Tag: #Irish

RED BULL MEO: Irish Gamers Invited To Compete In Worlds Largest Mobile Esports Open

Irish gamers will have the chance to mix it with some of the country’s best esports pros this month as the world’s largest mobile esports open competition comes to Ireland for the very first time. Now in its sixth season globally, Red Bull M.E.O. sees players from over 30 countries compete, with incredible prizes for the winners.

Red Bull M.E.O. is a free competition, open to participants of all levels, and is a rare opportunity for casual mobile gamers to take on established professionals from the Irish circuit. The most popular mobile esports open internationally, this is the first year that the competition will be open to Irish gamers.

The two chosen titles in which players can compete are Clash Royale and PUBG Mobile. Clash Royale is open to individual players, and will be played in a standard single elimination tournament format. The first qualifier for Clash Royale takes place on January 13th with the second to follow on January 21st. The top 4 players from each qualifier will proceed to the grand finals.

PUBG Mobile, which is open to duos (teams of 2 players), will follow a similar format. Two online qualifiers will take place on January 14th and January 20th respectively. Eight teams will in turn qualify for the live final, with four teams proceeding from each round.

On Saturday January 27th, the Red Bull M.E.O. Live Final will take place in the Sugar Club in Dublin, where Ireland’s top gamers will battle it out to claim the Red Bull M.E.O. title for the first time on these shores.

Red Bull M.E.O. Season 6 (Ireland) 

  • Clash Royale Qualifier #1 – Saturday January 13th
  • PUBG Mobile Qualifier #1 – Sunday January 14th
  • PUBG Mobile Qualifier #2 – Saturday January 20th
  • Clash Royale Qualifier #2 – Sunday January 21st
  • Red Bull M.E.O. National Finals – Saturday January 27th

Two-thirds of businesses in Ireland struggling with new environmental regulations

Businesses in Ireland are becoming overwhelmed by environmental regulatory obligations, suggests research from the Equinix 2023 Global Tech Trends Survey. Two in three (66%) IT decision-makers in Ireland admit that they are finding new environmental regulations a challenge, while 42% said there are now too many regulations to comply with. Announcing these findings, Equinix is also providing insights into its own sustainability initiatives in Ireland.

Equinix’s survey, which included 100 IT decision-makers in Ireland, explored IT leaders’ attitudes towards sustainability and their regulatory obligations. In April of this year, the EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation, which transformed the targets of the Clean Energy Package into binding annual targets for each Member State for the period 2021–2030, was amended and Ireland’s new target is now to limit its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42% by 2030. Additionally, policy initiatives from the Union’s European Green Deal began to roll out in 2022, with more to come as the EU seeks carbon neutrality by 2050. However, IT departments appear to be struggling with the volume and speed at which regulations such as these are being introduced, with 39% of respondents saying they are changing too quickly.

Reflecting the commitment and investment involved in paving the road to Net Zero, 49% of IT leaders said new and upcoming regulations will require major changes to business practices, while 47% said they would lead to an increased cost in management. Additionally, highlighting the ongoing IT skills shortage facing businesses in Ireland and across the globe, 44% of those surveyed said they lack the necessary skills internally to meet these challenges.

Equinix’s research shed light on the role that technology is playing in helping organisations to meet new green standards, with 60% of IT leaders said that they are using automation to manage changes and updates to regulations. Meanwhile, 70% are using advanced technologies such as big data and machine learning to optimise their sustainability efficiencies.

As the world’s leading digital infrastructure provider, Equinix is helping businesses to harness transformative technologies and use them in the collective movement towards a sustainable future. Equinix is committed to responsible growth, for itself and its customers, and continues to advance its bold sustainability agenda to reflect the company’s values across environmental, social and governance initiatives.

Helping to reduce its customers’ scope 2 and 3 emissions, Equinix is making continuous efficiency improvements of 5% year-on-year though innovations and upgrades inside its data centres in Dublin. It is also giving capacity back to the electricity grid by using its own back-up supply of power during periods of high demand. It does this using natural gas generators. While Equinix is committed to investing in the production of renewable biomethane gas in Ireland, natural gas is recognised by the International Energy Agency as the best available backup energy source in the global transition to renewable electricity. Meanwhile, in collaboration with local authorities and Codema, Equinix is currently exploring the feasibility of a district heating solution that will reuse waste data centre heat for the provision of the year-round heating requirements of vital infrastructure in Dublin’s Blanchardstown area.

