Tag: #dublin

EHS International Launches New Dublin Offices Following Major Investment

EHS International, a leading Irish environmental, health, and safety (EHS) company founded by Chris Mee, has announced the official opening of its new offices in Ballymount, Dublin. This expansion is part of a significant investment nationally by EHS International, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing EHS standards across Ireland and beyond. Since leaving his previous company, Chris Mee has invested €5 million in the setting up of his new enterprise.
The newly renovated 10,000 square-foot facility at IFC House, 23 Ballymount Road Upper, Kilnamanagh, Co Dublin, is a comprehensive training centre with collaborative spaces. EHS International offers a wide range of services from this location, including specialised EHS training, consultancy, and occupational health services. There is also ample car parking on site.
Leading the Dublin team is Robert Butler, recently appointed as the Dublin Director for Operations & Training. With 12 dedicated professionals operating out of the Dublin office and a team of over 100 employees spanning Ireland and the UK, EHS International is poised to reinforce its position as the fastest-growing provider of integrated EHS solutions, having launched in October 2023.
The opening of the Dublin office marks a significant milestone in EHS International’s journey to becoming a global leader in EHS services. Speaking on the launch, Chris Mee, CEO of EHS International, said: “Our new Dublin headquarters represents a crucial step in our expansion strategy, allowing us to better serve our clients in the Dublin and Leinster area.”
Robert Butler, Dublin Director for Operations & Training added: “This new office is a testament to our growth and our dedication to providing unparalleled EHS services including Safety and Fire specialised training and EHS consultancy. We look forward to working more closely with our Dublin and Leinster clients from this new state of the art centre of excellence.”
Leveraging over three decades of expertise, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including EHS consultancy, Fire & EHS Services, training, occupational health & recruitment, solutions to businesses on a national and international scale. For more information about EHS International and its services, visit ehsinternational.com.

Why Search Engine Optimisation is Important for Dublin Businesses

Nowadays, it is essential for businesses of all sizes to have a substantial online presence. For Dublin businesses, in particular, search engine optimisation (SEO) plays a critical role in creating visibility, driving traffic, and ultimately, increasing revenue. Below, we have a look at why SEO is important for Dublin businesses and how they can leverage it to achieve their goals.

The Digital Landscape in Dublin

Dublin is not only the capital of Ireland but also a bustling hub for business and innovation. With a vibrant tech scene, numerous startups, and established companies, the competition for online visibility is fierce. Consumers in Dublin, like elsewhere, rely heavily on search engines to find products, services, and information. Therefore, appearing on the first page of search engine results is critical for businesses looking to attract local customers.

Why SEO Matters for Dublin Businesses

 

  1. Increased Visibility

 

When potential customers search for products or services online, they are more likely to click on the top results. SEO helps businesses rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs), increasing their visibility and chances of attracting clicks. For Dublin businesses, appearing at the top of local search results can make a significant difference in attracting local customers.

 

  1. Targeted Traffic

 

SEO is not just about attracting any traffic; it’s about attracting the right traffic. By optimising for specific keywords and phrases related to their business, Dublin companies can attract visitors who are actively searching for what they offer. This targeted approach ensures that the traffic coming to their website is more likely to convert into customers.

 

  1. Cost-Effective Marketing

 

Compared to traditional forms of advertising, SEO is highly cost-effective. While there are costs associated with SEO services in Dublin and tools, the long-term benefits far outweigh the investment. In most cases, organic traffic generated by search engine optimisation is completely free. This makes SEO a sustainable marketing strategy for Dublin businesses with limited budgets.

 

  1. Building Credibility and Trust

 

Ranking high on search engine results not only drives traffic but also builds credibility and trust. Consumers tend to trust businesses that appear at the top of search results more than those that do not. A well-optimised website with high-quality content signals to search engines and users that the business is reputable and authoritative in its field.

 

  1. Competitive Advantage

 

In a competitive market like Dublin, businesses need every advantage they can get. Those that invest in SEO are more likely to outperform their competitors who do not. By staying ahead of the latest SEO trends and best practices, Dublin businesses can maintain a competitive edge and attract more customers.

