Tag: hubs

Ireland’s Esports Boom: How Competitive Gaming is Taking Over

Esports in Ireland is thriving. Once a niche interest, it’s now pulling in massive audiences, serious investment and a new generation of competitive players. Whether it’s grassroots tournaments in local gaming hubs or Irish players making waves on the international stage, the scene is evolving fast.

Advancements in technology are accelerating this growth. Digital wallets and online payment systems make it easier than ever for players to stay competitive, instantly accessing new content and premium features. With the rise of in-game economies, safe and convenient transactions are a key part of the modern esports experience.

Irish Esports is on the Rise

Across the country, gaming communities are more active than ever. Local tournaments are popping up everywhere, from Dublin to Galway, bringing together casual and pro-level players alike. Universities are launching esports societies, giving students a structured path into competitive gaming. Streaming platforms are turning Irish gamers into global stars, opening doors that didn’t exist just a few years ago.

For players looking to stay ahead, in-game purchases play a big role—customisation, upgrades and competitive advantages all come into play. Without using a credit card, which risk exposure to theft and identity fraud, an alternative like a PSN card for PlayStation makes it simple to top up accounts, grab premium content and ensure players are ready for high-stakes matches.

Building an Esports Infrastructure

Esports in Ireland isn’t just about players—it’s about the entire ecosystem. Dedicated gaming arenas are starting to appear, giving teams and solo competitors proper spaces to train and compete. Investors are paying attention, too, with both private companies and government initiatives looking to put Ireland on the map as a European esports hub.

From Hobby to Mainstream Sport

Gaming has turned from a hobby to a cultural movement. Traditional sports clubs are getting involved, adding esports teams to their rosters and giving gaming the same respect as physical sports. Major events like Insomnia Dublin and Celtic Throwdown are drawing thousands, proving that the demand for high-level gaming experiences is only growing. The 2024/25 Ireland Esports Collegiate Series, for example, saw a 36% increase in competing teams and a 17.7% rise in registered players across various games, indicating a growing interest among students.

What’s Next for Irish Esports?

With more investment, more players and more recognition, Ireland’s esports future looks bright. Bigger tournaments, better infrastructure and more Irish players competing at the highest levels are all on the horizon. What was once an underground scene is now a full-fledged industry, and it’s only just getting started.

Bank of Ireland invests €2.5 million in hybrid working hubs

Bank of Ireland has launched the latest addition to its nationwide network of hybrid working hubs. The new hub, based at the Bank of Ireland Douglas in Cork, provides a range of hot desks and meeting rooms for all Bank of Ireland colleagues whether based in the region or visiting from other areas.

Depending on their role, most Bank of Ireland colleagues can work from a combination of home, central office locations, and a network of hybrid working hubs. The Douglas hub complements 15 other Bank of Ireland hybrid working hubs in Balbriggan, Ballycoolin, College Green Atrium, Dundalk, Galway, Gorey, Limerick, Mullingar, Naas, Newbridge, Newlands Cross, Northern Cross, Omagh, Santry and Swords.

Douglas is the sixteenth remote working location opened by Bank of Ireland since 2021 and will provide desk space for 36 colleagues. To date, the Bank has invested €2.5 million in its hub network, focused on IT upgrades, reconfiguration and building refurbishments.

Pictured at the launch were, left/right; Susan Russell, CEO Retail Ireland; Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, TD, Aisling Killilea, Bank Manager, Douglas branch; and Bank of Ireland Group Chief Executive Myles OÕ Grady.

Speaking at the launch of the new Cork hub, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, TD, said:

“I was delighted to launch Bank of Ireland’s Cork hybrid working hub in Douglas Village Shopping Centre and meet with staff using the hub. Bank of Ireland’s investment in their Douglas hub shows both a commitment to hybrid working and also in the people and talent that we have here in Cork. The flexibility which hybrid working affords to both employees and employers, in both the private and public sectors, opens up more jobs and opportunities to people right across the country.”

