Tag: #ireland

Power Up Your College Year With Tech from eBay Ireland

As the back-to-school season rapidly approaches, college students across Ireland are gearing up for another academic year. eBay Ireland offers a smart solution for savvy students looking to upgrade their tech setup without breaking the bank, while also providing a simple way to earn extra cash. The secret? Selling old tech and buying refurbished.
eBay Ireland is the ultimate destination for students seeking high-quality, affordable, and sustainable tech. More than just a marketplace, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers, extending the lifespan of products and significantly reducing waste. From top-of-the-range laptops and versatile tablets to reliable smartphones and essential tech accessories, eBay Ireland offers a vast selection of both new and quality refurbished tech, all delivered directly to your door.
Study Smarter, Save More with eBay Refurbished
For students looking to make the most of their budget and make sustainable choices, shoppers can lean on eBay Refurbished as the perfect secret weapon to source the best pre-loved products.
Featuring thousands of amazing Irish sellers offering an incredible variety and value that’s hard to find elsewhere, students can discover deals like Refurbished Apple AirPod Pros for just €50.00 – over 50% less than the RRP (eBay seller: rymcna_47).
Turn Old Tech into New Opportunities
Beyond buying, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers to extend the lifespan of products and reduce waste through selling on the platform. This summer, eBay is empowering students to generate funds for their new academic year. Got tech you no longer need? Listing it on eBay is a simple way to declutter and put those funds towards your next essential upgrade, and with eBay’s innovative product development and investments in AI, selling on the platform has never been easier, making the back-to-college transition even smoother.

What Ireland’s New Crypto Laws Mean for You

Ireland’s role in the global crypto space is evolving quickly in 2025, driven by major regulatory changes, tougher compliance rules, and clearer guidelines for both investors and businesses. With the country aligning closely with EU legislation while refining its national tax and AML policies, understanding what’s new is essential for anyone active in the Irish crypto market.

EU-Driven Changes Take Centre Stage

The biggest regulatory milestone this year is the rollout of the European Union (Information Accompanying Transfers of Funds) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 310/2025), which took effect on July 10. This law introduces enhanced traceability for crypto transactions, ensuring all transfers include identifying information to curb money laundering and terrorist financing.

Ireland also updated its approach to the EU’s broader Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), with new Central Bank guidance released on July 28. MiCAR creates a unified regulatory framework for crypto-assets across Europe. Ireland’s proactive integration of MiCAR shows a strong commitment to building regulatory clarity and oversight at home.

How Crypto Presales, Buying, Selling, and Trading in 2025 Are Impacted

These updated laws change how crypto presales and trading work in Ireland. The evolving regulatory framework in Ireland significantly impacts how buying, selling, trading, and live crypto presales in 2025 are conducted. The goal is to introduce key compliance measures to ensure transparency, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering (AML) controls. 

For example, if you are to buy the latest token like Bitcoin Hyper at the presale phase, the new laws impact you too. The token is a new Layer-2 blockchain project for Bitcoin that uses the Solana Virtual Machine and zero-knowledge rollups to address Bitcoin’s scalability and smart contract limitations. With over $7 million raised in presales and advertised yields above 152% APY, Bitcoin Hyper has drawn investor attention for enabling DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and real-world asset tokenisation through a BTC-linked bridge. 

Now, under MiCAR, when you buy crypto tokens in a presale like Bitcoin Hyper, the act of purchasing itself is usually not an immediate taxable event. However, the token acquired is treated as a capital asset from the point you receive it. So, when you later dispose of (sell, trade, or spend) the tokens acquired in the presale, any profit (gain) made above your original cost basis will be subject to Capital Gains Tax at 33%, after allowance of the annual exemption (€1,270). Essentially, your purchase price in the presale sets the cost basis for future capital gains calculation.

For crypto projects, crypto presales like this require a detailed white paper disclosing the project’s purpose, token rights, technology, and risks. Asset-referenced and e-money tokens must gain prior approval from the Central Bank. Tokens classified as transferable securities may also trigger prospectus obligations under EU securities law.

AML rules under the Fifth Money Laundering Directive (MLD5) apply to presales. Virtual asset service providers (VASPs) must conduct customer due diligence and monitor transactions to detect suspicious activity. These rules are designed to protect investors while curbing fraud and illicit finance.

For everyday buying and selling, exchanges and brokers must be registered VASPs and comply with AML/CFT obligations. The 2025 travel rule now requires identifying information to accompany crypto-asset transfers, just as it does with wire transfers.

