Tag: Government

IDA Ireland welcomes expansion of IBM’s software developer presence in Waterford

The Irish Government and IDA Ireland today welcomed IBM’s announcement to create additional high-value jobs in the south-east of the country. The leading global technology company will, over the next three years, hire up to 75 software engineers, dedicated to research and development (R&D), based in Waterford.

The roles will focus on cutting-edge innovation for IBM Z, the infrastructure powering 70% of global transactions by value*. The Waterford software engineers will closely collaborate with IBM’s R&D teams around the world, from designing processors and firmware to software development and advancing the Linux operating system.

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment, said: “IBM’s decision to expand its operations in Waterford with the creation of up to 75 highly-skilled software engineering roles is very welcome news. This investment is a strong endorsement of the South-East region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. It also reflects the government’s commitment to supporting regional development and fostering strong partnerships between industry and academia. I commend IBM for its continued confidence in Ireland and for its collaboration with the South-East Technological University to build a future-ready workforce.”

Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, said: “I welcome this very positive development which underscores Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for businesses to invest in and to expand R&D operations. This strengthens IBM’s long-standing presence in Ireland where it employs thousands of people today. IBM has cited Ireland’s strong talent pool as a key factor in allowing the company to grow here, which reflects the significant increased investment by the Government in education, and particularly our third-level sector, over recent years. We are committed to supporting research and development in our tech sector, including in the South-East of our country, to drive balanced, regional development and economic growth.”

In addition to the expansion of R&D functions in Waterford, IDA Ireland also welcomes IBM’s decision to deepen its collaboration with the South East Technological University, to develop a technical skills ecosystem with a focus on mainframes and Linux.

Nathan Cullen, country general manager, IBM Ireland, said:

“I am delighted to see our footprint in Ireland evolve further. This is testimony to the deep talent pools available across the country, upon which we have steadily built our business, including mainframes which are a cornerstone of global transactions. IBM has now operated in Ireland for nearly 70 years and this milestone investment for the region also speaks volumes about the ecosystem that has built up around the South Eastern Technical University.”

IBM last year announced the recruitment of another 800 high-tech jobs in Ireland by 2027, cementing the country’s position as a globally strategic location for the company. These new roles, spanning R&D, digital sales and Consulting operations, will be spread across Dublin, Cork and Waterford.

Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland CEO, said: “This R&D investment announced by IBM is fantastic news for Waterford and indeed the South East Region. This investment is also closely aligned to Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29, where IDA has committed to positioning Ireland at the centre of cutting-edge global technological innovation in the next five years. I warmly welcome this decision by IBM and assure them of IDA’s continued partnership.”

Version 1 signs €102.7m deal with Department of Education to transform Ireland’s school employee payroll systems

Version 1, a leader in AI and digital transformation, today announced it has been awarded a significant contract of up to 15 years by the Department of Education Ireland, integrating HCM and Payroll Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions that will enable the timely, secure and accurate processing of payroll.

Version 1 will lead on the design, development, integration and management of the technology systems that service approximately 155,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as retirees across Ireland. Version 1 has partnered with The Access Group to deliver on this major change programme.

The project will see the Department of Education providing payees with employee self-service including online access to their payroll related information. Version 1 has proven, long-standing experience of delivering similar technology solutions for other public sector organisations and will work closely with the Department of Education on this change programme. Version 1 will build, integrate and manage the systems, drawing on a reputation of consistent quality of delivery for public sector organisations.

Commenting on the award of the contract, Chief Information Officer for the Department of Education, Anne-Marie Sherkle said, “I would like to congratulate Version 1 on the award of this contract.  Connecting Government 2030 highlights the need to harness Cloud solutions so that we can deliver online services to our citizens. Leveraging Cloud will allow us to provide not just effective public facing services but will help streamline back-end processes and systems.”

Assistant Secretary General, Martin Clohessy with responsibility for Major Operations in the Department of Education commented, “I very much welcome the improved customer service benefits that will be provided to school employees, retirees, and our school administrators. The Department looks forward to working closely with Version 1 to ensure the successful delivery of this very important programme of work.”

“We have been truly inspired by the vision and drive of the team at the Department of Education to meaningfully improve payroll related services,” said Ger O’Sullivan, Head of Public Sector Ireland at Version 1. “Version 1 has industry leading customer satisfaction scores because we deliver on our customer commitments. We look forward to evolving this partnership even further to unlock this transformation”.

