Tag: #Irish

Find friends at Electric Picnic 2025 with new tech device

One of the biggest pet peeves at music festivals is losing your friends in the crowd. Large crowds, loud music, and misunderstood messages can cause that once in a lifetime moment that you want to enjoy with your bestie when your favourite artist comes out on stage to end up being a far less historic, solo experience.

That’s all about to change as some lucky Three+ loyalty programme customers attending Electric Picnic 2025 can now apply to pioneer an innovative new wearable tech, an Irish festival first, called the Three Friend Finder. ( Link to apply for the Three Friend Finder is here )

The Three Friend Finder, powered by Totem Labs, connects you to your friends who are also wearing the device using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) by guiding you to their location using a ring of pulsing lights and without the need for any mobile phone service, WIFI, or Bluetooth. Not only that, the lucky owners of the device will also be guided to some secret gigs and experiences taking place over the weekend of the festival.

Three Ireland, a long-standing major sponsor of Electric Picnic, has big plans again for this year’s festival, while, as usual, keeping festival goers connected all weekend with Three charging stations and reliable Wi-Fi  and making sure festival goers can share every unforgettable moment with your friends.

The Three Music Stage is back at Rankin’s Wood and is the main destination for discovering incredible new music. Once again, it will feature a host of Irish and international talent, promising to be a festival highlight.  Three+ members will also get exclusive fast-track entry to the silent disco and side-of-stage access.*

The legendary Three Charge & Chill area is back in the heart of the main arena and has become a sanctuary to recharge both phones and tired festival goers without missing any of the action.

A major highlight at Charge & Chill will be full sets by three emerging Irish artists Roe Byrne, Emily Doyle and Rebecca Lane who were chosen to perform out of over 500 TikTok artist entries as part of Three Ireland’s City Stages music project.

The Charge and Chill area also will include complimentary charging to ensure your phone is powered up all weekend, unrivalled views of the main stage from its dedicated viewing platform, exclusively for Three+ customers*. Also, stay tuned to Three Ireland’s social channels as the area will also host some last-minute surprise big name secret music performances.

Not only that, the company has this year introduced the Three+ Bus, a 52-seater bus that will travel on a daily return from Dublin to the festival grounds from Friday to Monday, and which is available on a discount to Three+ customers*.

Tanya Townsend, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Three Ireland, commented, “The organisers of Electric Picnic and Three have a similar ethos; to connect people through truly memorable moments and, of course, also to showcase and support the best of emerging Irish music artists. We are excited about the Three Music Stage line-up and in particular our three chosen City Stage artists who will perform sets at Charge and Chill and also sing with some yet to be announced globally renowned artists over the weekend. 

Tanya continued, “As a company that prides itself on pushing advanced technology, we are thrilled to also trial the Three Friend Finder at the festival, a device that helps you track your friend’s exact location without the need for mobile phone service, WIFI or Bluetooth. Who knows, perhaps this will become the must-have device for the 2026 festival season.”

*Exclusive to only Three+ customers. Show your Three+ account to avail the benefits. See full terms plus.three.ie

Summer in the Office: Inside a Teen-Turn Placement at Hostelworld

“If you had told me a few weeks ago that I’d be seriously considering a future in tech, I probably would have laughed, flipped my short hair, and gone back to minding my own creative business. But here we are,” says Fortunate, one of five teenage girls who recently completed a two-week placement at Hostelworld through the Teen-Turn programme.

Teen-Turn, an Irish charity, works to increase female participation in STEM by giving teenage girls from underserved communities practical, hands-on industry experience. Known as “Teenturnships,” these short placements pair participants directly with professionals in the field.

“The Teen-Turn and Hostelworld collaboration is seeing young women from underserved communities gaining the confidence, career insights, and skills needed to participate in the knowledge economy. The experience for the girls is particularly impactful because, as an Irish-founded company changing its industry through technology, they learn first-hand the potential of homegrown innovation in global business,” explains Joanne Dolan, Co-Founder of Teen-Turn.