Equinix is committed to meeting and exceeding all environmental regulations and standards that apply to it. The company adheres to the Government of Ireland’s Principles for Sustainable Data Centre Development and welcomes the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive, which as of May 2024, will require data centre operators to submit annual reports on their energy performance for the previous year. Equinix is a founding member of the EU Climate Neutral Data Centre Operator Pact and has pledged to be climate neutral by 2030, backed by a near-term, science-based target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Peter Lantry, Managing Director for Ireland, Equinix, said: “We are entering a new era of industry where green credentials will be front and centre of everything a business does – to the point where unsustainable businesses will struggle to succeed. While an increase in environmental obligations can be daunting, meeting them must now be viewed as a normal part of doing business. Without them, we will simply not be able to turn the tide on climate change.

“It is encouraging to see that the majority of IT leaders are using technology to help them to manage regulations. It reflects a larger trend that sees technology unlocking solutions to    sustainability challenges. Digital infrastructure will have a key role to play in this, ensuring businesses can deploy game-changing technology solutions with agility and speed.

“At Equinix, we are ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability, adhering to and exceeding international standards, as well as meeting our own internal targets. This enables us to set a new standard for the data centre industry, while also ensuring we help customers to meet their obligations by continuously reducing our carbon footprint.”

300,000 Meals delivered to Irish charities by Deliveroo and Foodcloud

Deliveroo Ireland has announced that it has donated more than 300,000 meals to people experiencing food insecurity across Ireland through a national charity partnership.

308,000 meals have been distributed to vulnerable people and families in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway by local charities such as Feed Cork, Empower and Novas Limerick thanks to a partnership between Deliveroo Ireland and tech based food redistribution enterprise FoodCloud.

The partnership, which began in 2022, aims to provide half a million meals for FoodCloud’s network of 650 community and voluntary groups across Ireland by 2024. The partnership is part of Deliveroo Ireland’s global Full Life campaign. Full Life aims to use Deliveroo’s unique network of riders, grocers, restaurants, and customers for good and support the local communities in Ireland where it operates.

Deliveroo’s Ireland team has revealed that through support from Irish customers, a total of 308,732 meals have been donated to charities which help people that face food insecurity.

Irish Deliveroo customers have backed the campaign by making donations to FoodCloud when placing orders on the Deliveroo app. An in-app charity donation option allows customers to add a ’round-up’ donation to their orders. This rounds up an order total to the nearest euro, with all proceeds going to FoodCloud. For every €1 raised, 3.2 meals are provided to people facing food insecurity.

Giving locally 

Two of the charities that are supported by Deliveroo Ireland’s Full Life campaign are Feed Cork and Empower in Dublin.

Feed Cork is the humanitarian department of Cork Church. It partners with community organisations and businesses to help fight food insecurity locally by providing a three-day supply of nutritional food for individuals and families that need this support.

Empower aims to positively change disadvantaged communities in Dublin by supporting individuals to financial independence through jobs, training and education and helps local groups implement anti-poverty and social inclusion projects.

The Deliveroo Ireland and FoodCloud teams recently visited Empower’s headquarters to learn more about the work being done locally by its staff and volunteers.

Speaking at the visit, Helen Maher, Regional Director, Deliveroo Ireland, said:

“We’re pleased to have achieved the significant milestone of providing more than 308,000 meals for vulnerable people across Ireland. We couldn’t have achieved this without the incredible support of our customers, partners and riders. Deliveroo’s commitment to supporting Irish charities remains firm and we will continue to offer our support to local organisations by donating meals and raising funds for groups like Empower and Feed Cork.”

Angela Ruttledge, Head of Public Engagement at FoodCloud added:

“It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Deliveroo Ireland on its Full Life Campaign, promoting awareness of food insecurity across the country. By mobilising its customers to donate, Deliveroo Ireland is helping to ensure vulnerable people have access to healthy and nutritious meals.”

Ørsted takes final investment decision on its first Irish solar farm

Ørsted has taken final investment decision (FID) on phase one of Garreenleen Solar Farm, which marks the company’s first solar investment in Ireland.   

Located 15 km outside of Carlow town, this 81 MW solar development is expected to be operational by 2026 and will bring Ørsted’s operational capacity on the island of Ireland to almost 500 MW.    