Taxation: Crypto Treated as Property

From a tax standpoint, crypto is classified as property in Ireland. This means Capital Gains Tax applies to gains above €1,270 annually. Income tax, up to 40%, applies if your crypto activity is treated as business income, such as regular trading, staking, or mining.

Not all activity is taxable: buying crypto with euros or moving assets between your own wallets doesn’t trigger a tax liability. But accurate record-keeping is essential. Losses can be used to offset gains, offering some relief amid volatility.

Trading Platforms and Investor Protection

Trading crypto in Ireland now falls under stricter MiCAR rules. Platforms must be licensed, operate with transparency, conduct regular reporting, and meet consumer protection standards. These changes bring crypto markets closer to the standards of traditional finance.

While crypto isn’t legal tender, the new framework makes Ireland’s trading environment more structured and secure. Investors benefit from clearer rules and increased oversight, though with added compliance obligations.

Ireland’s Anti-Money Laundering Push

Ireland continues to take AML/CFT compliance seriously. MLD5 extends AML rules to crypto exchanges, custodians, and wallet providers, all of which must verify customer identities, monitor activity, and report suspicious transactions.

The Central Bank has consistently warned about risks tied to crypto-assets, such as price volatility, fraud, and the lack of consumer protection. These concerns have led to increased enforcement and scrutiny of crypto firms.

This approach aligns with wider EU efforts to counter crypto-related financial crime, including money laundering and sanctions evasion. Ireland is positioning itself as a secure, compliant jurisdiction within this broader regulatory context.

Ireland in the EU Regulatory Landscape

Across the EU, national approaches still vary. Malta, for instance, has been quicker to license major exchanges like Gemini and OKX, creating a more permissive environment. Ireland, by contrast, has adopted a more conservative stance, with tighter controls and slower licensing processes.

This measured strategy reflects the Central Bank’s cautious attitude, prioritising financial stability over rapid growth. While MiCAR aims to harmonise regulation across Europe, national differences in enforcement remain.

Implications for Stakeholders

For investors and crypto firms in Ireland, these developments offer both clarity and added responsibility. Clearer rules may attract institutional interest, but they also require more diligent tax compliance, accurate disclosures, and robust AML procedures.

Investors should track their gains and losses closely, and businesses must invest in compliance frameworks. Regulators, meanwhile, face the challenge of balancing innovation with enforcement.

Conclusion

As of 2025, Ireland has embraced a more regulated crypto environment by adopting MiCAR, the 2025 EU travel rule, and stricter AML requirements. These measures signal a shift toward transparency, accountability, and investor protection.

While the new rules demand more from participants, they also lay the groundwork for a more stable and credible crypto sector. For investors, firms, and policymakers alike, staying informed and proactive will be key to navigating the opportunities and risks in Ireland’s evolving crypto landscape.

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

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

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

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

The lab is designed to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vodafone Ireland’s digital assistant TOBi Learning the Lingo