While many of their peers were binge-watching the new Wednesday season or planning summer festivals, Fortunate, Lanyan, Sabah, Sania, and Janice spent their days in Hostelworld’s sunlit Dublin office. Their schedule was packed: machine-learning workshops, analytics sessions, meetings with just about every department — from finance to the data science team — and even a company-wide meeting with 200 employees joining from around the world.

“Standing in front of the entire company, even virtually, was definitely nerve-wracking,” says Sania. “My heart was racing, but as soon as I started speaking, I realised it was an incredible opportunity to put myself out there. This moment reminded me how important it is to project confidence even when you’re feeling nervous.”

Between training, there were also glimpses of office life — coffee runs, the unspoken competition for the best desk, and lunches by the Grand Canal. By the final afternoon, the five teenagers were presenting their projects, reflecting on the skills they had learned and the confidence they had gained.

“Hostelworld wasn’t just a workplace these past two weeks — it was a place where I laughed, learned, drank far too many lattes, and met people who genuinely cared about what I had to say,” says Fortunate.

Barry McCabe, Hostelworld’s Chief People Officer, says the benefits flow both ways:
“This is our third year partnering with Teen-Turn, and the benefits to both Hostelworld and the students continue to grow. Over two weeks, they explored roles across the business, building confidence and discovering new career paths. Their questions encouraged us to reflect on how we work and communicate. The programme is a great reminder of the value in opening up our workplaces and learning from the diverse perspectives of those just starting out.”

For Ireland, still grappling with a shortage of women in STEM despite tech’s explosive growth, Teenturnships offer more than skills. They chip away at systemic barriers, giving participants the confidence and experience to pursue careers that will shape the country’s future workforce.

PayPal to Create 100 Highly Skilled Tech Jobs in Ireland

PayPal today announced that it will create 100 new highly skilled data science roles at its Dublin office. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the future of commerce through advanced data science and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and marks a new chapter in the transformation of its Irish operations. The new AI team in Dublin will serve as a key spoke in PayPal’s global network, working in close coordination with PayPal’s other innovation hubs.

This hiring initiative is being supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the country’s investment promotion and development agency, and comes as PayPal continues to evolve its Dublin site beyond its roots as a customer service hub into a centre for innovation at the forefront of the global digital economy.

“As we shape the next generation of digital payments, the talent and innovation coming from Ireland will play a critical role,” said Aaron J. Webster, Global Chief Risk Officer at PayPal. “This expansion reflects both our confidence in the local ecosystem and our ambition to build an AI-driven, data-powered future that embeds trust and safety in every transaction. We are proud to deepen our commitment to Ireland and to invest in highly skilled roles that will help shape the future of PayPal globally.”

The new roles will span a range of disciplines, including AI engineering, data science, software development, risk modeling, and cybersecurity. These positions will support key strategic priorities such as loss prevention and enhancing outstanding customer experiences, placing innovation at the core of PayPal’s global mission.

Webster added: “Our work to solve some of the most intricate and critical commerce challenges globally is fueled by the unprecedented scale of our platform and unmatched data at our fingertips. We are redefining what is possible by empowering data scientists to push boundaries, harness cutting-edge AI, and transform the future of fraud detection and payment security.”

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: “This announcement by PayPal is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland as a location for high-value tech investment. The creation of 100 highly skilled roles in cutting-edge fields like AI and data science reinforces our status as a global hub for innovation, and I would like to commend PayPal for its ongoing partnership with IDA Ireland.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: ‘’I am delighted with PayPal’s decision to create up to 100 new highly skilled tech jobs in Ireland. This is a testament to Ireland’s enduring appeal as a location for high-value investments. We are proud to support this growth and look forward to the continued success of PayPal in Ireland.’’

Open positions can be found here.