Digital Infrastructure Groups Merge to Strengthen Industry Representation

Today two key digital infrastructure organisations are merging to drive the growth and success of the digital infrastructure ecosystem in and from Ireland. Host in Ireland and Digital Infrastructure Ireland will join together under the Digital Infrastructure Ireland name, reflecting both the criticality of the industry and the need for urgent action by the Irish Government to advance the sector in Ireland.

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Digitalisation and National Development Mr Jack Chambers TD will give the keynote address at the Digital Infrastructure Ireland Launch event next week which comes after five years of a de facto moratorium on the data centre industry and investment by-passing Ireland due to policy ambiguity and uncertainty.

The founder of Host in Ireland, Garry Connolly, said the industry needs one powerful voice to champion the digital infrastructure industry. “Ireland and the Irish digital infrastructure ecosystem have long been trusted global partners for designing, building, and supplying digital infrastructure. The industry needs a collective voice to represent the diverse sectors and communities that drive this critical industry. While the ecosystem has soared in recent years, the industry here at home faces serious challenges, including energy constraints, sustainability, and regulatory uncertainty.”

“It’s time to try something new. The CRU consultation should initiate a collaborative effort, bringing together government, agencies, and industry leaders to plot a course for Ireland and this trillion dollar global industry. Ireland’s energy challenges demand immediate action from top public and private experts to address grid constraints, solutions, and investments—not just in the medium and long-term, but immediately, as there are too many opportunities in limbo. Now more than ever, we must move beyond incremental steps and take giant leaps to embrace bold, forward-thinking policies. We need to build on Ireland’s 60+ year history with data by embracing a future that demands us to be creative, brave, and relentless.”

To guide its strategic direction and ensure a partner-driven vision remains at the forefront, Digital Infrastructure Ireland is establishing a Strategic Advisory Board. This board will be composed of industry leaders and professional experts who will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the organisation. The initial Advisory Board will be co-chaired by the long-established data centre industry veteran, Maurice Mortell, and Michelle Wallace, COO for Host in Ireland.

“The challenges we face as an industry in Ireland are getting serious and require a proactive and robust approach to advocacy and awareness. A lack of policy clarity is putting future investment at risk,” said Maurice Mortell, co-chair of the advisory board at Digital Infrastructure Ireland. “The Government must take an active role in enabling the next wave of cloud and AI-driven growth, or Ireland will be left behind as other markets seize these opportunities. Digital Infrastructure Ireland is committed to addressing these issues through collaboration, advocacy and proactive engagement with policymakers to ensure the industry can continue to thrive.”

About Digital Infrastructure Ireland

Digital Infrastructure Ireland is a global initiative dedicated to driving the growth and success of the digital infrastructure ecosystem both in and from Ireland.

As a partner-driven organisation, our community brings together companies with world-class expertise at every stage of the digital infrastructure lifecycle. From design and construction to operation and maintenance, our partners embody a spirit of “co-opetition” and collaboration that strengthens Ireland’s standing as a global leader in digital infrastructure.

Digital Infrastructure Ireland serves as a collective voice for the digital infrastructure ecosystem to ensure it remains a trusted partner for designing, building, and supplying digital infrastructure across Europe and beyond.