TOBi, Vodafone Ireland’s award-winning AI-powered self-service assistant, might still be getting to grips with Irish phrases like “acting the maggot” or “sucking diesel” but it is already doing the hard work behind the scenes, helping customers 24/7 with top-ups, billing queries and much more. TOBi now resolves 60% of customer service queries without the need to talk to someone, a milestone in AI-led customer care.
New research conducted amongst 1,000 people on behalf of Vodafone Ireland by Coyne Research shows that AI has officially been adopted by consumers and has become an everyday tool. Almost half of all Irish adults (48%) now use AI weekly, with usage rising to 66% among Gen Z, nearly a quarter of whom use it every day. One in three people are already using AI for customer service, while one in five rely on it to help write something, whether it’s an email, college assignment or social post.
Two in five consumers (40%) now claim to have a good understanding of AI technology, evidence that awareness of AI is growing rapidly. Confidence is even stronger among men, with nearly half of males (48%) believing they have a good or very good grasp of what AI can do. This rising confidence is reflected in overall experience as 40% of consumers say their interactions with AI have been positive, signalling a major shift in how the technology has moved from a niche innovation to a routine part of how people in Ireland work, communicate, and solve problems.
Vodafone Ireland is also addressing uniquely Irish challenges through TOBi’s ongoing development, as it constantly learns to understand Irish accents and Irishisms. With three in five survey respondents acknowledging their own difficulties in understanding certain Irish accents (particularly Kerry, Cork, and Donegal), TOBi is being specially trained to recognise regional dialects and local expressions, from “banjaxed” to “acting the maggot.”
Interestingly, one in three people believe AI can understand Irishisms, such as “grand” or “c’mere to me” – though “banjaxed” (60%), “sucking diesel” (59%) and “acting the maggot” (52%) were named the most confusing for both AI and people alike to understand.
Gen Z and Dubliners are the most confident that AI like TOBi is catching on to these Irishisms.
The development of TOBi is part of Vodafone Ireland’s broader €10million investment in enhancing its customer care experience, resolving common customer queries and expanding care channels to ensure faster, more flexible help for customers. As a result, Vodafone Ireland now offers the longest customer care hours and the largest retail footprint in the market, as well as the only 24/7 AI resolution option available from any Irish telecoms provider.
“TOBi isn’t just a chatbot,” said Ciaran Barrett, Commercial Operations Director at Vodafone Ireland. “TOBi helps our customers everyday by giving them fast, intuitive support any time of the day or night- whether they want to check a bill, query a charge or top up their account. TOBi learns from every interaction, adapting to how Irish people speak and what they need. This is AI made useful, not just clever.”
“Our research shows that Irish people are becoming more comfortable with AI – and we’re meeting that shift with technology that actually delivers. TOBi is getting smarter, faster and more helpful all the time. While TOBi is still learning to understand every accent and irishism, it absolutely gets what our customers need and is fully supported by our team of care specialists as well as the largest retail footprint in the country – giving our customers real choice in how they connect with us.”
Unlike many digital assistants that simply provide information, TOBi is fully integrated with Vodafone Ireland’s core operating systems, enabling secure, real time account changes and issues resolution, distinguishing Vodafone Ireland’s care offerings from its competitors.
As TOBi grows in popularity as a support option, Vodafone Ireland’s customer care performance has surged. The company now solves 80% of customer queries on the first try and has seen calls drop by half over the past three years, as customers have fewer reasons to contact Vodafone.
Offering customers greater choice remains central to Vodafone Ireland’s approach to customer care. While TOBi handles the bulk of straightforward queries, customers with complex or sensitive queries can still rely on speaking to a care specialist. According to this research, 90% of people still prefer talking to a human for more complex queries, but younger users increasingly embrace digital options for speed and convenience.
At Vodafone Ireland, every connection counts. TOBi is helping Vodafone Ireland to lead customer service innovation, demonstrating how AI can enhance rather than replace meaningful customer connections.
Vodafone Ireland currently serves over 2.4 million customers nationwide and was recently named Ireland’s ‘Best Mobile Operator’ for the tenth consecutive year by independent benchmarking organisation umlaut. This achievement has been driven by Vodafone Ireland’s €500 million investment over five years (2024–2029) in enhancing mobile and fixed network quality, coverage, and capacity for customers across Ireland.

Certa expands to 25 HVO sites across Ireland

Certa, which is part of DCC plc, is expanding to 25 HVO fuel sites across Ireland as it responds to soaring demand from thousands of diesel drivers who are choosing the renewable fuel to reduce their carbon emissions while they hold back on switching to an electric vehicle (EV).

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is produced from waste plant matter and can be used as a direct replacement for diesel without any need for engine modifications to help motorists lower their carbon emissions by up to 90%.

Demand for HVO is being driven by diesel drivers who want to ‘go green’ but who have put off switching to an electric vehicle (EV) for a variety of reasons, including the cost of buying an EV, the lack of charging infrastructure across the country, and not having their own driveway or off-street parking where they can install a home charger.

Certa is expanding its HVO offering at a rapid pace and its new HVO fuel site in Portlaoise, which opens to the public this week, is the 25th such site to open over the past 18 months across 17 counties, marking a significant milestone for the company and the fuel industry in Ireland.

Certa opened Ireland’s first fully fledged HVO fuel station in Liffey Valley in late 2023 at a cost of €1 million. 15 of the 25 HVO fuel sites that Certa currently operates have opened over the past eight months and the company has plans to open five more HVO fuel sites over the coming months.

Certa operates a total of 54 forecourt sites and is now the largest supplier of HVO to motorists across Ireland. Demand for the renewable fuel has also been helped by Certa’s decision to provide the new HVO pumps alongside its diesel and petrol pumps. The fuel is distinguished by a pink nozzle to stand out from the traditional black diesel and green petrol nozzles.