CELSIUS Hits the Road to Fuel Fitness and Festival Spirit Across Ireland and the UK

CELSIUS, the premium, lifestyle energy drink formulated for active lifestyles, is hitting the road this August in its new, custom-designed CELSIUS Airstream to bring an unmissable wave of energy to cultural events with its refreshing fruit-forward flavours.

In Ireland, Olympic sprinter and Team CELSIUS Ambassador Rhasidat Adeleke will host the CELSIUS VIBE Run Club in Dublin on 22 July.

From muddy fields to main stages and sold-out stadium shows to grassroots fitness activations, CELSIUS will tour the nation to keep crowds going with an immersive, high-impact brand activation featuring giveaways and good vibes. Festivalgoers can expect glitter applications, photo booths, music, exclusive merch, and tens of thousands of CELSIUS samples to enhance their experiences.

Powering the moments that matter, the Airstream will be positioned around:

  • Solomon – 8 August – Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
  • Big Smoke Festival – 9 August – Crystal Palace Station, London SE19 2AZ
  • Anjunadeep – 10 August – Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
  • South Facing Festival – 15 August – Crystal Palace Station, London SE19 2AZ
  • All Points East – 16 August – The Green, Shoreditch High Street station, Braithwaite Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6AE
  • Leeds Festival – 22 August – Leeds Station, New Station St, Leeds LS1 4DY
  • Reading Festival – 23 and 24 August – Reading Station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ

The roadshow builds on the brand’s presence near some of the UK’s most iconic cultural moments already this year, from major music gatherings and city festivals to world-class sporting occasions.

Carlotta Cattelani, Head of Marketing – UK&I at CELSIUS, said: “Our new CELSIUS Airstream allows us to continue building something different here – a brand that’s not just seen on shelves, but felt in culture. Whether it’s through the festivals they wait all year for or the fitness communities they belong to, CELSIUS is showing up with purpose and momentum. What sets CELSIUS apart is its ability to deliver functional energy with no compromise on taste, powered by a blend of seven vitamins that supports normal immune function (B6, B12, C) and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue (B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C). We’re here to help the nation make the most of every day.”

CELSIUS is also tapping into the growing demand for fitness community experiences. In Ireland, Irish Olympic sprinter and Team CELSIUS Ambassador Rhasidat Adeleke will return home on 22 July to host the CELSIUS VIBE Run Club at Dublin City University in conjunction with Runners High Run Club. Rhasidat will share her elite sprinting tips, favourite drills, and motivation to push participants beyond their limits. Tickets are free but limited; register on Eventbrite.

From 28 August, the brand will make its way to Stradbally, stopping in Rathcoole and Portlaoise, with thousands of samples planned across Electric Picnic weekend.

Building on its popularity in the US, CELSIUS is embedding itself into British and Irish cultural calendars and connecting consumers to the brand’s LIVE FIT ethos through a dynamic mix of music, sport, and lifestyle.

As the festival season hits its peak and wellness-orientated consumers continue to seek functional energy options, CELSIUS is fast becoming a staple in both routines and experiences across the UK and Ireland – and beyond!

CELSIUS is available nationwide. To find a local retailer, visit uk.celsius.com/buy-locate/.

Vodafone Ireland reports 76% year on year growth in device trade-ins

Vodafone Ireland, the leading communications partner to Irish consumers and businesses, today reported a sharp 76% increase in its device trade ins in June, compared to June 2024.

Publishing the data today, Vodafone Ireland reported a ‘record month’ with more customers than ever trading in their old devices and its ‘best week ever’ – one in three customers buying a new handset traded in their old device during the last week of June, demonstrating a growing shift toward responsible tech ownership and more sustainable choices.

Devices are traded in to be recycled, refurbished and reused, while the average trade-in value currently received by customers is €150* per transaction. As a responsible communications partner, the Trade In service is part of Vodafone Ireland’s commitment to sustainability and supporting consumers to make sustainable choices.

Driving Affordability 

The Trade-In service allows customers to release the residual value of their devices, which they can then use to reduce the price of a new device, gain store credit to purchase accessories, or opt for the price to come straight off their bill.

