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Checkweigher Systems in Ireland: Streamlining Your Operations

How can your business eliminate costly product giveaway, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain consistent quality across every single item that leaves your production line? The answer lies in implementing the right checkweigher systems in Ireland – a technology that has become indispensable for manufacturers seeking to optimise their operations.

In this article, let’s explore affordable checkweigher solutions tailored for your business in Ireland.

Checkweigher Systems in Ireland

Checkweigher systems, also referred to as weighing machinery in Ireland have revolutionised quality control processes across manufacturing facilities, from Dublin to Cork, Belfast to Galway. These sophisticated weighing solutions provide automated verification of product weights during production, ensuring every item meets predetermined specifications. For manufacturers operating in competitive markets, checkweigher systems represent an essential investment in operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Overview of Checkweigher Technology

Checkweigher technology combines precision weighing components with advanced electronics and software to create automated inspection systems. At the heart of every system lies a load cell – a sophisticated transducer converting mechanical force into electrical signals. Modern checkweigher systems in Ireland achieve remarkable accuracy, measuring weights from milligrams to hundreds of kilograms. 

The weighing process occurs as products traverse conveyor systems integrated within production lines. Dynamic checkweighers measure items in motion, whilst static systems weigh products individually. Advanced signal processing algorithms compensate for environmental factors, including vibration and temperature variations.

Importance of Checkweighers in Various Industries

The significance of checkweigher systems in Ireland extends from regulatory compliance to financial performance. In the food industry, checkweighers ensure that packaged products meet declared weights, thereby protecting both consumers and manufacturers. 

Pharmaceutical manufacturers face stringent requirements where weight verification contributes directly to patient safety. Healthcare and veterinary sectors similarly depend on precise weighing. Beyond compliance, checkweigher systems deliver tangible financial benefits through reduced product giveaway, decreased waste, and improved efficiency.

Types of Checkweigher Systems

Understanding different checkweigher configurations enables informed decision-making when specifying equipment for your application. 

Static Checkweighers

Static checkweigher systems weigh products individually in stationary positions, with items placed manually or automatically onto weighing platforms. These systems excel in applications requiring exceptional accuracy, particularly for high-value products. 

Static checkweighers find particular application in pharmaceutical production, laboratory environments, and quality control inspection stations. Their operation eliminates dynamic forces present in moving production lines, enabling measurement precision often exceeding that achievable with dynamic systems. Modern static checkweighers incorporate automatic rejection systems, removing non-conforming items without manual intervention.

Dynamic Checkweighers

Dynamic checkweigher systems weigh products in motion as they traverse production lines, offering high-speed inspection capabilities essential for modern manufacturing. These inline systems integrate directly into conveyor networks, inspecting items at rates matching production speeds whilst maintaining specified accuracy tolerances. 

Contemporary systems deliver accuracy approaching static checkweighers whilst processing hundreds of items per minute, making them indispensable in high-volume food production, packaging operations, and manufacturing environments throughout Ireland.

Combination Systems

Combination checkweighers integrate multiple inspection technologies within single platforms, delivering comprehensive quality control in compact footprints. Common configurations combine checkweighing with metal detection, ensuring products meet both weight specifications and contamination safety standards. 

These integrated solutions appeal to food safety-conscious manufacturers seeking to maximise quality control whilst minimising production line space requirements. Advanced combination systems may incorporate additional inspection technologies such as vision systems for label verification or X-ray inspection for foreign object detection.

Key Features and Benefits of Checkweighers

Modern checkweighers in Ireland incorporate sophisticated features that extend their utility beyond simple weight verification.

Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy represents the fundamental specification for any checkweigher system. Food packaging operations typically require accuracy within grams, whilst pharmaceutical applications may demand milligram-level precision. Leading checkweigher systems in Ireland achieve these demanding specifications through advanced load cell technology. Regular calibration using certified test weights maintains compliance with regulatory requirements.

Integration with Existing Systems

Contemporary checkweigher systems function as connected devices within broader production networks, exchanging data with upstream filling equipment, downstream packaging systems, and enterprise software platforms. This integration enables closed-loop control, where checkweigher measurements automatically adjust filling machine parameters. Communication protocols supported by modern systems include industrial Ethernet standards, enabling seamless connection with programmable logic controllers. 