Orla Stevens, Managing Director, Certa Ireland said:

“Certa is delighted to open our 25th HVO fuel site in Portlaoise this week and to continue leading the way in making HVO more widely available to motorists across Ireland. Our goal is to make it easy for motorists to transition to HVO as a renewable alternative to diesel to help them to lower their carbon emissions.

‘Diesel and petrol cars accounts for 84% (2.14 million) of the cars on Irish roads. 17% of all   new cars sold in Ireland so far this year were diesel. Diesel drivers are holding off on making the switch to EV driving for a variety of reasons. HVO provides an alternative solution and diesel drivers are switching to this biofuel where it is available to them.

“The demand for HVO has grown as we have opened each new HVO fuel site across our network and our plan is to complete the upgrading of our entire network into next year as we continue our journey towards a net zero future.”

The Certa and Emo forecourts selling HVO include Liffey Valley, Finglas (Clearwater), Dundrum, Clarehall, Tallaght and Greenogue in Dublin; Lee Tunnel in Cork, Corofin in Clare, Letterkenny in Donegal, Ballinasloe in Galway, Maynooth in Kildare, Killarney in Kerry, Portlaoise in Laois, Moyne in Longford, Dundalk in Louth, Ballyhaunis in Mayo, Trim in Meath, Kilcormac in Offaly, Clonmel in Tipperary, Waterford city in Waterford, Athlone and Mullingar in Westmeath, and Castlebridge, Gorey and Wexford town in Wexford.

Aviva Insurance Ireland and ClubberTV join forces in multi-year partnership

Aviva Insurance Ireland, one of Ireland’s leading insurance providers, has today been announced as a major partner of ClubberTV, the fast-growing sports streaming platform transforming how grassroots GAA and community sport are brought to fans across Ireland and beyond.

The new partnership marks a significant moment for both organisations, bringing together Aviva’s long-standing commitment to Irish sport with ClubberTV’s innovative approach to live and on-demand sports coverage.

Under the new agreement, Aviva will become an official partner of all ClubberTV coverage for the upcoming 2025/26 season, with prominent branding integrated across Clubber’s live match broadcasts, digital platforms, and community outreach initiatives, reinforcing both organisations’ dedication to growing grassroots sport.

Speaking at the announcement, Declan O’Rourke, CEO at Aviva Insurance Ireland commented, “At Aviva Insurance Ireland, we understand the power of sport to connect communities, and grassroots GAA is at the heart of communities throughout the country. We are proud to support the growth and development of ClubberTV in making our national game more accessible to national and global audiences. We’re delighted to support a platform that gives communities more in terms of access, entertainment and inspiration”.

Founded in 2020, Clubber has become Ireland’s leading live streaming platform for local and grassroots sport. Using cloud-based technology, it removes the need for traditional broadcast infrastructure, enabling high-quality, live coverage from any location. This year alone, it will stream over 1,500 games, cementing its position as the go-to platform for grassroots and semi-professional sports. Clubber holds exclusive, multi-year GAA broadcast rights across Ireland and is actively expanding its footprint into additional counties, sports, and international markets.

Jimmy Doyle, CEO of Clubber TV added, “To welcome Aviva Insurance Ireland as our first major partner is a proud moment. It validates the vision we’ve had from day one: to unlock the power of local sport and bring it to fans everywhere. Together with Aviva, we look forward to increasing the visibility of grassroot sport.”

 Fans can watch games from 14 counties including the Tipperary, Cork and Kilkenny Club Hurling Championships, as well as the Kerry, Kildare and Meath Club Football Championships, plus some of the Camogie Club Championships with flexible subscription options.

Penneys has launched its new customer app in Ireland

Penneys has launched its new customer app in Ireland. The launch marks the next step in the retailer’s strategy to harness the power of digital to support its stores and bring the best of Penneys to more people. Available to download from Apple Store and Google Play Store from today, the new app brings the full Penneys experience into the palm of your hand, letting users enjoy the ease of digital browsing while still capturing the excitement of in-store discovery.

The new customer app offers an immersive browsing experience that makes it easy to scroll through Penneys’ newest trends and style inspiration wherever you are, while the popular stock checker feature lets shoppers instantly see if their must-have items are available at their local Penneys store. A built-in store locator provides quick access to opening hours and directions, while the favourites feature allows users to save top picks for their next visit. Customers can also opt-in for personalised notifications to stay up to date on the latest arrivals, collection launches and exclusive updates. All of this is delivered through an intuitive, user-friendly app design that ensures effortless navigation.

