports surpassed this, achieving €20.5bn, up 8%, with the Industrial and Lifesciences sector recording €11.46bn exports, up 9%. Of this, High Tech Construction exports increased by 20% to €4.66bn. 

The Technology and Services sector also grew, with exports of €9.05bn achieved in 2024, up 7% on 2023. Of this, Digital Tech exports reached €3.16bn in 2024, up 9% on 2023. Fintech, Financial & Business Services also saw an increase, up 5% to €2.90bn in 2024.  

Enterprise Ireland client companies spent €42.65bn in the Irish economy in 2024, including €13bn on payroll.  

 

Welcoming Enterprise Ireland’s export results, Minister Burke said“The strength of Ireland’s exporting base of companies is reflected in Enterprise Ireland’s strong 2024 export performance results. Despite a more challenging international environment, Irish exporters have made significant gains and continue to grow their influence internationally. These companies are a critical part of the Irish economy, and the government through Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting this sector to scale further, while preparing for and mitigating against disruption in global trade tariffs.” 

 

Announcing Enterprise Ireland’s export results today, Kevin Sherry Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: “Despite ongoing challenges in recent years, such as economic headwinds and rising costs our client companies continue to show their agility and resilience as they scale internationally, achieving yet another year of record export growth with €36.75bn in exports in 2024. This robust performance by clients like Fenergo, reflects a strong and resilient exporting base which fuels our economy, delivering sustainable prosperity nationwide.” 

 

“Our results show that for the first time Europe has surpassed the UK as the number one export territoryThis demonstrates that while our client base continues to grow exports in the UK, there is less reliance and dependency on this one market with many clients broadening their base and winning business in other marketsAmid future geopolitical instability, Irish businesses proven ability to diversify across markets will stand to them when facing challenging and uncertain times. Enterprise Ireland remains committed to supporting companies as they explore potential mitigation and market diversifications strategies to navigate the challenges of export tariffs. added Kevin Sherry.

Deliveroo launches drone deliveries in Dublin

Deliveroo, the on-demand delivery platform, has today launched drone deliveries in Dublin, Ireland.  Through a new partnership with Manna, an established global drone delivery operator, the service is designed to support Deliveroo’s continuous mission to improve the customer experience.
The innovative service is based in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, with Deliveroo conducting a test phase over the coming weeks. Deliveroo will use the initial weeks to assess how drones can help serve suburban and harder to reach locations, with the ultimate aim of unlocking new customers through super-fast deliveries, complementing its extensive rider network.
Over the coming days, customers in a 3km radius of Blanchardstown will be able to order from leading local restaurants including Musashi, WOWBurger, Boojum and Elephant & Castle – flown to customers in as little as three minutes*. Deliveroo is aiming to expand the service to more restaurants and launch grocery and retail deliveries within the next six months.
In new imagery and a video released by Deliveroo today, a teal drone is seen making one of the first deliveries to a customer, with sushi from Musashi in tow. Whether it’s sushi for lunch, a Friday treat or a family gathering, the ambition is for Deliveroo’s drones to ensure orders arrive at peak freshness.
By bypassing road traffic, drone deliveries can significantly cut wait times and reduce emissions, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to traditional delivery methods, particularly suited to suburban locations where Deliveroo is looking to increase its presence. The objective is also for Deliveroo drone deliveries to support participating merchants in growing their sales by appealing to and reaching new customers, complementing Deliveroo’s existing delivery network.
Drones will be deployed from Manna’s local delivery hub, flying at speeds of up to 80 km/h with a flight time of as little as three minutes. Upon arrival, the drone hovers and gently lowers the food to the ground via a secure, biodegradable tether, ensuring a seamless and contact-free delivery experience.
Deliveroo is excited by the prospect of expanding the service to its other markets, subject to the benefits to consumer experience, following the launch in Ireland, alongside regulatory evolution in other markets. The company welcomes the UK Government’s £20 million investment to advance commercial drone operations and bring this technology closer to reality for UK consumers.
Carlo Mocci, Chief Business Officer at Deliveroo said: Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people’s doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide – so I’m thrilled to launch drone deliveries in Dublin today. 
“We’re excited to explore how drones can help us reach new customers, complementing our existing rider model and if successful, the prospect of expanding drone deliveries across Ireland and into other markets.”
Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder of Manna Air Delivery said: “Air delivery is fast, clean, and safe, offering a new avenue for local businesses to reach more consumers. Manna Air Delivery is proud to partner with Deliveroo, a platform trusted by top local restaurants and eateries, to bring this innovative delivery experience to customers.”
Bill Lang, owner of Musashi said: “We have been serving up authentic sushi for years but never thought we’d see it in the sky, delivered to peoples’ doorsteps by drone. Musashi is delighted to extend our partnership with Deliveroo to drone deliveries, helping us to reach even more customers in the Blanchardstown area.”
Manna, which has already completed over 170,000 delivery flights in Dublin 15 and holds full regulatory approvals, will operate the drones. Each drone is equipped with advanced safety features, including backup systems and a parachute, and is continuously monitored by a dedicated dispatcher throughout its flight.
Eligible customers within the correct radius will need to validate their address via the app before it confirms a suitable pin location for a safe drop off, typically a driveway, front or back garden. Once an order is placed, they will be able to track the delivery as usual and will be notified when the drone is nearby so they can receive the order.

1 in 3 Irish businesses use AI to help detect fraud

More than 9 in 10 (94%) of Irish businesses are using Artificial Intelligence, a survey has revealed.