Compliance with Industry Standards

Regulatory compliance represents a critical consideration for manufacturers across multiple sectors. Checkweigher systems in Ireland support compliance with Weights and Measures regulations, ensuring packaged goods meet declared weights. 

Food producers rely on checkweighers to demonstrate due diligence in complying with food safety requirements and labelling accuracy standards. Pharmaceutical manufacturers face particularly stringent regulatory requirements, where checkweigher systems contribute to good manufacturing practice compliance..

Applications of Checkweigher Systems in Different Sectors

Checkweigher technology finds application across diverse industries, with each sector presenting unique requirements.

Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage sector represents the largest application area for checkweigher systems in Ireland. Weight verification ensures packaged foods meet declared weights, protecting both consumer interests and manufacturer reputations. Beyond regulatory compliance, checkweighers deliver significant economic benefits by preventing costly overfilling that erodes profit margins. Modern systems enable optimised filling, maintaining compliance whilst minimising unnecessary overfill that impacts profitability.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical applications demand the highest levels of accuracy, traceability, and regulatory compliance from checkweigher systems. Weight verification contributes directly to dosage accuracy and patient safety, making these systems critical quality control equipment in pharmaceutical production throughout Irish pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs.

Manufacturing and Packaging

Beyond food and pharmaceutical applications, checkweighers serve diverse manufacturing and packaging operations in Ireland. Consumer goods manufacturers use weight verification to ensure product consistency, detect missing components, and optimise packaging efficiency. The versatility of modern checkweigher technology enables application across products ranging from small components weighing mere grams to industrial packages exceeding hundreds of kilograms.

Choosing the Right Checkweigher for Your Business

Selecting appropriate checkweigher systems in Ireland requires careful consideration of multiple factors.

Factors to Consider

Product characteristics fundamentally influence checkweigher selection. Package dimensions, weight range, and physical properties determine conveyor specifications and load cell requirements. Fragile products may require gentle handling features, whilst irregular shapes necessitate specialised conveyor configurations tailored to your specific products.

Production speed represents another critical specification. The checkweigher must inspect items at rates matching or exceeding line speeds to avoid creating bottlenecks. High-speed applications require sophisticated dynamic weighing technology that can deliver accurate measurements.

Environmental conditions like temperature variations, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic interference can impact measurement accuracy. Industrial environments with demanding conditions may require specialised equipment configurations with environmental protection features.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underspecifying accuracy requirements creates problems when equipment fails to meet actual production needs. A realistic assessment of weight tolerances ensures appropriate equipment selection for your specific application.

Neglecting integration planning results in isolated systems unable to contribute effectively to broader production management. Early consideration of data connectivity, communication protocols, and software compatibility facilitates seamless integration of checkweigher systems with your existing manufacturing infrastructure.

Failing to consider the total cost of ownership beyond the initial purchase price overlooks ongoing operational expenses like maintenance requirements and support service availability.

Maintenance and Support Services for Checkweigher Systems

Sustained checkweigher performance requires ongoing maintenance, calibration, and technical support.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Preventative maintenance protects checkweigher accuracy and reliability across Irish manufacturing facilities. Regular inspection identifies potential issues before they cause failures, minimising unplanned downtime.

Maintenance activities include cleaning to remove product residues, mechanical inspection of conveyor components, and electronic testing of load cells. Comprehensive maintenance programmes extend equipment life whilst maintaining optimal performance.

Available Support Services in Ireland

Obeeco Ltd provides comprehensive support services throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our experienced service engineers understand the systems we supply, enabling effective troubleshooting. After-sales phone support provides immediate assistance. 

For on-site issues, our callout services ensure minimal production disruption through prompt response. Our spare parts inventory includes components for current equipment models and discontinued systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What services are included with checkweigher systems in Ireland?

Our checkweigher systems come with delivery and ongoing technical advice to ensure they operate efficiently in your facility.

  1. How can I book a checkweigher system installation in Ireland?

You can easily book an installation by contacting our sales team through our website or by phone at (+353 1) 278 2323, and we will assist you in scheduling a suitable time.

  1. What payment options do you offer for checkweigher systems?

We accept payment via bank transfer.

Take the Next Step Towards Operational Excellence

Implementing checkweigher systems in Ireland represents a strategic investment in quality control, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The technology delivers measurable returns through reduced product giveaway, improved process control, and comprehensive production documentation supporting quality assurance initiatives.