New research highlights crucial cybersecurity gaps in education sector

New research highlights the need for ongoing concern for the UK education sector’s cybersecurity posture in the light of a growing threat landscape. ESET ‘s findings reveal that nearly three-quarters (73%) of institutions surveyed have experienced at least one cyber-attack or breach in the past five years, with a fifth reporting three or more incidents. This aligns with government data from 2024, which found that 77% of education organisations had experienced a breach or attack in the previous year – far higher than the 50% of UK businesses overall that had been targeted.
Despite being a key target for cyber threats, one-third of education institutions surveyed still lack fundamental protections, such as antivirus software (33%) and strong password policies (35%2). Additionally, the majority (79%) have not adopted advanced measures like managed detection and response.
Another key but often overlooked safeguard is cyber insurance, which, according to government data, under half of primary schools (44%) and even fewer secondary schools (36%) report having in place. In fact, the ESET findings reveal that 7% of institutions operate without an annual cybersecurity budget at all.
This cybersecurity shortfall not only jeopardises organisational data but puts sensitive student information at risk. As cybercriminals increasingly target educational institutions, students’ personal and academic data remain highly vulnerable to theft or misuse. Compounding the issue, one in five (21%) education organisations surveyed admit they feel unprepared / not confident to tackle the rising tide of AI-driven cyber threats.
When asked about the main reasons why they wouldn’t take out a cyber insurance policy, many stated that they prefer to prioritise the budgets they have for cybersecurity measures (37%). Others cited concerns about payout reliability (33%) and complex or unclear policy terms (32%). Meanwhile, 28% believe cyber insurance is too expensive, while 18% revealed they simply don’t understand its value.
Top threats persist
These revelations all come at a time when education organisations continue to battle familiar foes, with data breaches (61%), malware (55%) and phishing (43%) topping their list of concerns. While three-quarters (76%) of education organisations surveyed believe their staff have excellent or good knowledge and awareness of cyber security best practices and online safety, over  half still plan to prioritise increasing staff awareness and training and expanding their cyber security tools or software over the next 12 months (55% and 51% respectively).
The case for managed support
Over three-quarters (77%) believe their institutions would benefit from enhanced cyber security measures with managed support from an external, specialist cyber security provider. However, nearly half (47%) of education organisations surveyed said they would need evidence of a cyber-attack’s potential detrimental and financial impact on their institution to help convince their finance department to approve a larger cybersecurity budget.
Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, commented: “Education organisations are sitting on a ticking time bomb. While it’s clear that the sector recognises the critical importance of cybersecurity, there is a huge disconnect between budget allocation, lack of insurance and its misconceptions, and inadequate measures, which is leaving institutions highly vulnerable. A comprehensive strategy that includes both cutting-edge security tools, like managed detection and response, and appropriate insurance coverage, is essential to protect against potentially devastating financial and operational impacts.
“These findings underscore the urgent need for education organisations to adopt a more robust and integrated approach to cybersecurity. Institutions can better safeguard their operations, staff and students, by increasing investment, educating stakeholders, implementing advanced solutions, enhancing training, and collaborating with specialised providers.”

The New Visa Policy Will Cost the UK £25 Billion, but What About Businesses

With the qualifying income for skilled workers rising to £38,700 annually in April 2024, the UK government has changed its visa rules significantly. This change is a component of a larger project aiming at tightening immigration laws and handling changing economic issues. Companies in many different sectors are already struggling with the effects as the change affects labour dynamics, running expenses, and recruiting policies.

Skilled workers could formerly apply for visas if their employment paid a minimum wage of £26,200 annually. Set at £38,700 yearly, the barrier now more nearly corresponds with median income with the April 2024 adjustment. This change seeks to guarantee that qualified worker visas are allocated for higher-paying employment, therefore giving priority to occupations that greatly benefit the UK economy. Although this approach fits the long-term goal of the government—that of lowering net migration – it presents significant difficulties for companies, especially those depending on qualified individuals in lower-salaried positions.

The financial ramifications of this approach go beyond certain sectors. Over the next 10 years, experts calculate the visa reforms would cost the UK economy £25 billion. This amazing number underlines the larger financial cost of running such a scheme. Still, the key issue is: What direct costs businesses will incur? Although the response differs depending on the industry, since the new threshold went into effect, the overall influence on long-term personnel strategy, operating expenditures, and recruiting budgets will be significant.

Healthcare is one industry especially sensitive to the developments. Although the NHS and care providers mostly rely on foreign workers to cover shortages in vital positions, the new barrier will greatly shrink the pool of qualified candidates. Although certain healthcare positions qualify for pay exemptions under the Shortage Occupation List, associated industries like social care and nursing will experience severe workforce shortages. According to Migration Advisory Committee data, almost 75% of women and over 70% of workers made less than the new benchmark. This change in the pay criteria will make companies rethink their hiring plans or deal with skills shortages.

Additionally, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) will be particularly strained, especially in the IT and engineering industries, where many SMEs depend on foreign personnel to contribute specific talents to their operations. Smaller companies will battle to attract highly compensated people versus bigger companies with more strong financial means. Industry analysts worry that these difficulties may impede SMEs’ innovation and expansion, which is so important for the UK economy.

Foundation of the UK economy, the IT sector nonetheless faces unique difficulties. Valued at £150 billion yearly, the industry depends on global talent especially in startups where pay often barely meet £38,700. The rise will deter foreign talent from looking at UK prospects, therefore guiding qualified individuals to nations with less tight immigration policies. The competitive advantage of the UK in the worldwide technological scene will be threatened by this talent drain.