 Today’s FID follows the project’s successful win under the Irish Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme 3 (RESS 3) auction in September 2023. RESS 3 was a successful auction for Ørsted, with two projects (wind and solar) totalling 124 MW clearing. The RESS 3 auction average strike price was EUR 100.47 per MWh, which is consistent with similar regimes in other European markets.   

 Commenting on the investment decision, Kieran White, Senior Vice President of Onshore in Region Europe at Ørsted, said:  

“Solar energy is an essential component for enabling the Irish power system to run entirely on green energy, and I’m delighted to confirm that Ørsted now will invest in our first Irish solar farm.“ 

 He continued: “While this will be our first solar project in Ireland, our strong pipeline of other projects, which continue to progress through consenting and grid access, gives us the confidence that more will follow.”  

“Garreenleen is an attractive solar project because it has a short grid route to a strong meshed node in the existing national electricity network, in an area of the grid where constraints are forecast to be low. With this investment decision, the project will also install the necessary grid infrastructure to facilitate the connection of a second phase of the project, which we hope to commit to within the next year,” he concluded. 

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.

Artificial Intelligence: Irish organisations urged to become ‘more familiar’ with future EU legislation

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is urging organisations, especially businesses, to become more familiar with upcoming EU legislation around artificial intelligence (AI). As Ireland’s official standards body, it is also encouraging organisations across the country to get more involved in the sector by helping develop future international AI standards.

To support Irish enterprises, NSAI is teaming up with Danish Standards and European Committees for Standardisation (CEN and CENELEC*) to jointly host a webinar on Friday, November 24th called: ‘Future EU legislation on AI and the important role standards play.’ The event is an initiative under the new European Commission High Level Forum on Standardisation and will feature speakers from the European Commission, national standardisation bodies and companies such as Ireland’s SoapBox Labs.

The use of AI in the EU will be regulated by the upcoming AI Act, which has been described as the world’s first comprehensive AI law. Becoming more familiar with that piece of legislation is a recommended step for all Irish organisations, says Marita Kinsella, Head of Innovation Policy and Business Development with NSAI. She said: “To successfully implement the AI Act, it’s critical for organisations and businesses in Ireland to know what practical implications the AI Act will have for them and also importantly, how they can help influence the development of future standards around AI.”

Earlier this year, the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond T.D. and Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary T.D., launched the AI Standards and Assurance Roadmap with the NSAI.

The roadmap is a key deliverable under Ireland’s National AI Strategy and is a significant step in ensuring that Ireland is at the forefront of change. Its aim is to support Irish enterprises and organisations in embracing AI safely and ethically, through utilising AI standards that are published and in development.

“All types of organisations, such as state agencies, businesses, non-governmental organisations and academic bodies, are encouraged to contribute to the development of future international AI standards,” said Kinsella.

She added: “In Ireland, for example, organisations can engage with our national committee or can have their say on draft standards through the ‘Your Standards, Your Say’ portal on the NSAI website.”

The webinar on November 24th runs from 10am to 12pm, Central European Time, and bookings can be made through the Danish Standards’ website at https://www.ds.dk/da/ydelser/kurser/future-eu-legislation-on-ai-and-the-important-role-standards-play

Survey Reveals Irish SME Resources Overwhelmed by HR Requirements, Lack of Suitable Tech to Blame

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland & the UK feel that HR requirements are overwhelming vital resources, according to a survey commissioned by Meath-based HR tech company HR Duo.

In its survey of over 300 SMEs it was found that almost two-thirds (64%) say that trying to keep on top of all elements of HR in their business is extremely challenging. But despite the difficulties in the current business environment, just 10% say their HR function is likely to decrease in the next 12 months, with 45% predicting an increase. This is leading to a perfect storm, where HR requirements are continually increasing while a majority of SMEs feel that they are already overextended.

The survey identified that the lack of suitable HR technology for SMEs is central to their struggle to manage the HR workload. Three quarters (74%) feel that automation of manual tasks would be of major benefit to their business, with 66% saying that there are lots of paper processes in need of digitisation.

Yet roughly the same amount (67%) feel that addressing HR challenges is very different in SMEs compared to large organisations, meaning that existing options don’t address their needs. Indeed a majority (60%) of SMEs feel that HR tech platforms generally are geared towards the needs of larger companies, and adapting these to the needs of SME would be too onerous, with 70% believing they need a lot of expertise to set up and use effectively.

The result is time and resources wasted by SMEs in conducting routine HR tasks, which would be better utilised running and growing the business.