 

Key SEO Strategies for Dublin Businesses

 

  1. Local SEO

 

For businesses targeting customers in Dublin, local SEO is paramount according to PRO SEO Dublin. This involves optimising the website for local search terms and ensuring the business appears in local search results. Key strategies include:

 

– Creating and optimizing a Google My Business profile.

 

– Ensuring the business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms.

 

– Collecting and managing online reviews.

 

– Optimising for local keywords, such as “best coffee shop in Dublin.”

 

  1. Quality Content

 

Content is the backbone of SEO. Dublin businesses should focus on creating high-quality, relevant content that addresses the needs and interests of their target audience. This includes blog posts, articles, videos, and other forms of content that provide value and engage users. Regularly updating the website with fresh content also signals to search engines that the site is active and relevant.

 

  1. Mobile Optimisation

 

With a significant number of users accessing the internet via mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is essential. Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites in its search rankings, so Dublin businesses must ensure their websites are responsive and provide a seamless experience on all devices.

 

  1. Technical SEO

 

Technical SEO involves optimising the backend of the website to improve its performance and ensure it meets search engine requirements. This includes:

 

– Ensuring fast page load times.

 

– Fixing broken links and ensuring proper site architecture.

 

– Using structured data to help search engines understand the content.

 

– Implementing SSL certificates for secure connections.

 

  1. Backlink Building

 

The importance of backlinks or inbound links from reputable websites is a crucial aspect of search engine optimisation. They tell search engines that the website is trustworthy and authoritative. Dublin businesses can build backlinks by:

 

– Creating valuable and shareable content.

 

– Collaborating with local influencers and bloggers.

 

– Participating in industry forums and online communities.

 

– Leveraging partnerships with other businesses.

 

Measuring SEO Success

 

To ensure their SEO efforts are paying off, Dublin businesses need to track and measure their performance. Key metrics to monitor include:

 

– Bounce Rate: The percentage of visitors who leave the site after viewing only one page.

 

– Organic Traffic: The number of visitors coming to the website through organic search.

 

– Keyword Rankings: The position of the website for target keywords in search results.

 

– Conversion Rates: The percentage of visitors who take a desired action, such as filling out a contact form or buying something.

 

– Backlinks: The number and quality of inbound links pointing to the website.

 

Conclusion

Search engine optimisation is a vital component of digital marketing for Dublin businesses. By increasing visibility, driving targeted traffic, and building credibility, SEO helps businesses thrive in a competitive market. Implementing effective SEO strategies, such as local SEO, quality content creation, mobile optimisation, technical SEO, and backlink building, can significantly impact a business’s online success. 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of SEO trends and best practices will ensure Dublin businesses remain competitive and continue to attract and retain customers.

 

Taoiseach welcomes €750,000 funding from Google.org for nonprofits supporting local employment opportunities in Dublin

An Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD was at Google’s Bolands Mills campus this afternoon to address a group of graduates from the Ringsend, Irishtown, and Pearse Street areas.

An Taoiseach presented the fourteen graduates with certificates for qualifications across a diverse range of disciplines including nautical skills, training and development, and teacher training education. These programmes were delivered as part of the This City Works strategic plan, a local employment task force established by Google.

Taoiseach Simon Harris TD was joined by Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland, at the ceremony to announce further funding of €750,000 by Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google.

The grant will enable training opportunities in the domains of digital support, AI prospects, nautical skills, teacher training education, enterprise development, career guidance, and personal growth. This is part of a strategic plan developed by This City Works and their local partners St Andrews Resource Centre, the Irish Nautical Trust and the Fair Play Anchorage Project.

Speaking at the event Taoiseach Simon Harris TD said:

“I am delighted to be here to see the continued impact that is being made by This City Works with Google and their local community partners. I have had the pleasure of visiting St Andrews Resource Centre [one of the partners we are recognising today]  a number of times in the past and it is heartening to see the results that these initiatives are having here in the local area.

Programmes like these embody the essence of what a community is,  being delivered and led by those in the community for those who live here. I want to thank Google for its further commitment to this important work.”

Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland said:

“I am proud that Google has been a part of the Ringsend and Pearse Street community for over 20 years now, and we remain committed to helping create meaningful, sustainable and long-term employment opportunities for people that live here. The inspiring stories of today’s graduates are testament to the positive impact of these initiatives.

The community skills projects that this Google.org grant will enable are specifically targeted to address development areas identified by local experts and we are honoured to continue the incredible work being delivered by the This City Works programme.”

Today’s grant by Google.org will enable over 600 people in the local community to receive training including school leavers, the long term unemployed and asylum seekers.

Jim Hargis, Manager St Andrews Resource Centre and Representative to This City Works, said,

“This City Works is an important initiative, one that brings together people, businesses and community groups to provide support like mentoring and skills training to local unemployed people. I am delighted to be here to see fourteen new graduates receive their commendations, and to welcome the additional €750,000 in funding by Google.org.

This grant will help us to reach those in our local community who need it most, providing them with the opportunity to gain qualifications, sustainable employment and oftentimes, a much needed boost to their self worth.”

This City Works is a  group made up of Google representatives, community based training employment and education services, local businesses, Dublin City Council and the Department of Social Protection which aims to find sustainable employment solutions for long-term unemployed people.

The goal of This City Works is to empower vulnerable and at-risk school leavers and unemployed people in the local community of Ringsend and Pearse Street  by providing training and skill enhancement opportunities, complemented by support services, with the aim of increasing their employability and promoting social inclusion.

Attendees at this morning’s event had the opportunity to hear from community representatives and participants in the current programmes. For more information visit This City Works .

Europe’s quantum communication community gathers in Dublin for IrelandQCI event

Quantum technology specialists from across Europe are gathering at the Camden Court Hotel in Dublin city this week for a 3-day conference organised by the IrelandQCI Project Leads at Walton Institute in South East Technological University (SETU). Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth T. D., was delighted to address attendees today, Tuesday 2 July 2024, an audience made up of representatives from the European Commission, European Space Agency and technology specialists from across Irish and European industry and academia.

The €10m Ireland Quantum Communications Infrastructure (QCI) project, almost one and a half years into its 30 month duration, is one of several EuroQCI projects across the European Union which sees the European Commission working with 27 Member States, as well as the European Space Agency, towards the deployment of a secure quantum communication infrastructure spanning the EU.

The €10m project, co-funded by the European Commission and the Irish government’s Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, is working to create an innovative quantum technology ecosystem, future-proofing Ireland’s communications infrastructure against cyber-attacks.

The IrelandQCI team is working to establish Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) infrastructure along a major network backbone from Dublin to Cork via Waterford using a quantum channel integrated with existing classical fibre systems.

The project will trial 16 quantum security technology scenarios with key stakeholders across the general public, industry and academic sectors over the project duration.

This week’s QCI Ireland event in Dublin spans 3 days of industry and academic stakeholder engagement, workshops, training and technology specialist addresses from representatives of the European Commission’s PETRUS network – the organisation coordinating the deployment of EuroQCI – and will see over 150 attendees each day.

Opening remarks today were delivered by John Regan, Managing Director of ESB Telecoms, who then introduced Ossian Smyth T.D. who commented on the importance of the IrelandQCI project and Ireland’s fantastic collaborative efforts with the EU and wider EuroQCI territories.

Minister Smyth said,  ‘I’m delighted that the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is co-funding the IrelandQCI project with the European Commission. With the creation of a secure communication network, this project represents a major step forward in our ability to protect and encrypt communications. Working collaboratively with European partners through the EuroQCI initiative is a key pillar of the project and I’m glad to see members of other European QCI projects in attendance.

I’d like to commend the Walton Institute for organising today’s event which has brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across many different industries. Today’s event will benefit both the IrelandQCI project and stakeholders in attendance through collaboration and knowledge-sharing’.

Waterford’s Walton Institute in SETU is leading the €10 million IrelandQCI project, on behalf of SFI CONNECT. Several national universities and research centres make up the consortium of partners involved in the project, including quantum technology experts from Trinity College Dublin, UCC’s Tyndall National Institute, UCD, Maynooth University and the Irish Centre for High End Computing at University of Galway, and industry partners HEAnet and ESB Telecoms. These academic and industry specialists are pooling their expertise and resources to achieve success in adding an extra security layer to Ireland’s communications infrastructure and the data it transmits.