Also hurting are retail and hotel sectors, which often depend on qualified employment below the new pay range. Though they do not usually predominate in the skilled worker visa category, these industries depend on management and specialised skills that are becoming more difficult to find. The UK’s Largest Hospitality Salary Survey 2024 shows that 37% of retail workers fall within the £20,000–£30,000 pay bracket, hence companies will either have to increase salaries or deal with manpower shortages. These growing expenses most likely to be passed on to consumers, therefore aggravating inflationary pressures.

One cannot ignore the more general economic consequences. The increased visa requirement lessens dependence on foreign labour, therefore complementing the government’s aim to strengthen home labour markets. But it accentuates previously existing skill shortages, especially in industries already having trouble filling locally. Businesses are spending more on training and development initiatives to upskill the local workforce as they negotiate these changes, therefore escalating running costs.

The new visa rule adds even another level of complication for businesses already negotiating a turbulent economic environment shaped by inflation and interest rate increases. The increase in the skilled worker requirement indirectly affects other expenses, including pension payments. Businesses paying more to satisfy the new visa rules have been obliged to boost pension payments to maintain conformity with corporate plans. While employers face added costs, employees stand to benefit from larger pension contributions by strengthening their retirement savings and enabling early retirement opportunities. This potential financial strain may lead businesses to reevaluate their retirement policies or explore cost-saving measures.

Some contend, despite the difficulties, the regulation encourages companies to give local talent first priority. The government wants to increase economic value and production by building a more selective immigration program. Businesses must negotiate the temporary disruptions that accompany such a major policy change, balancing the demand for qualified personnel with the cost consequences of higher pay and more stringent visa requirements.

The first several months after the April 2024 transformation have shown that industry-wide adaption would be unequal. While some companies will withstand the change with calculated tweaks, others might suffer long-term consequences. The knock-on consequences of this strategy should alter the UK’s economic and labour scene for years to come as companies rethink budgets and employment policies.

HP Study: Business and government leaders believe technology is key to expanding economic opportunity

HP Inc. unveiled a new study with Oxford Economics revealing enthusiasm among global leaders to use technology including AI to advance key impact goals.

The study of business executives and government officials in 10 countries found 3 out of 4 leaders believe technology is key to expanding economic opportunity (76%) and that AI will help drive progress towards sustainability and social impact goals (76%).

Further, business leaders are either already using AI or plan to in the next 1-2 years for goals such as increasing access to digital education (90%), workforce development (89%), and workforce diversity (86%).

“AI’s reach holds great promise to help HP accelerate our sustainable and social impact goals,” said Val Gabriel, Managing Director at HP Ireland. “From how we responsibly build AI PCs for first-time users to data scientists who use our workstations to help local farmers build more resilient businesses, this is the technology that can move businesses and our communities forward.”

Accelerating digital equity for 150 million people by 2030

About one-third of the global population remains offline, costing the world billions of dollars in lost GDP each year. The digital divide has been growing since the advent of technology, and AI could exacerbate these disparities if intentional action isn’t taken.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity to access the tools needed to thrive in the digital economy,” said Gabriel. “We know technology can be a great equaliser and a powerful tool to drive progress. Yet, to truly narrow the digital divide in our rapidly evolving world, we must also equip individuals with the skills to use technology.”

In its latest Sustainable Impact report released today, HP announced it has accelerated digital equity for more than 45 million people since 2021, bringing the organisation nearly a third of the way to its goal of reaching 150 million people by 2030.

The rapid progress is a result of innovative partnerships with key organisations that create tailored solutions for communities. HP pursues impactful programs, strategic investments and partnerships that prioritise those mostly likely to experience the digital divide.

In 2023, HP:

  • Supported digital equity solutions developed by ten organisations in Malaysia, South Africa and Mexico with the Digital Equity Accelerator, such as improvements in digital literacy to access employment, access to educational hardware and software in schools and development of digital platforms to support improved health outcomes. In total, the Accelerator reached 6.4 million people in 2023.
  • Launched more than 100 Digital Hubs in partnership with World YMCA to support digital programming and literacy. For example, the West Orem Digital Hub, provided by YMCA Houston in Texas aims to increase community access to educational, economic, and social opportunities for young people, support services for families, and digital literacy courses for aging members of the community. More than 500,000 individuals were reached globally in 2023.
  • Opened two NABU HP Creative Labs in the U.S. and the Philippines, equipping artists and authors with technology to write and illustrate hundreds of books for children in local languages each year. The free books have helped 1.9 million children in 2023 build confidence, connection to culture and literacy skills, a key building block to participation in the digital economy.