This service, pioneered by Vodafone Ireland – another Vodafone first – and launched in 2022, is available to consumers across Vodafone’s 80 retail stores nationwide, with all reporting strong uptake of the initiative. To date, Irish consumers have saved over €8 million through this e-waste service.

This initiative was established to address the increasing challenge of e-waste in Ireland. A recent study estimated that there are 7.3 million unused smartphones** in Irish households, demonstrating the opportunity for trade-in options to see these devices responsibly reused, recycled or repurposed rather than going to waste.

Trade-In  

Consumers can trade in their phones, tablets, iPads and smart watches while Vodafone Ireland also accepts devices for responsible recycling, including laptops.

The service offers an effective and tangible solution to Ireland’s e-waste challenge, with every device traded in first securely wiped of data, and then either refurbished for reuse or responsibly recycled — with 0% sent to landfill.

This circular approach prevents valuable materials from going to waste and reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new devices. By making trade-ins simple and rewarding for Irish consumers, Vodafone Ireland is driving greater consumer participation in the shift towards sustainable and responsible tech ownership.

Earlier this month, Vodafone Ireland was named Best Mobile Operator for the 10th consecutive year by independent benchmarking organisation umlaut, achieving a record-breaking score. The recognition highlights Vodafone’s €500 million five-year investment in network and its role as the connectivity partner to 60% of Irish businesses.

Commenting today, Sabrina Casalta, CEO, Vodafone Ireland said:  

“Trade in plays a critical role in driving Vodafone Ireland’s commitment to protecting the planet, as well as offering affordability for our customers. With one in every three customers across our retail stores trading in a handset, we’re delivering on our ambition to tackle e-waste and supporting the circular economy in Ireland. These results are commendable and testament to the efforts of our team, our retail colleagues and also to our customers throughout the country who are taking action.  

‘We’ve invested heavily in this campaign since 2022 because we saw an opportunity to make a difference. We encourage Irish consumers to maintain this momentum and continue to support us in tackling e-waste through trading in their device for repair, recycle or repurposing. This is a tangible method to deliver change and make a difference for generations to come.” 

Over 2,000 people work with Vodafone in Ireland across its Dublin HQ and 80 retail units across the country while the company has more than 2.3 million customers and growing.

New survey reveals misuse of modern fridges in Irish homes

New research has revealed some chilling truths about how Irish households are misusing their fridge. A nationwide survey of 1,000 Irish adults, commissioned by the Home of Innovation, shows it’s time to rethink our fridge habits.

Findings reveal that a staggering 71% of respondents admit to wasting food every week, with the annual cost of this waste reaching an eye-watering €696 per household. 51% of respondents store dairy products on the bottom shelf, an area intended for raw meat because of its colder temperature.

Worse still, 28% keep dairy products in the fridge door, the most temperature-unstable zone, where frequent openings can quickly cause products to go off.

The problems extend beyond the fridge. Nearly half (45%) of those surveyed have discarded spoiled food due to confusion or misuse of their freezers. Air exposure is a major culprit—if food isn’t properly packaged, air can seep in and cause dehydration. Opting for airtight containers and freezer-safe wrapping is essential.

Furthermore, nearly three in four (70%) Irish households are unaware that their fridge and freezer could be responsible for up to a fifth of their total energy costs highlighting the need for both appliance maintenance and timely upgrading to more energy-efficient models for long-term savings.

Finally, while fridges are designed to keep food fresh, many are now doubling as beauty cabinets. An eye-opening 39% of Irish adults admit to storing non-food items such as eye masks, face cream, nail polish, and even toothpaste in their fridges.

Commenting on the findings, Brian McMenamin, Director, BSH Ireland, Home of Innovation, said: “We are passionate about showcasing the latest product innovations because it’s vital that customers feel empowered to get the best out of their appliances. Our research uncovered many common trends are costing Irish households, but with the right appliances and a few small tweaks, lower energy bills and less food waste could be at your fingertips!”