Jerome Forde, Founder and CEO of HR Duo, commented, “SMEs are the driving force of the Irish economy, employing 1.19 million people – roughly two-thirds of the total workforce – and generating almost half of the turnover in the private sector (source: ISME). But so much time and resources are being wasted on outdated manual tasks, meaning less opportunity to grow the business and hire new people.”

Unsurprisingly, two-thirds (64%) of SMEs said that increased productivity through better use of automation and tech is a priority for them over the next 12 months. Recent entrants to the market are making this more of a possibility for SMEs and challenging incumbent brands that prioritise larger organisations.

Jerome continued, “From speaking to SMEs around the country, it is clear that here is a huge need for a simple but innovative software solution that works for them straight out of the box – time is critical for them and they need a service tailored to their needs. With this in mind we developed HR Duo, a cloud-based platform that automates 80% of routine HR tasks, with the remaining 20% serviced by an expert team to help with more complex issues. unlocking capacity that can be better used in their business.”

HR Duo’s easy to use, low cost, and ‘always on’ proprietary software make it ideal for its target market of SMEs with 50-1,000 employees, acting as a bolt-on support to HR personnel, or indeed as a HR back-up for companies without a dedicated HR department. With subscriptions starting from as little as €10 per employee per month, the service can be scaled up or down as the business requires, with no lengthy, onerous contracts.

While HR tech solutions tailored to SMEs are now finally available, this does not mean they intent to reduce or eliminate HR capabilities. Indeed, feedback received during the survey revealed that SMEs don’t want a simple ‘set and forget’ solution – instead, there is a strong desire for a system to build institutional knowledge, with 85% wanting a HR platform that adds to their knowledge base. What SMEs desire is not a silver bullet, but a long-term partner in helping with their HR needs, freeing them up to build and scale their businesses into the future.

Survey Details

Research conducted by Heads Up Research & Insight (www.headsupinsight.com) throughout April 2023. Final survey response was 305 people who have influence in terms of HR decisions and/or resourcing the HR function in SMES between 30 and 500 employees in size. Maximum margin of error is +/- 6%.

Viatel’s Discovery Initiative – a gateway to the future for Irish businesses

Viatel Technology Group, a market leader in comms and digital services, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate Irish organisations on their path to automation and innovation. Throughout November, Viatel is offering exclusive, complimentary ‘Discovery’ consultations, where one fortunate company will win their dream project.

Damien Lee, Director of Software Services at Viatel Technology Group, sets the stage for this exciting initiative, “Irish businesses are still slogging through time consuming manual processes, grappling with old Access databases, and struggling with apps and systems crafted by ex-employees that no longer serve their companies.

“At Viatel we understand the transformative potential of technology. As a Gold Microsoft Partner we’ve successfully guided hundreds of businesses on their digital journeys. From building an online passport application system for the Department of Foreign Affairs, to collaborating with the National Lottery, and reconstructing Chill Insurance’s online quote engine, we’ve proven our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

Damien explains the Discovery Initiative, “This is an open invitation to all companies: bring us your pain! Tell us about your repetitive processes, your outdated apps, and your unscalable systems. We will assess your issues and tailor a solution from an array of options, from off-the-shelf solutions like Power Automate and Power BI, all the way to customised software.”

Following a comprehensive hour-long consultation with a seasoned technical lead and an experienced business analyst, participating companies will receive an outline project scope, including costs. Damien underscores the vital role of pricing, “Companies might believe that this level of technical development is beyond their reach, but the landscape has evolved dramatically, with low-code apps proving to be a game-changer.”

With organisations currently in the midst of planning their 2024 budgets, discovery consultations make it easy to showcase the substantial savings and long-term positive impacts these projects can deliver to the bottom line.

Damien continued “Our commitment to digitisation and development will enhance a company’s efficiency. It’s also fantastic news for employees. This shift can transform how they spend their working hours, increasing job satisfaction and freeing them up for higher-value tasks.”
From every consultation scheduled from now until the end of November, Viatel will select one lucky company to receive five days of free development work. To learn more visit www.viatel.com/discovery-initiative.