This is according to research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher in Ireland, which found that only 3% of Irish businesses are not using AI. By comparison, the same survey in the UK found that 15% of businesses are not using AI.

Commenting on the survey findings, Laura Vickers, Managing Director of Commercial Lines in Gallagher said:

“AI is transforming the way we live and work, with our survey showing that most Irish businesses are already using AI, and for a myriad different reasons.

Recent years have seen AI advance in leap and bounds. AI arguably has much greater potential to transform the workplace than previous breakthrough technologies, such as the internet and smartphones, have. AI can be used to drive innovation in a business and to make work processes more efficient, freeing up the time of employees. It can also help detect fraud and to reduce customer service costs.”

Gallagher commissioned a survey of 300 business decision makers across the UK & Ireland, 100 of whom are based in Ireland.

The survey identified the top 8 reasons employees in Irish businesses use AI:

  1. To improve customer service and support         (43%)
  2. To be able to gather better data and insights that will benefit their business and customers (41%)
  3. To improve customer experience and engagement (39%)
  4. Supply chain management (37%)
  5. To provide an extra layer of IT security to the business (35%)
  6. To help detect fraudulent activity (34%)
  7. To automate business processes and free up the time of colleagues (30%)
  8. Accounting (18%)

Ms Vickers added:

“Whilst AI has the potential to deliver many benefits to businesses, there are valid concerns around the power of this technology, including privacy, misinformation and its potential to lead to job displacement. It’s important that business leaders ensure their employees are supported and trained in the use of the technology and that they have adequate cyber cover in place to help protect their businesses.”

Geographic differences on AI

The survey revealed some interesting geographic differences when it comes to the use of AI in the workplace including:

  • Businesses in Dublin (43%) and Munster (40%) are the most inclined to use AI to help detect fraud (see Table 2 in Appendix). Businesses in Connacht are the least likely to use the technology to help detect fraud, with only one in ten (11%) doing so, followed by businesses in Ulster (25%) and Leinster (29%).
  • Munster businesses are the most inclined to use AI to provide an extra layer of IT security for their business. The survey found that six in ten (60%) businesses in Munster use the technology for this reason compared one in four (24%) in Leinster and one in three (33%) in Dublin.
  • Businesses in Munster are the most likely to use AI to improve customer service and support with 60% doing so compared to one in three (33%) firms in both Leinster and Connacht.
  • When it comes to using AI to free up the time of colleagues, Dublin businesses are the most inclined to do so (39%).

For further information, please visit: https://www.ajg.ie/

SIRO has announced the rollout of its full fibre network in Sandyford, Dublin.

SIRO, Ireland’s leading 100% fibre broadband network operator, has announced the rollout of its full fibre network in Sandyford, Dublin.

SIRO’s fibre to the premise network will be available to over 2,300 premises – residential and businesses – within the Sandyford area. To date about half of this number of premises can already access SIRO’s network, with the rollout on track to be completed by the end of June. This will deliver future-proofed, reliable and fast broadband to homes and businesses in the area. SIRO’s broadband network provides up to 2 Gigabits for homes and up to 10 Gigabits for business.

SIRO’s rollout represents a large investment in digital infrastructure in Sandyford – one of Dublin’s growing and most vibrant residential and commercial districts.

Sandyford is a thriving commercial centre with more than 1,000 Irish and international companies employing over 6,000 people directly. In parallel, Sandyford’s residential footprint is also growing rapidly, with several new housing developments and an expanding population of over 6,000 residents. Both the number of homes and businesses based in Sandyford is expected to increase further in the coming years. The arrival of SIRO’s future proofed full fibre network marks a timely addition to the area’s infrastructure and overall future development.

Areas included in the SIRO rollout in Sandyford include (but are not limited to) The Edges, Beacon South Quarter, The Cubes, The Forum, Carmanhall Court, The Maple, The Arcs, Beacon One, Time Place, South Central, and The Points.

The Sandyford deployment is part of SIRO’s wider expansion across South Dublin, where the company has invested significantly to bring full fibre broadband to high need, high-demand areas, stretching from Shankill to Stillorgan.

To date, SIRO’s national network has reached more than 650,000 premises across 143 towns and cities, as part of its €1 billion investment. The company is on track to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026, helping to future-proof communities right across Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of SIRO’s network in Sandyford, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora (and T.D. for the area) Neale Richmond noted:

“The rollout of 100% fibre broadband for Sandyford is a fantastic development and one which demonstrates the dynamic growth prospects for the Sandyford area. This investment in digital infrastructure paves the way for Sandyford to really develop as a future proofed hub for business and families in the area.

SIRO Chief Executive OfficerJohn Keaney commented:

“Sandyford is a dynamic and growing area, with a strong mix of residential, business and retail. The area has grown significantly in recent years with ambitious plans for further growth.

“By bringing SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband network here, we are ensuring that this community has access to the digital connectivity it needs today and into the future. Whether it’s for remote work, business operations, or home entertainment, our network offers fast, reliable broadband that supports modern living.”

Sandyford Business District CEO Ger Corbett commenting on SIRO’s fibre broadband network in the district noted:

The transition to high-speed broadband in Sandyford Business District is a gamechanger as the benefit to homes and businesses in the area will be immense, enhancing connectivity, boosting efficiency, and supporting long-term productivity.

“The investment in fibre broadband aligns with SBD’s core goals of innovation and future-proofing the district, ensuring it remains a competitive and dynamic hub for decades to come.”