Home of Innovation’s Top Fridge Organisation Tips:

 

  1. The top shelf tends to have the most consistent temperature, but it’s not the coldest part of the fridge so it’s ideal for leftovers, dairy products like milk yogurt and cheese.
  2. Keep your cooked meats, deli items and hummus on the middle shelf.
  3. Raw meat, fish, or poultry should always go on the bottom shelf to prevent drips and contamination.
  4. Fridge Door is the warmest part of the fridge, so best for storing condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, jams, hot sauces.
  5. Most modern fridges have crisper drawers designed to control humidity and airflow so put them to use and maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables.
  6. First in, first out – try to rotate older items to the front as a reminder to use them.
  7. Don’t overfill – air needs to circulate for proper cooling.
  8. Keep fridge at 4°C – that’s the ideal chilling temperature.

Home of Innovation showcases leading appliances from Bosch, Siemens, and NEFF designed with both energy efficiency and real-life kitchen habits in mind. These appliances tackle the common storage challenges effortlessly by maximising every cooling opportunity. Features like multi-airflow systems ensure consistent temperature control, while clearly labelled zones help organise contents with ease. Fish and meat receive special treatment in dedicated compartments chilled to as low as 0°C for optimal freshness.

Models such as the Bosch French Door Bottom Freezer offer XXL storage and clever compartments such as VitaFresh drawers to keep food fresher for longer – ideal for large households.

For a built-in option with extra room to spare, the NEFF N70 Fridge Freezer (381-litre XXL size) offers significantly more space than a standard larder. With adjustable shelving and dedicated zones for fresh produce, meat, and fish, it ensures everything stays organised and fresh – no more dairy disasters

The Siemens iQ300 Free-standing Fridge Freezer combines intelligent SuperCooling with an inverter compressor that adapts to both internal and external temperatures, keeping groceries at their best.

To discover more cooling products from leading kitchen brands visit the Home of Innovation website to schedule your free expert guided consultation.

Ireland’s Favourite Online Games in 2025

It’s no secret that Ireland has a strong gaming community. 2025 has shown just how wide the country’s tastes have become. From strategy-based multiplayer hits to casual mobile titles, Irish players are spending their evenings exploring new worlds and sharpening their skills. The rise of eSports, the improvement in internet speeds, and the accessibility of affordable gaming laptops have all helped fuel this momentum. It makes gaming part of everyday conversation from Cork to Donegal.

Multiplayer Games Take the Lead

Irish players have moved well beyond single-player adventures. Online gaming is the preferred choice for many. Social features, regular updates, and in-game events pull in steady crowds. Whether it’s five-minute sessions on mobile puzzle games during a Luas ride or late-night raids in MMO universes, players are finding ways to slot gaming into their routines.

Casino games have also carved out a place as a popular genre among Irish gamers, sitting alongside puzzle titles and RPGs in many players’ libraries. For those exploring this side of gaming, recommended casino sites not on GamStop offer a wide selection of slots, card games, and live dealer experiences that appeal to players seeking a mix of entertainment and chance. It’s another layer in Ireland’s diverse gaming appetite in 2025, showing how players continue to blend different gaming experiences to suit their tastes and schedules.

Mobile Titles Continue to Dominate

On the other hand, mobile games remain Ireland’s most popular way to play. Titles like Royal Match, Clash of Clans, and EA Sports FC Mobile are consistently among the top downloads. These games offer quick sessions that don’t require heavy data use. They thrive on simplicity while still giving players the satisfaction of levelling up or competing with friends.

The social side of mobile gaming can’t be ignored either. Irish players are forming local WhatsApp groups to organise clan wars, share tips, or simply have a laugh after a close match. This sense of connection is one reason mobile games continue to outperform expectations. Even as high-spec consoles attract players with stunning visuals.