Obeeco Ltd’s 45 years of experience serving Irish manufacturers positions us as your ideal partner for checkweigher implementation. Contact our team today to discuss your requirements. Telephone (+353 1) 278 2323 or email sales@obeeco.ie to arrange your consultation and discover how advanced checkweigher systems in Ireland can optimise your operations.

Tyndall Driving New Research to Integrate Electric Buses in Ireland

Tyndall National Institute was awarded six projects from SEAI’s National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Funding Programme, all now underway, to advance Ireland’s energy transition. These significant successes highlight Tyndall’s leadership in sustainable research and its commitment to delivering impactful solutions for Ireland’s energy future.

Among the funded initiatives is BEST-IRE, a pioneering project focused on transforming public transport through the integration of battery electric buses into the transport and electricity systems of Ireland. The project will deliver a comprehensive evaluation and strategic roadmap for electric bus implementation, addressing both investment planning and life cycle cost assessement

The project will present methodology to develop a strategic roadmap for battery electric buses in Ireland, guiding investment decisions and assessing long-term costs. It will also develop a smart decision-making tool to support the planning and placement of charging infrastructure, ensuring efficient integration with Ireland’s transport and electricity networks. This includes optimising bus routing, maximising renewable energy use, and maintaining grid stability through advanced modelling.

In addition, the research team plans to create a dynamic transit charge management system to monitor charging patterns and provide local flexibility for enhanced grid management. The project will also assess how electric buses can improve first and last-mile mobility, propose innovative business models for stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors, and recommend policy frameworks that support electric buses and renewable energy integration. Methodology will be implemented at both the urban and rural community levels to ensure broad replicability.

Dr Pádraig Lyons, Head of Group, International Energy Research Centre (IERC) at Tyndall, said: Electrifying an expanding bus fleet is a huge opportunity to decarbonise Ireland’s transport systems and improve the quality of life for people living in urban and rural areas. The BEST-IRE project will develop innovative methodology and tools to address the challenges to infrastructure, associated with this exciting new technology. 

Qualcomm announces flagship €125m investment in AI transformation for Cork

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, has announced a €125m investment that will see the transformation of the Cork site into a strategic AI pillar in the global chipmaker’s organisation over the next three years.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in San Diego, CA, Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology and advanced semiconductors. The company develops cellular standards such as 4G, 5G, and now 6G. It is also one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor companies, which sees it provide critical advanced semiconductor technology across mobile, wearables, PC, XR, IoT, automotive and data centres.

Qualcomm Technologies has had a presence in Cork since 2013, and this year it celebrates 10 years since it hired its first engineer in the city. In that time, Qualcomm has embedded itself in the community and has built strong relationships with UCC, MTU, and Tyndall, helping support the next generation of Irish engineers through internships and graduate role opportunities.

This flagship project, which is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, plans to undertake a new RD&I project in Cork, leveraging current capabilities to align with Qualcomm’s diversification strategy beyond mobile technology into areas such as PC, XR/VR, IoT, automotive, and data centres.

 

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD said:
“Today’s announcement by Qualcomm is a powerful endorsement of Ireland’s ambition to lead globally in advanced research, next‑generation computing and AI. This €125 million investment further strengthens Ireland’s position as a hub of deep‑tech innovation, creating hundreds of high value jobs. This announcement is also a signal of support for Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to make Ireland a world leader in semiconductors through securing long‑term investments, developing a robust talent pipeline and seizing opportunities in technologies of the future such as AI.

Qualcomm’s continued expansion builds on Ireland’s strong semiconductor ecosystem and demonstrates the value of the collaborative environment we have fostered between industry, academia and Government.  The Government is proud to support this strategically significant project through IDA Ireland, and I wish the team at Qualcomm the very best for the future.”

EVP, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer of Qualcomm Incorporated, Colin Ryan said: “Qualcomm’s success and ongoing growth in Ireland reflect the strength of our partnerships with the Government, IDA Ireland and Irish universities. This investment underscores Cork’s importance as a strategic Global R&D hub for Qualcomm and our commitment to supporting Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.”