Fintan Costello, Head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland said; “We know our customers love the buzz of a Penneys store — from discovering the latest trends to picking up everyday essentials for the family. Our digital channels are driving shoppers into our stores, and so with more people browsing online before they shop, the Penneys app extends that experience, offering a convenient and inspiring way to explore our ranges anytime, anywhere. Whether at home or on the go, now it’s never been easier to connect with Penneys.”

The retailer has been steadily investing in digital, building on the success of its social media platforms – 26 million followers globally, consistent website growth with 20% of people who visit the website using the stock check feature. The launch of the app in Ireland reflects a growing demand from customers who want digital tools that complement their in-store experience. Among people visiting the Penneys website in Ireland, women’s fashion topped the most popular search category, but it’s the Home offering that’s the rising star with shoppers, coming in as the second most searched term. From stylish cushions and candles to smart storage, nearly every home in Ireland has a touch of Penneys — and now, browsing the latest trends is just a tap away with the new app in your pocket.

The Penneys customer app officially launches in Ireland today. Whether you’re planning your next shopping trip or checking what’s in stock before you shop, it’s your go-to fashion companion.

Vodafone Ireland Launches Critical Service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Vodafone Ireland has announced the launch of Real-Time Text (RTT), a breakthrough accessibility service designed to improve emergency communications for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Vodafone Ireland is the first mobile operator in Ireland to introduce RTT, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, barrier-free digital communication and connection.  The service is now available for emergency calls following pilot tests on the Vodafone network supported by BT ECAS and ComReg.
RTT is a next-generation messaging technology that enables text to be transmitted instantly, character by character, while maintaining a voice connection – eliminating the need to press “send.” This creates a more natural, fluid communication experience, particularly for deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired users.
Vodafone Ireland customers using both Android and iOS devices can now activate Real-Time Text (RTT) directly via their handset accessibility settings. Once enabled, RTT allows users to send and receive text instantly during a call – making communication more accessible, especially for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
 Crucially, RTT is fully compatible with Ireland’s Emergency Call Answering Service, allowing users to communicate directly with 112 or 999 in real time. This capability can be lifesaving in urgent situations where every second counts.

Approximately 5%, almost 270,000, of the Irish population reports a hearing impairment, according to latest Census data. With the European Accessibility Act coming into effect last month, the need for inclusive digital communication has never been more urgent and RTT is a vital step forward in ensuring equal access for all, especially in critical services like emergency response.

The RTT service is natively supported on smartphones that meet international accessibility standards.
These devices allow character-by-character text transmission during voice calls, without requiring third-party apps or additional hardware. This ensures that users can communicate directly and immediately in emergency situations and in everyday interactions.
Commenting as the service was launched today, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan T.D. said:
“The introduction of Real-Time Text by Vodafone Ireland marks a significant milestone in our national journey towards digital equality. As the European Accessibility Act comes into force, it is heartening to see Irish tech leaders stepping up with meaningful innovation which instantly improves lives. Most importantly, RTT empowers people who are deaf or hard of hearing to access emergency services with the same immediacy and simplicity as anyone else. This is not just a technological advancement – it is a statement of inclusion, of equality and our shared commitment to building a digital society with universal access.

The RTT service is already available on the majority of Vodafone smartphones in Ireland right now, meaning the opportunity to make inclusive communication the norm is already in our hands.  I encourage not only the Deaf and hard of hearing community, but the wider public also to embrace RTT. By making it part of our everyday communication and help ensure it becomes a turning point for real inclusion in a more connected society – one where everyone has the tools to engage, contribute and to be heard.”

Welcoming the launch, Chief Executive of Vodafone Ireland, Sabrina Casalta, said:

“At Vodafone Ireland, we’re committed to keeping everyone connected – our mission is to ensure digital access and connectivity for everyone, everywhere. RTT represents a significant step forward in digital accessibility, especially in emergency scenarios where real-time communication can save lives.  We are proud to be the first in Ireland and one of the leaders in Europe to bring this innovative service to market, that we believe can change lives for the better. The RTT launch has been developed in partnership with government stakeholders, accessibility advocates, and emergency response teams. Vodafone’s RTT deployment places Ireland at the forefront of inclusive tech innovation in Europe.”
Speaking at the launch, Mark Byrne,  CEO of Chime, Ireland’s national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people said:
“Chime is excited to see Vodafone Ireland leading the way in ensuring crucial accessibility to emergency services through its RTT service. We know this is a major challenge for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who face barriers in reaching emergency services when they need to.
We commend Vodafone for gathering important feedback from Irish Sign Language users on the RTT, ensuring inclusivity for everyone. We hope to see further investment and expansion of digital accessibility across the communications sector in Ireland.”
Vodafone is Ireland’s leading total communications provider with 2.4 million customers and employs over 2,000 people directly and indirectly in Ireland. Next year, Vodafone Ireland will mark 25 years in Ireland. Vodafone Ireland was recently named Ireland’s best mobile operator for the 10th year in a row by independent benchmarking organisation, umlaut. Vodafone Ireland was also recognised as Best in Reliability, Best in Voice, and Best in Crowdsourced Reliability.
What is Real-Time Text (RTT)?
RTT is an accessibility service that allows text to be transmitted instantly as it’s typed, allowing for natural, real-time conversations. Unlike traditional SMS or legacy TTY systems, RTT doesn’t require waiting for a full message to be typed before transmission. It is especially useful for Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired users and supports full interaction with emergency numbers 112 and 999.
How to Enable RTT on Your Device
Vodafone Ireland customers using both Android and iOS devices can now activate Real-Time Text (RTT) directly from their handset settings.
·       On Android, users can go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > RTT and toggle the feature on.
·       iPhone users can enable RTT by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > RTT/TTY and switching on “Software RTT.” Once enabled, RTT allows users to send and receive text instantly during a call — making communication more accessible, especially for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
For more information, please visit www.vodafone.ie.

HOMEBOT Ireland Spritz Robot Vacuum and Mop review

The HOMEBOT Ireland Spritz Robot Vacuum and Mop is a more affordable offering that is out there and from the brand who has a higher end offering which is good to see with having choice and choice is important rather than offer one off products.

Having tested many of these products over the years this one was somewhat on my mind to see what it can do at the price and it faired out better in some instances as you will see in the video review below than more expensive offerings you find today.

The set-up is simple here with the Smart Life app and takes around 5 minutes to go through the whole app and see what is on offer you can see some screenshots below and again in the video.

The HOMEBOT Ireland Spritz Robot Vacuum and Mop is the average size so for storage it is not a huge issue and once you find a home for it you may as well just leave it sat there as it maps out your rooms you can merge rooms or map two rooms together in the initial set up depending on your home layout etc.

The unit is not too heavy and is easy to move around anyway so for people with the rooms or floors that it can work on upstairs or downstairs will not have issues here.

There is a simple brush mechanism and mop underneath with with a water and power tray that are all easy to remove clean and wash out after use again less hassle than others I have tried before.

Dirt and water tray with cleaning brush and filter

Once you have your personal set-up finished you can further enhance things with managing rooms, scheduling, watch your clean record find your robot do a carpet boost and prevent children tampering with it there is also a remote control option here which many will find cool like a recent lawmower we did it is fun taking control as well as letting it do all the work for you.

The result is better than expected from this model at its price these are coming down in price in general and no a more common sight in people homes these days due to the cost these robotic cleaner started off at silly prices when I started testing them and cost to performance ratio is like alot of tech now coming down meaning you get more for less and in fairness with this model it done the job and left my floors nice and shiny which I did not fully expect and again navigated around complex situations with ease and there is less faffing around with a clunky app.

 

The SmartLife App

 

 

Key Features:

  • LDS SLAM Navigation System: Experience precision cleaning with the latest LDS SLAM technology, which maps your home for efficient navigation and thorough cleaning.
  • Smart Mapping & Room Divider: Customize your cleaning process using the app’s map and room divider features. Easily manage and clean specific areas of your home.
  • Dual Cleaning Modes: Choose between Vacuum only or Vacuum & Mop modes to suit your cleaning needs. Tackle dirt, dust, and spills with ease.
  • Multi-Floor Mapping: Ideal for multi-storey homes, this robot can save and switch between maps for different floors, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  • Obstacle Detection & No-Go Zones: Intelligent sensors detect and avoid obstacles, while the No-Go Zones feature lets you restrict access to sensitive areas.
  • Auto Carpet Boost: Automatically increases suction power on carpets for a deeper clean, leaving your carpets fresh and debris-free.
  • Climbs Over Door Saddles: Capable of climbing over door saddles, this robot seamlessly transitions between rooms without getting stuck.
  • Washable Filter: For lower maintenance costs, the washable filter ensures long-term usability and hassle-free cleaning.
  • Extended Battery Life: Enjoy up to 100 minutes of continuous cleaning on a single charge, perfect for covering large areas without interruption.

BUY

Other home vacuum reviews

Video Review