Project Lead and Director of Research at Walton Institute, Dr Deirdre Kilbane, commented: “This event is an excellent coming-together of the quantum communication community not only from across Ireland but across Europe, gathering here in Dublin for knowledge-sharing.

There are sectors represented here today spanning not only STEM industries but also health, security, education, finance, telecommunications and more. IrelandQCI will create a secure communication infrastructure that will benefit not only government, industry, and academia, but wider Irish society. At Walton Institute, we are very proud to lead this event, and we are delighted with the success of this week’s QCI Ireland event in bringing so many of our stakeholders together. We are glad to welcome our European colleagues to Dublin and to hear the success stories from other EuroQCI territories.”

HEAnet and ESB Telecoms are key partners in the project, as the quantum communications network is being built across the dark fibre optic network of ESB Telecoms parallel to the existing HEAnet backbone between Dublin, Waterford and Cork.

Managing Director of ESB Telecoms, John Regan, commented: ‘’ESB Telecoms, in its pioneering role in the Ireland QCI consortium, is committed to shaping Ireland’s quantum future. We take immense pride in providing the vital fibre optic backbone for the project.

Quantum technology will ensure the security of our digital infrastructure well into the future. This conference is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Ireland QCI, the European Commission, the European Space Agency and our consortium partners in this crucial project.”

Overseas EuroQCI attendees at the event include representatives from the UK, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Cyprus and Greek quantum communication infrastructure projects.

Project Director at Deutsche Telekom PETRUS and Nostradamus Programmes at the European Commission, Keith Elder, commented: ‘’Petrus, as the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) for the national deployment projects funded under the Digital Europe Program for EuroQCI, along with the consortium partners Deutsche Telekom, Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thales SIX and Airbus, is pleased to be able to participate in this important event, giving Petrus the opportunity to work closely with various stakeholders involved in EuroQCI from different Member States, QCI projects, academia, and manufacturers.

This will allow Petrus and the participants to exchange ideas based on the experience gained in the various projects to build on the foundations already laid for EuroQCI and to extend the roadmap to a full deployment. There are a large number of activities in the field, and with the support of the European Commission, projects are advancing the knowledge, the technology and the understanding of the end user benefits of QKD services. Bringing all this experience together in Ireland is a great opportunity for the community to share their experience and knowledge.’’

Industry experts across the agenda include speakers from Toshiba, BT, ID Quantique, Mbryonics, BME, QT Labs and Quantum Industries. Key local representatives include attendees from Government Networks, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, ComReg, INEX, IBM, Airbus, ESB Networks and more. The agenda includes quantum flagship, vendor and use case workshops, community cooperation and sustainability plans, international deployments, and various insightful panel discussions.

Okta invests in cybersecurity team to expand presence in Ireland

Okta has announced that it will be expanding its footprint in Ireland by further investing in its cybersecurity workforce in the region. The new high level security roles to be hired in Dublin is part of Okta’s ambition to recruit world leading cybersecurity talent, combating the growing threat landscape and building a robust security culture.

Part of Okta’s recently announced Secure Identity Commitment, the cybersecurity specific roles will focus on product development, vulnerability detection, hardening Okta’s own corporate infrastructure and onboarding critical applications. They are part of continued expansion in Ireland with additional roles to be hired in sales, marketing, legal and HR.

“Identity-based attacks have become a top method for nation-state hackers and cybercriminals.  As the leading neutral identity provider, it is important for us to recruit the best talent to support our customers, partners and our own workforce,” said David Bradbury, Chief Security Officer at Okta.

“These new hires reflect our long term commitment to lead the industry in the fight against identity attacks, and leverage Ireland’s diverse and unique talent pool to accelerate our vision of enabling everyone to safely use any technology, continued Bradbury.”