 Bank of Ireland Group Chief Executive Myles O’ Grady said:

“Our ambition is to be one of the best places to work in Ireland, and there are three core elements to this – hybrid working, progressive people policies, and competitive pay.

“Hybrid working, which offers many of our colleagues greater flexibility as to how they work, is therefore a big part of offering as an employer.  We’re committed to our flexible approach because it works.  It is good for our colleagues and makes commercial sense, and these are the reasons why we continue to invest in it. 

“On top of this, opening hybrid hubs in large regional centres like Cork also means that we can better attract talent from right across the country. That’s really important for the future development of our business. Talent is everywhere, and these hubs help us find skilled people in all parts of the country.”

The latest survey of Bank of Ireland colleagues showed that 85% feel that the hybrid working model supports balancing work and personal commitments, up 3% on the previous year.

Full list of Bank of Ireland’s Hybrid Working Hubs:

No. Hubs Desks
1 Balbriggan 51
2 Naas 50
3 Gorey 18
4 Mullingar 16
5 Dundalk 16
6 Northern Cross 18
7 Newlands Cross 25
8 Santry 40
9 Newbridge 12
10 Ballycoolin/Blanchardstown 38
11 Swords 23
12 Limerick 12
13 Dockgate 20
14 Douglas 36
15 Omagh 8
16 College Green 24
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Dell Technologies Solar Community Hubs Bring Technology, Healthcare, Workforce Skills to Remote Communities

Dell Technologies, in partnership with Computer Aid, Intel and Microsoft, announced its Solar Community Hubs strategy, marking an evolution in its established Solar Learning Labs program. Moving beyond technology access for education alone, the hubs improve access to technology, healthcare and workforce skills for communities in remote areas around the world.

The Solar Community Hubs will be built with Dell technology-enabled solutions and look to introduce 5G, edge computing and other services. Each hub will be managed by the community and will offer services based on each community’s unique needs. The hubs will provide communities with access to water and electricity, healthcare and resources for environmental preservation. Community members can also access technical skills training, entrepreneurship support, education and career guidance, and revenue-generating services to support job creation and financial sustainability.

“Research shows that the greatest impact starts with empowering local communities,” said Cassandra Garber, VP of Environmental and Social Governance, Dell Technologies. “By introducing the Solar Community Hubs, communities will have access to resources and infrastructure to address their most pressing issues. This evolution puts community needs at the center, and we are eager to see – and be a part of – the impact these community partnerships will have around the globe.”

Digitizing the Amazon to Support Sustainability

Dell Technologies recently introduced the first Solar Community Hub in Boa Esperanca, Brazil, in partnership with the Foundation for Amazon Sustainability (FAS), bringing digital tools like Latitude Rugged, desktops, servers, projectors and Wi-Fi to community members in a dozen outlying riverside communities and Indigenous tribes in the Amazon. Community members, who previously traveled far for modern services and school, can now continue their education, take vocational courses, start college and prepare for the job market – in their own community.

The hub is also designed with circularity at its core, using repurposed shipping containers, sustainably sourced wood and furniture, and solar panels so devices run primarily on renewable energy.

Participants in the project are part of FAS’ Bolsa Floresta program, a government initiative of the State of Amazonas introduced in 2008 to decrease deforestation through community building. The hubs help improve the lives of people living in the Amazon who then cultivate a more sustainable relationship between the rainforest and its residents.

Power in Partnership

Dell currently collaborates with approximately 60 strategic partners globally, including Computer Aid, Dell’s nonprofit partner for Solar Community Hub development. Computer Aid helps identify the locations and local partners who can help make the hub a reality.

Since 2011, Dell and Computer Aid have partnered to support 24 Solar Learning Labs, which reach 18,000 students and community members per year in countries including Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.

Dell also works with customers, partners– like Intel and Microsoft – and other stakeholders to bring additional resources and capabilities to the communities based on local needs. Partners and customers can now join Dell Technologies and Computer Aid in supporting the roll out of the Solar Community Hubs over the coming years.