Vice President of Engineering at QT Technologies Ireland Limited, Paul Kelleher said: “Qualcomm is proud of what we’ve achieved in Ireland—and we are even more excited about what’s ahead. We’re not just building technology; we’re shaping the future, right here in Cork.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “I wish to congratulate the entire team in Qualcomm on the announcement of this landmark investment – a substantial and complex project in both its scale and scope, reflecting its strategic and transformative nature.   This €125m R&D investment and the future jobs it will create, positions Qualcomm Ireland at the forefront of technological and product development in the AI-era. Today’s event also recognises a decade since Qualcomm hired its first engineer in Ireland, I wish you continued success and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued partnership and support.”

Qualcomm is currently hiring engineers across several business areas. To explore opportunities to join the team in Cork, visit Careers

YouTube expands parental controls in Ireland and beyond

Today, YouTube announced a new set of tools and content standards designed to give parents more control over their teen’s viewing experience. New research also reveals that 77% of EU parents using YouTube’s supervised accounts agree the content their child views is age-appropriate, and 73% agree the tools give them confidence in a safer digital environment for their child.

Dr. Garth Graham, Global Head of YouTube Health, said:

“We believe in protecting kids in the digital world, not from the digital world. That’s why providing effective, built-in tools is so essential, as parents play a critical role in setting the rules for their family’s online experiences.”

“After feedback from parents and guidance from independent experts, we’re equipping families with even more tools and protections that are right for them. This builds on a decade of investments to create a healthy experience for young people on YouTube.”

Key updates shared in a new YouTube blog post include:

  • Additional controls for mindful teen viewing: Parents can now help teens be even more intentional about how they watch, with a control to set the amount of time spent scrolling Shorts. And soon, they will also have the option to set the timer to zero – an industry-first that gives parents flexibility to, for example, set the Shorts feed limit to zero when they want their teen to use YouTube to focus on homework, and change it to 60 minutes during a long car trip to be entertained. Parents will also be able to set custom Bedtime and Take a Break reminders, building on the existing default-on wellbeing protections for teens.

  • Making it even simpler to get the right experience for the right age: A new sign-up process will make it easier for parents to create a new kid account and switch between family accounts in the mobile app, depending on who’s watching with just a few taps. This makes it easier to ensure that everyone in the family is in the right viewing experience with the content settings and recommendations of age-appropriate content they actually want to watch.

  • A blueprint for high-quality teen content: YouTube is introducing new principles to steer teens toward age-appropriate and enriching content. Developed with the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA and supported by experts from University College London, the APA and Boston Children’s Hospital, these principles will guide YouTube’s recommendation system to raise high-quality videos from creators in Ireland and beyond.

Alongside the new high quality principles for teens, YouTube unveiled a Creator Guide, developed in

partnership with the streaming service’s Youth & Families Advisory Committee and supported by Save the Children International.

Rebecca Smith, Global Head of Child Protection, Save the Children International, said:

“We are pleased to partner with YouTube on the launch of their new Creator Guide, which equips content creators with the knowledge and tools to stay informed, educated and safe online. With the help of this guide, not only can creators make the most out of their own digital experience, but they can support fellow creators as well. This initiative reflects YouTube and Save the Children’s shared commitment to fostering a safer digital environment for all.”

Professor Peter Fonagy, Head of the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at UCL, said: “The mental health of children and young people is a global concern, and in the digital age the content teens encounter online can have both positive and negative impacts. These YouTube Teen Quality Principles give creators a practical, research-informed roadmap for making videos that are developmentally appropriate, emotionally safe, and genuinely supportive of young people. UCL was delighted to partner on this programme to bring evidence-based insights on adolescent development, helping ensure creators understand their wider responsibility to help teens thrive while minimising potential harm.”

These updates will be rolling out starting today and will expand globally over the coming months.

New YouTube/Ipsos research: A survey conducted by Ipsos for YouTube in August 2025, found that:

  • In the EU, 77% of survey respondents who are parents and have used YouTube supervised account tools said they agree that the content their child views on their supervised YouTube account is appropriate for their age.

  • In the EU, 73% of survey respondents who are parents and have used YouTube supervised account tools said they agree that YouTube’s supervision tools give them confidence that their child is accessing a safer and more controlled digital environment.