The new roles and growth of the Ireland team come as Okta opens a new office in the heart of Dublin. The new 14,000 square foot LEED Gold certified office will support Okta’s investment in new headcount and provide a green and energy efficient place for employees, customers, prospects, and partners to gather and collaborate. Opening in June 2024, Okta’s Dublin office will continue to serve as an international hub, is on target for WELL Silver certification, and will be a leading pillar of sustainability in the community.

“I am thrilled that we are continuing to grow our team in Ireland, and investing in critical cybersecurity roles in our Dublin office”, commented Jimmy Kehoe, Vice President of Emerging and Ireland GM. We have built a world-class culture in Ireland. With a new and sustainable office space, our team will be able to continue to flourish and we will be able to enable our customers and business across EMEA to realise the power of identity and safely use any technology, continued Kehoe.”

For further information about Okta’s Dublin office and to explore career opportunities, visit Okta Ireland.

Dublin City Council launches first ever Drone Strategy

Dublin City Council is delighted to announce that it has today launched its first Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029 for the city.

This ambitious and forward-thinking Strategy aims to transform how the city utilises drone technology to enhance public services while understanding their future potential.  Increasingly drones are being applied across a range of city services helping to increase service efficiencies, reduce costs and streamline operations. Areas where drones are being applied within the Council include mapping, dangerous buildings inspections or emergency response.   They are also being used to access to hard-to-reach areas for surveys and environmental monitoring, providing better oversight and management of urban spaces.

Eileen Quinlivan, Assistant Chief Executive and Chair of the DCC Drones High Level Steering Group of Dublin City Council, speaking from the launch at the DCC innovation hub in the CHQ building said:

“This strategy marks a significant milestone for Dublin City Council. By embracing drone technology, we are not only enhancing our service delivery but also paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable city. Drones will revolutionise how we approach various tasks, from emergency response and infrastructure inspections to environmental monitoring and urban planning. The benefits for our staff and citizens are immense, and we are committed to ensuring that Dublin remains at the forefront of this urban innovation.”

A new dedicated Drone Unit is being established in the Council to centralise drone operations and support internal departments to accelerate the adoption of the technology. This unit will build on existing capabilities and resources and maximise efficiencies across the Council. The unit will also play a role in supporting innovation in the drone industry by helping develop new services that benefit citizens and communities as the commercial sector grows.

Jim Gavin, Chief Operations Officer in the Irish Aviation Authority, express his support of the Strategy:

“The Irish Aviation Authority is very supportive of public sector bodies developing drone strategies. We are delighted to support this initiative by Dublin City Council to develop their drone strategy where they will drive innovation and development in the drone sector.

By harnessing the potential of drones, Dublin City Council is taking proactive steps to enhance public safety, improve efficiency, and foster economic growth. We believe that this initiative will pave the way for advancements in urban air mobility, benefiting both the public and the broader aviation industry.”

The development of the Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy for Dublin City Council has been led through the Smart City programme which supports the council in future-proofing how new and emerging technologies are applied. By fostering a vibrant drone technology ecosystem, Dublin has the potential to attract new businesses and drive economic growth, positioning itself as a leader in this emerging sector.

Julie Garland, Founder and CEO of Avtrain, who provided expertise and guidance on the Strategy emphasised the transformative potential of drones:

“Drones are revolutionising how we think about urban mobility and public service delivery. Dublin’s strategy is a step towards a future where drone technology can improve our daily lives, enhance safety, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. By integrating drones into various city services, cities can streamline operations, reduce response times in emergencies, and provide more efficient monitoring of infrastructure and environmental conditions.”

Philip Butterworth-Hayes, principal consultant of PMI Media Limited, who advised DCC on the Strategy provided an international perspective:

“Dublin’s approach to integrating drone technology into city services sets a new benchmark globally. The strategy’s focus on safety, efficiency, and public engagement is exemplary and will undoubtedly inspire other cities to follow suit. The efficiency gains from using drones for tasks such as infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and emergency response are significant, leading to cost savings and more effective service delivery. The strategy’s commitment to public engagement means that the community is actively involved and informed, fostering trust and collaboration.”

This strategy has been developed through extensive consultation with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that it aligns with Dublin’s unique needs and leverages the latest advancements in drone technology. The strategy also supports compliance with evolving European Union regulations and emphasizes public trust, safety, and privacy.