Blackjack Variations in Irish Online Casino

Blackjack, the iconic card game also known as “21,” has been a staple in casinos worldwide for centuries. Its popularity has transcended borders and cultures, and it’s no surprise that it has found a new home in the world of online casinos. In Ireland, the game of blackjack has evolved beyond its traditional form, giving players a wide array of variations to choose from. This article delves into the world of blackjack variations in Irish online casinos, exploring the diverse options available to players, understanding player preferences, and guiding you to find your ideal blackjack variation based on skill and entertainment value. You can try these blackjack variations at every online casino Ireland! 

Exploring Blackjack Variations

The allure of blackjack lies in its simplicity and the opportunity for players to employ strategy to improve their odds of winning. Traditional blackjack is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, but online casinos in Ireland have introduced a multitude of variations, each with its unique rules and features.

Classic Blackjack: Classic blackjack remains a favorite among players. The goal is simple: beat the dealer without exceeding 21. It’s the quintessential blackjack experience and serves as the foundation for most other variations.

European Blackjack: In this version, the dealer is dealt one card face up, giving players more information to make strategic decisions. The dealer doesn’t receive a hole card until players complete their hands, reducing the likelihood of an immediate loss due to a dealer’s blackjack.

American Blackjack: American blackjack introduces a twist by dealing the dealer two cards initially, one face up and one face down. This can make the game more unpredictable, as players won’t know if the dealer has a blackjack until later in the hand.

Spanish 21: This variation uses a deck of 48 cards, removing the 10s. Despite this handicap, Spanish 21 offers unique bonus payouts and rule variations that can favor the player. It’s a game that requires adaptability and a different approach to strategy.

Pontoon: Similar to blackjack, Pontoon distinguishes itself with its terminology and some rule variations. Players aim to get a five-card hand that doesn’t exceed 21, and a “Pontoon” (an Ace and a 10-value card) is the best hand.

Double Exposure Blackjack: In this version, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up, providing players with full knowledge of the dealer’s hand. While this may seem advantageous, the game compensates by altering the blackjack payout.

Blackjack Switch: Blackjack Switch allows players to swap cards between two hands, offering a fascinating twist to the game. It adds an element of strategy as players must decide when to make the switch for optimal results.

Player Preferences and Game Selection

When it comes to choosing a blackjack variation in an Irish online casino, player preferences play a significant role. Different players have different motivations, and the ideal blackjack variation depends on what you seek in your gaming experience.

Some players enjoy games that rely more on skill than luck. If you prefer a game where your decisions can directly impact the outcome, variations like Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, or Blackjack Switch might be more appealing. These games require strategy and decision-making to succeed.

For those seeking variety and entertainment value, exploring exotic variations like Spanish 21 or Pontoon can be an exciting experience. These games introduce unique rules and side bets that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Your risk tolerance also plays a role in your choice. American Blackjack, with its initial face-down card for the dealer, can add an element of risk and suspense to the game. On the other hand, European Blackjack might appeal to those who prefer a more conservative approach.

If you’re enticed by the potential for big payouts and bonuses, Spanish 21 and Double Exposure Blackjack offer unique opportunities. These variations have special rules that can result in larger payouts for certain hands.

Some players enjoy the social aspect of blackjack and prefer live dealer variations, where they can interact with a real dealer and other players through live video streams. Live dealer blackjack brings the land-based casino experience to your screen, complete with real-time chat and interaction.

Finding Your Ideal Blackjack Variation: Skill and Entertainment

Ultimately, finding your ideal blackjack variation in an Irish online casino is about striking a balance between skill and entertainment. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice. 

Assess your own skill level and familiarity with the game. If you’re a beginner, starting with Classic Blackjack or European Blackjack is a wise choice. These variations have straightforward rules that are easy to grasp.

Explore different variations to discover what suits your preferences best. Try out a few rounds of each to see which one resonates with you. Many online casinos offer free play options, allowing you to test the waters without risking your bankroll.

Keep your bankroll in mind when selecting a variation. Some games have higher minimum bets than others, so make sure the table limits align with your budget.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider your own enjoyment. The goal of gambling is entertainment, so choose a blackjack variation that you genuinely enjoy playing. If you find a game that excites you, you’re more likely to have a positive gaming experience.

Conclusion

Irish online casinos offer a diverse array of blackjack variations to cater to players with varying preferences and skill levels. We are sure that there’s a blackjack variation that suits your needs. Remember that the key to a fulfilling blackjack experience lies in finding the right balance between skill, entertainment, and personal enjoyment. So, explore the options available, make an informed choice, and embark on your blackjack journey in the exciting world of Irish online casinos.