Creating For Teens on YouTube: Teens often look at creators for guidance as they grow and navigate the world. Together with global experts, we created a new guide of principles to help you make content that’s responsible, fun, and positive while avoiding harmful qualities so teens can build confidence, connection, and community online. These are the High Quality Principles included in the Creator Guide, to inspire teens to explore, learn, and feel good about themselves:

  • Joy, Fun And Entertainment: Show humor and warmth that lift teens’ moods like a day-in-the- life video or funny, self- accepting outtakes.

  • Curiosity and Inspiration: Encourage exploration through creative tutorials, behind-the-scenes demos, or new hobbies that are easy to try.

  • Deepening Interests and Perspectives: Create deeper dives into subjects teens love, like music, gaming, or fashion, and show process, not just outcomes.

  • Building Life Skills and Experiences: Offer relatable guidance for real-life moments, like teamwork or budgeting, to help them prepare for the future.

  • Credible Information that Supports Well-being: Share accurate, age-appropriate information. Use trusted sources and avoid spreading misinformation.

The Creator Guide also includes a series of top tips for creators to be positive online role models. These include:

  • Set the tone for your community: Speak up against hate, avoid unproductive conflict, and challenge misinformation, while distinguishing between fact and opinion.

  • Create a safer space for everyone:  Encourage teens to revisit their privacy settings, curate their feeds, and unfollow accounts that harm their well-being.

  • Support teen resilience and well-being: Whether it’s from pressures to succeed, to look a certain way, or to fit in with their peers, teens can face an overwhelming amount of stress, leading to burnout and other negative outcomes. Your content can give teens the right tools to build resilience and combat stress.

  • Help teens thrive on and offline: Your impact as a creator doesn’t stop when teens log off. By showing creative ways to connect with friends and family and prioritising healthy habits, you remind them that balance matters.

Teen Creation Guidelines_2-Pager

One-Third of HGV Drivers Now Over 55

With almost one-third (31%) of Ireland’s HGV drivers now aged 55 or over, the logistics workforce is facing a deepening labour crisis as the sector moves into 2026. Large operators are fast-tracking investment in robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots and data-driven Warehouse Management Systems. The continued expansion of Ireland’s robotics market in 2025 has shifted the skillset inside the warehouse, driving demand for mechatronics, maintenance, controls and data roles.

Despite Government-backed efforts in 2025, including an expanded Logistics & Supply Chain Skills Week[1] and additional HGV and logistics apprenticeships, the replacement pipeline remains under strain, leaving demand for qualified drivers at critical levels.

This shortage forms part of a wider pattern highlighted in Excel Recruitment’s newly published 2026 Industrial & Warehousing Salary Guide, which shows a sector under mounting pressure from rising employment costs, automation-driven skills demand, and persistent talent shortages. With Ireland’s unemployment rate at 5.3%[2], competition for qualified candidates remains intense – particularly for HGV drivers, warehouse operatives, and technical maintenance roles.

John Kearns, Industrial Division Manager at Excel Recruitment, commented:
“The industrial and warehousing sector is resilient, but the cost of employment is rising faster than ever. SMEs in particular are feeling the squeeze as they try to balance competitive pay while absorbing escalating statutory costs.

Automation is not replacing people, but it is changing what employers value. Rather than reducing headcount, automation is reshaping it, with employers now seeking adaptable workers who can combine hands-on experience with basic technical or digital skills.

Adaptability, technical skills, and digital literacy are now critical for long-term success. At the same time, the ageing workforce, especially among drivers, adds another layer of complexity to an already tight labour market”.

The Excel Recruitment Industrial & Warehousing Salary Guide 2026 reveals a dual challenge facing employers: rising payroll costs[3] and the urgent need to upskill staff as automation reshapes traditional roles.

Key Findings from the report include:

  • Cost Pressures: The minimum wage increase to €14.15/hour, PRSI hikes, and pension auto-enrolment are tightening employer budgets.
  • Skills Shortages: 65% of employers report moderate to severe skills shortages, particularly in HGV driving, maintenance, and digital operations.
  • Automation Impact: Investment in robotics and smart manufacturing surged by 50% in 2025, driving demand for mechatronics engineers, PLC technicians, and WMS superusers.
  • In-Demand Roles:
    • Drivers: HGV (C/CE), last-mile van drivers remain critical amid an ageing workforce.
    • Warehouse Operatives (with tech fluency): RF scanners, voice/vision pick, and basic WMS reporting skills have become increasingly essential.
    • Technical Specialists: Electro-mechanical maintenance technicians, PLC/controls techs, mechatronics engineers, WMS/OMS superusers and data analytics roles are commanding premium salaries.
    • Leadership & Compliance: Operations/warehouse managers, EHS/ESG coordinators, and customs/trade compliance specialists remain vital.