For more information and to discover the benefits of the Dublin City Council Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029, please visit: https://smartdublin.ie/dublin-city-drone-strategy  and see Drones

RoviSys Embarks on Expansion: Unveils New Dublin Office in Ireland

RoviSys, a premier provider of automation and information solutions, proudly announces the opening of its newest office in Dublin, Ireland. Strategically positioned in the heart of Europe, this expansion underscores a commitment to growth and its dedication to serving clients across the European Union.

The new office in Dublin marks a significant milestone in the RoviSys strategic vision for expansion, particularly within Ireland and the broader EU market. With a team of seven dedicated engineers already in place and 65 employees across Europe, RoviSys aims to bolster its presence by targeting a remarkable 200% growth in Ireland over the next 18 months. By the conclusion of 2025, the company plans to employ up to 30 professionals in Ireland, further solidifying its foothold in the region.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke said: “Congratulations to RoviSys and all the team in Dublin on the opening of their new office. RoviSys’s innovative solutions to automation will complement Ireland’s thriving technology sector immensely. It is very exciting news that they have chosen Dublin as a location for their expansion withing the EU. They will have an abundance of talented engineering professionals here to fulfil positions as they grow. Best wishes to RoviSys and team on this new chapter.”

“Our expansion into Dublin represents an exciting chapter for RoviSys as we deepen our commitment to serving clients throughout Europe,” remarked Matthew Wise, President, RoviSys Europe. “With Ireland’s vibrant technological landscape and strategic position within the EU, we are confident that our presence in Dublin, combined with our Netherland’s office location, will enable us to better serve our clients, drive innovation, and expand our reach across diverse industries.”

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: ‘’I am delighted that RoviSys have chosen Ireland as the location for their newest office and have announced plans to hire up to 30 employees here. This is a great vote of confidence in the skilled engineering workforce that companies can find in Ireland. I wish RoviSys every success here in the coming years.’’

In additional to geographical expansion, the RoviSys growth strategy is focused on cultivating new and lasting partnerships within the local business community. The company looks forward to collaborating with businesses, organisations, and institutions in Dublin and beyond, contributing to the region’s advancement and reinforcing its reputation as a leader in industrial technology.

Portal Connecting Dublin and New York City Reawakens

Dublin City Council, Portals.org and the Flatiron NoMad are pleased to announce that the Portal connecting New York City and Dublin has reawakened.  The livestream restarted today at 9:00 AM in New York City and 2:00 PM in Dublin, after a temporary pause earlier this week.

The Portal will have specific hours of operation for the coming weeks with the livestream running daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM in New York City and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM in Dublin.

In less than a week of operation, the Portal has attracted tens of thousands of visitors and garnered nearly two billion online impressions. The overwhelming majority of people who have visited the Portal sculptures have experienced the sense of joy and connectedness that these works of public art invite people to have.

The Portal sculptures are not meant to be touched or stepped upon. We have taken steps to limit instances of people stepping on the Portal and holding phones up to the camera lens. The Portals.org team has implemented a proximity-based solution. Now, if individuals step on the Portal and obstruct the camera, it will trigger a blurring of the livestream for everyone on both sides of the Atlantic. The team will continue making updates as needed to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the Portal.

The New York site will continue to have on-site security during all hours of operation, as it has had since the Portal debuted. Additionally, fencing has been installed in front of the New York Portal and more signage and spacing decals have been added to assist with crowd management and guide visitors to the optimal spots for interacting with the Portal.

For the Dublin site, physical design features are being implemented to assist with crowd management.

We are excited to welcome people in New York and Dublin back to experience this captivating visual bridge that connects these two iconic cities.

Portals.org artist and founder Benediktas Gylys added the following:

“As humans we are creating the Portals experience together. I invite local communities not only to enjoy but to care about their Portals and how other community members are approaching the sculptures.”

This is a joint statement from Dublin City Council, Portals.org and the Flatiron NoMad Partnership.