Building skills amid the rise of AI

Both business and government officials report lack of skills as a top barrier to meeting key organisational goals, only economic volatility ranked higher.

Skills-building is a core piece of HP’s digital equity approach. As a result, HP is expanding its goal to enrol 2.75 million users in the free skills-building program HP LIFE. The program from the HP Foundation has already enrolled and enabled more than 1.2 million users to access economic opportunities or start businesses.

HP is undertaking new initiatives to expand responsible access and use of AI, the top reported investment area of businesses today:

  • Expand our free HP LIFE Digital Business Skills courses by releasing a new course on AI skills later this year.
  • Kick-off the HP AI in Social Impact Award, in collaboration with MIT Solve, which provides technology designed for building and running AI applications to social entrepreneurs and organisations that use AI to advance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in communities globally.
  • Debut commercial and consumer Next-Gen AI PCs to market this month, a new category of devices crafted for work and creation.

HP aspires to be the most sustainable and just technology company. HP is committed to continually examining its progress and evaluating further actions to achieve a more equitable and sustainable future.

Don’t Get Duped: Common Scams Targeting Individuals and Businesses

In the digital age, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, deploying deceitful tactics to defraud individuals and businesses. Understanding the landscape of these scams is the first line of defense; awareness and vigilance are potent weapons in the battle against fraud. From phishing to a full-blown business email compromise, criminals’ arsenal is varied and insidious. Here’s a dive into the most common ones.

Types of Scams

Both individuals and businesses are vulnerable to many scams, which can result in significant financial losses. While new scams continue to emerge, some have stood the test of time and remain prevalent today.

Business Number Spoofing Scams

Business number spoofing scams involve fraudsters using technology to alter the caller ID to make it appear that the call is coming from a legitimate business number, often recognized and trusted. This scam tactic is not only a problem for the individuals who receive the calls but also for businesses whose numbers are spoofed. Customers may be tricked into giving away personal information or making payments, thinking they are dealing with an actual company representative.

Individuals must independently verify the caller’s identity, such as calling the business back through the official number on their website. A good scam likely fix for businesses should involve informing customers through various channels that they will never ask for sensitive information or immediate payment over the phone. Additionally, companies should monitor for reports of their business number being misused and take steps to alert customers promptly if such incidents occur.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. These attacks often come in emails but can also occur via text messages or social media platforms.

The scammer will typically use a sense of urgency or fear to prompt the victim into providing personal information. For example, an email may claim that your bank account has been compromised, and immediate action is required to prevent fraud. The sender will then provide a link for you to click on, leading to a fake website that steals your login credentials.

Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information. Be wary of urgent or threatening language, and never click on links or open attachments from unknown sources. If you receive an email claiming to be from a legitimate company, it’s always best to go directly to their website instead of clicking on any provided links.

Business Email Compromise

Business email compromise (BEC) scams target businesses using social engineering and email spoofing to deceive employees into transferring money or sensitive information to the scammer. These scams often involve a hacker gaining access to a company’s email system and posing as a high-level executive, such as the CEO or CFO, to request urgent wire transfers or confidential data

Businesses should implement strict authentication processes for financial transactions and educate employees on the red flags of a potential scam. Reviewing and regularly updating security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, is essential to prevent unauthorized access to company emails.

Online Shopping Scams

With the rise of e-commerce, online shopping scams have become increasingly prevalent. These scams often involve fake websites or social media pages advertising popular products at meager prices. Once a customer makes a purchase, they receive a counterfeit or never receive the product.

Always research before purchasing from unfamiliar websites or social media pages. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal, which protect against fraudulent charges.

Government Impersonation Scams

Government impersonation scams often target the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. These scams involve a criminal posing as a government official, such as an IRS agent or immigration officer, and threatening legal action if payment is not made immediately.

It’s important to remember that government agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone or via email. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from a government agency, hang up and contact the official agency directly to verify the information.

Investment Scams

Investment scams often promise high returns with little to no risk and can take various forms, such as Ponzi schemes or cryptocurrency fraud. These scams prey on individuals’ desire for quick and easy wealth, luring them into investing their hard-earned money into fraudulent ventures.

Always do thorough research before investing in any opportunity. Be wary of promises of high returns with low risk, and never feel pressured to make a quick decision. Seek advice from trusted financial advisors or research before making any investment decisions.

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams involve fraudsters pretending to be from a reputable tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple, and claiming an issue with your computer or device. They will then ask for remote access to your device, install malware, and charge a fee for their “services.”

Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you out of the blue asking for personal info or remote device access. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a tech company, verify with the official company. Always be cautious of unsolicited requests for device access or personal info.

Protect Yourself

In addition to being aware of common scams, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim:

 

  • Never give out personal information over the phone, email, or social media unless you have verified the recipient’s identity.
  • Keep your devices and software updated to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information.
  • Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.
  • Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
  • Stay informed about the latest scams and be vigilant in detecting fraudulent activity.  

Being aware and vigilant helps prevent scams. If targeted or victimized, resources like the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau are available for reporting and recovering from financial loss. Act swiftly if you suspect a scam to minimize potential damage.

Overall, in a world rife with fraudsters, maintaining vigilance is paramount. By staying informed about the common types of scams and their telltale signs, individuals and businesses can take proactive measures to protect themselves from becoming the next victims. Remember, when something seems too good to be true—it probably is. Stay safe, and don’t get duped.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Impact of Technology on Ireland’s Economy and Society

Technology has become a driving force in shaping economies and societies around the world, and Ireland is no exception. Over the years, Ireland has witnessed a significant impact of technology across various sectors, propelling growth, innovation, and transformation. In this article, we will explore the different ways in which technology has influenced Ireland’s economy and society, with a focus on the rise of the tech industry, advancements in education and healthcare, the impact on businesses, government services, entertainment, culture, society, and even tourism. Additionally, we will highlight the role of technology, including online gambling, in supporting the country’s economy.

The Rise of the Tech Industry in Ireland

Ireland has emerged as a prominent hub for technology companies, attracting major players such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. The establishment of multinational tech corporations, along with the growth of indigenous startups, has contributed to the country’s economic development. The tech industry has created numerous job opportunities and has become a significant contributor to Ireland’s GDP, showcasing the importance of technology in driving economic growth. 

Impact on Entertainment, Culture, Society, and Tourism

Technology has had a significant impact on Ireland’s economy, society, and culture. In terms of the economy, one notable aspect is the growing online gambling industry. The emergence of online casinos and betting platforms has not only provided entertainment options but has also contributed significantly to the country’s economy. The online gambling sector has created jobs, generated revenue through taxation, and attracted international players, supporting the overall economic growth of Ireland.

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In addition to the economy, technology has also had a major impact on Irish culture and society. Social media platforms have facilitated communication and social interactions, allowing individuals to connect with others across the globe. Moreover, technology has revolutionized entertainment and media consumption, with online streaming services offering a wide range of content. Additionally, technology has played a crucial role in promoting Irish tourism, with online platforms providing information, booking facilities, and virtual tours, attracting tourists from all corners of the world.

Technology in Education and Healthcare 

Technology has revolutionized the education sector in Ireland, enhancing teaching methodologies and providing new avenues for learning. The integration of digital tools and online platforms has facilitated remote learning, personalized education, and access to a vast array of educational resources. Similarly, technology has transformed healthcare delivery, enabling telemedicine, electronic health records, remote monitoring, and advanced diagnostic tools. These advancements have improved patient care, increased efficiency, and reduced healthcare costs.

Impact on Irish Businesses 

Technology has had a profound impact on Irish businesses, enabling them to expand their reach, streamline operations, and enhance productivity. The adoption of e-commerce platforms has facilitated online sales, allowing businesses to reach global markets. Moreover, digital marketing strategies and data analytics have helped businesses target their customers more effectively, leading to improved customer experiences and increased sales. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have particularly benefited from technology, levelling the playing field and empowering them to compete with larger companies.

Technology in Government and Public Services 

The Irish government has embraced technology to modernize public services and improve governance. Digital initiatives, such as the eGovernment strategy and the development of online portals, have simplified administrative processes, making it easier for citizens and businesses to interact with government services. The digitization of public records, tax filing, and online payment systems has increased efficiency and transparency. Furthermore, the use of technology in data analytics has helped government agencies make informed decisions and develop evidence-based policies.

Conclusion 

Technology has permeated every aspect of Irish society and has had a profound impact on the country’s economy. From the rise of the tech industry to advancements in education, healthcare, government services, culture, and tourism, technology has transformed Ireland’s landscape. Looking ahead, the future of technology in Ireland holds immense potential for continued growth and innovation. By embracing emerging technologies and fostering digital literacy, Ireland can further strengthen its position as a global leader in the technology sector, driving economic prosperity and improving the quality of life for its citizens.