(Full salary guide available at www.excelrecruitment.com)

Notable Salary Changes

  1. Voice Picker
    • 2025: €13.50 – €16 per hour
    • 2026: €14.15 – €17 per hour
      (Increase driven by minimum wage rise and demand for tech fluency)
  2. Rigid Truck Driver
  • 2025: €17 – €22 per hour
  • 2026: €18 – €24 per hour

(Salary growth reflects ongoing skills shortages amid employer competition for experienced drivers)

  1. Van Driver
    • 2025: €14 – €16 per hour
    • 2026: €15 – €17 per hour
      (Reflects continued pressure on driver supply and ageing workforce)
  2. Warehouse Manager
    • 2025: €35k – €60k
    • 2026: €40k – €70k
      (Higher ceiling for experienced managers as automation projects expand)
  3. Assistant Warehouse Manager
    • 2025: €30k – €45k
    • 2026: €31k – €60k
      (Highlights the growing importance of operational leadership as warehouses adopt automation and advanced systems)

 

Looking Ahead

Excel Recruitment reports that despite challenges in the sector, demand for workers remains strong, driven by e-commerce growth, nearshoring, and green logistics. Employers who invest in training pathways, predictable shift patterns, and enhanced benefits will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent.

Mr. Kearns noted,

“What really stands out from this year’s guide is how automation and workforce pressures are reshaping the industrial sector. For employers, it’s not just about filling roles – they need to rethink how teams are structured, what skills to invest in, and how to retain their people. Companies that embrace innovation and offer flexible working conditions will have a real advantage in attracting and keeping talent.

For SMEs, this is particularly challenging. They are being asked to compete in a market where technical skills and leadership capability are increasingly what set successful companies apart. On top of this, the ageing workforce and rising employment costs add further pressure. The employers that succeed will be those who combine upskilling, employee engagement, and clear training pathways to create a workplace people genuinely want to stay in”.

 

[1] Gov.ie – Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week

2 CSO –  Labour Force Survey Quarter 3 2025

3 From January 2026, the National Minimum Wage will rise to €14.15 per hour, while employer PRSI will increase again in October. Pension auto-enrolment also launches in January, adding further cost layers for businesses already operating on tight margins.

Virgin Media and Eir: The best fixed-line Internet performances in Ireland 2025

Virgin Media and Eir share the leadership of fixed-line Internet in Ireland for 2025, according to the annual nPerf barometer. This edition reveals sustained competition across all performance indicators with year-over-year improvements for four out of five operators.

Virgin Media ranks first ex-aequo with a score of 125 926 nPoints. With speeds of 308.2 Mbps in download bitrate and 69.2 Mbps in upload bitrate, the operator leads in both metrics. Top performer in video streaming (84.0%), it delivers smooth viewing experiences ideal for HD content and rapid file transfers.

Eir shares the first position ex-aequo with 123 938 nPoints. Speeds reach 208.3 Mbps in download bitrate and 56.1 Mbps in upload bitrate (2nd place). Leading in browsing (86.9%) and video streaming (84.4%) ex-aequo, the operator ensures quality user experience with well-controlled latency of 26.0 ms.

Sky completes the podium with 118 407 nPoints. The operator delivers the best latency in the sector (22.0 ms), perfect for gaming and real-time applications. Sharing first place ex-aequo in browsing (86.1%) and video streaming (83.5%), it guarantees fluid navigation.

Vodafone ranks fourth with 117 947 nPoints. With speeds of 231.1 Mbps in download bitrate (2nd place) and 54.8 Mbps in upload bitrate (3rd place), the operator supports demanding uses. Leading in browsing ex-aequo (86.8%), it demonstrates strong performance across key metrics.

Three positions fifth with 82 946 nPoints. The operator achieves 69.3 Mbps in download bitrate and 24.7 Mbps in upload bitrate.

Measurements based on 15 332 tests conducted via the nPerf website and the nPerf app on Android and iOS.

Dublin Fire Brigade invests in location intelligence

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), announces that Dublin Fire Brigade has deployed a new digital mapping system designed to improve emergency response, strengthen firefighter and public safety, and enhance how critical resources are allocated across Dublin city and county.