Iconic Belfast and Dublin venues to host first ever Transatlantic Fintech Exchange

The Fintech Corridor and the American Transaction Processors Coalition (ATPC), are set to welcome around 100 delegates from across the globe to the first ever Transatlantic Fintech Exchange in iconic venues across Belfast and Dublin, on May 13-16, 2024.

Venues including the Guinness Storehouse, Belfast City Hall and Killeavy Castle will serve as historic backdrops for the conference.

It will see senior leaders from the finance and technology sector come together with government development agencies to drive collaboration across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the US, share best practice and increase investment in the island of Ireland’s fintech industry.

Headline speakers include:

  • Karen O’Leary, Head of Payments and Securities at Central Bank of Ireland
  • Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance
  • Conor Murphy MLA, Economy Minister
  • Paul O’Hare, Tech & Finance Lead, Google
  • Karl Hanlon, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), FinTrU
  • Margaret Hearty, CEO, InterTradeIreland
  • Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest NI
  • Maeve Monaghan, CEO, NOW Group
  • Alison Donnelly, Director, Fscom
  • Richard Swales, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Paysafe
  • Stephen Groarke, Chief Financial Officer, Elavon/US Bank EMEA
  • Hartwig Gerhartinger, Global Head of Regulatory and Government Affairs, Paysafe

Key event themes are the future of payments, workforce development and the regulatory and legislative intersections between the EU, UK, and US. It’s designed to be an intimate event which will build real relationships and understanding in a focused group of fewer than 100 senior industry executives, government representatives, and academic institutions.

Hilary Moran, CEO of The Fintech Corridor, commented: “The island of Ireland is fast becoming a global centre for fintech. The distinctive blend of skilled individuals with experience in both technology and finance, coupled with proactive government support, has enabled a wave of startups to thrive and harness their potential in an exceedingly business-friendly atmosphere. The Transatlantic Fintech Exchange is designed to provide a forum to build connectivity across the UK, Europe and US and bolster investment in fintech across the island.”

ATPC Executive Director H. West Richards, commented: “This unique cross-border proposition connects US, EU, and UK fintech ecosystems and will help drive deeper understanding of opportunities in each governance. Brexit profoundly changed how EU and UK fintech companies interact with each other, and access to companies in both jurisdictions will enable us to work closely to develop common solutions and increase cooperation and opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic, especially as US regulators work on cybersecurity, data privacy and other critical issues.”

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy said: “I am really looking forward to hosting the Transatlantic Fintech Exchange event at City Hall as it will help promote co-operation in the Fintech sector on both sides of the Atlantic and across the island of Ireland.

“It’s a valuable opportunity to showcase our growing Fintech industry in Belfast and along the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor and to build partnerships with like-minded networks in the US. Belfast has a developing cluster of fintech businesses, and we have an excellent track record of inward investment. As a council, we’re building on that and raising the profile of Belfast internationally through co-operative events like the Transatlantic Fintech Exchange.”

“Belfast will be the final part of this week-long visit to Ireland and it’s fantastic to collaborate with The Fintech Corridor and our Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor partners, with meetings hosted in both Dublin and Newry. Together, we’re presenting a very attractive investment proposition.”

In welcoming the event, Minister Neale Richmond said: “Fintech and digital finance are of huge potential as we work towards the digital transition and this event is a fantastic opportunity to develop this work across our island. Fintech is a key priority of the Ireland for Finance strategy and so I am looking forward to welcoming delegates from the Fintech sector here in Ireland and abroad to keep up the momentum and strengthen our connections in this area across the island and indeed, across the globe.”

Co–Chair of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) partnership, Councillor Pete Byrne, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said: “This visit by representatives from the American Transaction Processors Coalition provides a platform to proudly showcase the entire Dublin to Belfast Economic Corridor including our strengths in tech, innovation, talent, education, cultural and excellent quality of life for those who live and work along the Corridor.”

Co–Chair of DBEC Councillor Adrian Henchy of Fingal County Council, commented: “This visit presents a welcome opportunity to celebrate the many very special connections we have with the US from diplomatic relations to investment, knowledge sharing, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.”

More conference details are available at www.atpcoalition.com

and www.thefintechcorridor.com