The Steady Growth of PC and Console Multiplayer

Despite the dominance of mobile gaming, PC and console titles still hold a firm place in Irish homes. Games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, and Valorant remain popular. Players are always keen to improve their skills while catching up with friends online. Esports tournaments, often streamed on platforms like Twitch, have added a competitive edge that many Irish gamers find appealing.

Titles with strong Irish player bases often feature regular updates and seasonal events that keep them fresh. Games like FIFA 25 and Rocket League continue to draw in crowds with their familiar gameplay and new challenges. Story-heavy games such as Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expansions are being enjoyed by players who still prefer immersive single-player experiences when they get the time.

A Niche Love for Indie and Retro

Not every player in Ireland is after the newest AAA release or the latest season pass. Indie games and retro titles have carved out a steady niche. Players are exploring creative puzzle games, narrative-driven adventures, and re-releases of classics. Titles like Stardew Valley, Hades, and Dave the Diver are often discussed in Irish gaming forums. This shows there’s still a strong appetite for games that focus on storytelling and unique gameplay without heavy monetisation.

Emulators and retro handhelds have also become more visible at local gaming meetups. From Pokémon Red to Super Mario Bros., retro gaming is acting as a link between generations. They can bring families together in a way few hobbies can.

The Influence of Irish Streamers

Irish gaming influencers on Twitch and YouTube continue to play a role in shaping what games are popular locally. When an Irish streamer picks up a new game or returns to an older title, it often sparks a wave of interest among their followers. This peer-led approach to gaming recommendations has a notable impact on download trends and online discussions within the community.

These streamers also provide a sense of familiarity for Irish viewers, using local humour and references while playing. All this adds a comforting layer of relatability. It’s another reason why Irish gaming culture has developed its own identity in 2025. One that feels connected while still exploring global trends.

The Social Thread in Ireland’s Gaming Scene

One clear thread throughout Ireland’s favourite games in 2025 is their ability to bring people together. Whether it’s dropping into a quick match of Among Us with friends, joining a community Minecraft server, or competing in an online FIFA league, games have become a steady background in many Irish social circles.

As broadband access improves and gaming becomes even more accessible across devices, Ireland’s favourite online games are likely to keep changing. Yet the core reasons why people play, connection, challenge, and a chance to unwind, remain the same. Gaming will continue to hold its place in Irish culture.

 

Bank of Ireland becomes the first Irish bank to be Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly

Bank of Ireland is the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly, with all of its 182 branches across Ireland and Northern Ireland now recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol, as well as extending its JAM Card partnership.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for people to voluntarily share that they have a “non-visible” disability or condition that may not immediately be apparent to others. Those availing of the service can wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or pin to indicate that they may need a helping hand, or more time in bank branches, with Bank of Ireland branch colleagues trained to identify the Sunflower ensuring additional supports can be provided when required.

The JAM Card is another discreet way to let others know that you need ‘Just A Minute’ of patience and support, with Bank of Ireland first becoming JAM Card friendly in July 2020. Customers can show their JAM Card in branches to let a member of staff know they need a little extra time or assistance when doing their banking and all Bank of Ireland branch teams have also been trained to recognise the JAM Card.

In addition to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and Jam Card initiatives, Bank of Ireland is introducing a broader programme of customer accessibility enhancements, including accessible ATMs, simpler customer communications, and new supports for customers with hearing impairments. These changes are part of a wide range of accessibility improvements being carried out across the Bank following the introduction of the European Accessibility Act.

Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “Providing an accessible and welcoming banking experience for all our customers is a priority, and I am delighted that we are the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. We also recognise the JAM Card across our entire network, are installing 650 new accessible ATMs, and have improved supports for customers who are deaf or have hearing or speech difficulties with SignVideo – an on-demand sign language video interpretation service. These initiatives help remove barriers that some customers encounter on a daily basis, and we will continue working to provide inclusive banking services across our entire customer base.”

Paul White, CEO at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Bank of Ireland to ensure all their branches are now Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. I want to recognise the continuing steps the Bank is taking to provide an inclusive banking experience for all its customers.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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