Ireland’s largest fire and rescue service, Dublin Fire Brigade was founded over 160 years ago. It provides fire, rescue, and emergency ambulance services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to Dublin’s 1.5 million citizens. It recently established a new Organisational Intelligence Unit with a key goal to optimise the use of location-based information to effectively manage fire risks and help keep communities safe.

Built using Esri’s ArcGIS technology, the new digital mapping system brings together operational data, such as the locations of fire stations and historic fire incidents, with third-party data – including census and population health information – for the first time.

Enhanced insights support increased safety for both the public and firefighters by raising awareness of buildings in Dublin with fire safety issues – such as inadequate means of escape, building defects, or over-occupancy. Using the technology, Dublin Fire Brigade can now map this information and put effective response plans in place that take known issues into account.

What’s more, the technology is enabling Dublin Fire Brigade to carry out more targeted community fire prevention activities by focusing citizen safety campaigns on specific vulnerable groups, especially in locations that are experiencing clusters of dwelling fires. It can easily see where fire safety efforts are still needed to reach at-risk communities, as well as contextual data such as concentrations of smokers or elderly people.

In addition, Dublin Fire Brigade is using Esri’s ArcGIS technology to identify optimal locations for new fire stations as Dublin continues to expand, as well as to ensure that aerial fire appliances are strategically located to reach the tallest and highest-risk buildings.

Dublin Fire Brigade plans to make the system widely available across varying departments within the organisation to enable more strategic planning and informed decision-making.

Rob Howell, Station Officer, Organisational Intelligence Unit, Dublin Fire Brigade, said: “It has been a really successful collaboration. The consultants at Esri Ireland have a high level of expertise, both in terms of their GIS knowledge and their project management skills. This technology gives us the ability to target our fire prevention strategies – we can deliver campaigns in the right locations to reach the most vulnerable people and have the biggest impact in terms of community fire prevention. Equally, we have to consider firefighters’ health and safety as well as that of the general public and, by being better informed, we can improve our responses to incidents and keep our responders safe in fires and other emergency situations. The potential for location intelligence in the fire service is absolutely huge and has a big role to play in our future.”

Gareth McBride, Customer Success Manager, Esri Ireland, said: “Dublin Fire Brigade is continuously evolving the fire service to meet the needs of Dublin’s residents, businesses, institutions, and visitors. To support this, it is embedding geospatial data intelligence at the heart of operational and strategic decision-making. Location intelligence is helping the fire brigade in managing and reducing fire risks, addressing some of the biggest dangers in a changing cityscape. We are delighted to be working with Dublin Fire Brigade on such an important and necessary project, and excited to see its expanded capabilities as the technology is rolled out more widely.”

Women’s Aid Ends Use of X

Women’s Aid, a national organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse including coercive control in Ireland, will no longer maintain a presence on the platform X from 8th January 2026.

The organisation has watched the increased levels of unchecked hate, misogyny, racism and anti-LGBTI+ content on the platform with growing unease and concern. The current scandal which has seen the creation and sharing of AI deepfakes, non-consensual intimate imagery, and production of child sexual abuse material by X’s own AI Grok, in breach of the platforms own guidelines and regulations is a tipping point.

This online violence against women and children – especially girls – has often devastating real life impacts and we no longer view it as appropriate to use such a platform to share our work.

This has not been an easy decision. Women’s Aid was an early user of social media, including Twitter/X since 2009. We have engaged with and informed our supporters of the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse, promote our frontline support services to those affected and push for positive social change.

We firmly believe that social media platforms have a crucial role to play in a healthy society, providing crucial townhall spaces for thoughtful, respectful, constructive and positive dialogue. By leaving we acknowledge that we are ceding the stage to the malign actors, and bots who will continue to overrun the space creating and spreading disinformation and other harmful content with effective impunity. However, as an organisation working to end violence against women and children, we balance the costs with any benefits to our continued engagement in this space and find we can no longer tolerate this situation.

While we have reduced leverage on this platform, we call on Governments and Regulators in both Ireland and at EU level to act swiftly and decisively to create effective accountability, legislation and regulation to ensure companies must have guardrails that protect truth, and prevent harm so that in the future any user can use X, and any online platform safely.