Tag: #Irish

Power Capital Renewable Energy, in partnership with AIB, Bank of Ireland and Societe Generale, has successfully completed a project finance round to develop approximately 300MW of solar farms across Ireland

Power Capital Renewable Energy, in partnership with AIB, Bank of Ireland and Societe Generale, has successfully completed a project finance round to develop approximately 300MW of solar farms across Ireland.

This agreement secures facilities of nearly €220M to support the development of seven projects ranging in size from 6.5MW to 153MW.

The combined production of this portfolio will generate enough electricity to power over 70,000 homes per year.

All projects were awarded a tariff under the Department of Environment, Climate & Communication’s second Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS 2) in 2022.

Projects have commenced construction and are set to be completed and operational in 2026, contributing significantly to the government’s goal of generating 80% of Ireland’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

As part of the RESS 2 scheme, local communities will benefit from a contribution of €2 per MWh throughout the duration of the program.

Power Capital already has 230MW of fully operational projects since 2024 and continues to expand its portfolio, with an additional 400MW secured under the RESS 3 and RESS 4 schemes.

Power Capital: Justin Brown CEO says: “We have dedicated nearly 12 months to this transaction, encompassing seven solar projects across multiple counties and collaborating with various construction and finance teams to achieve a successful outcome. This is an outstanding achievement for Power Capital, our team and everyone involved. We are very excited to build on this success and advance our RESS 3 & 4 portfolio later this year.”

 AIB: Jim Arigho Director, Climate Capital says: “The rollout of utility scale solar energy generation is a vital component in Ireland meeting its Climate Action targets and complements wind energy generation.  This financing is a milestone on that journey and AIB is delighted to work with the Power Capital team again in helping Ireland make the transition to a more sustainable future.”

 Bank of Ireland: Michael Lauhoff, Head of Specialist Banking, Corporate & Commercial commented:  “Bank of Ireland is delighted to support Power Capital in reaching this important milestone. The debt package will finance the delivery of a scaled and diversified portfolio of solar assets which will directly contribute to decarbonising Irish energy. As a long-term financier of Irish renewables, the provision of capital to the sustainable energy market is a key strategic ambition for Bank of Ireland and we are proud to be part of these exciting projects.”

 Societe Generale said: “Societe Generale is delighted to support the development of Power Capital, one of the leading Irish renewables developers, and have worked alongside Power Capital, AIB, and Band of Ireland since the start to bring the financing to a successful close. The portfolio of solar farms could contribute towards Ireland’s 2030 renewable generation targets and the development of renewable assets in the country.”

Could 2025 be the year of technological reinvention? Four key trends Irish organisations need to be aware of

All organizations are looking for the same thing right now: to harness the potential of AI to innovate, overcome challenges and remain competitive in the market.
Throughout 2024, we have witnessed the generalization and massification of GenAI and endless debates about how useful it really is. Looking ahead, we are preparing for a scenario of radical change that will test the ability of companies to build a technological ecosystem, where there is a convergence between innovation and responsibility.
In 2025, the era of experimentation will be replaced by reinvention – it is time to effectively implement (and also discard) much of what has been tested in organizations in proofs of concept, pilot projects, or use cases. This change will significantly impact the business, with the introduction of innovation, implementation of new functionalities, or rethinking of processes. In this sense, I have identified below  four major trends that will impact organizations in 2025:
  1. An AI Pivot
GenAI has dominated debates about technology and Artificial Intelligence. It is expected that 2025 will represent the beginning of a turning point, where “hyper-experimentation” gives way to the reinvention phase. Shortage of developers, high costs, poorly defined strategies and poor coordination between different teams, IT and the overall business goals are some of the factors that have limited the success  of implementing GenAI in companies.
Faced with this challenge, and according to IDC predictions, up to 30% of organizations will reconsider their investments in GenAI if the solutions created are not positively impacting the business. Companies must opt for a less complex approach and move forward in a progressive and step by step fashion, in order to manage decision makers’ expectations.
 
  1. Artificial Intelligence Agents
The evolution of AI Agents represents a paradigm shift that redefines the limits of traditional Artificial Intelligence. With a high degree of autonomy, these agents are capable of carrying out predefined tasks independently, revolutionizing multiple areas. From decision-making without human intervention, through software development, and process optimization, this technology offers highly efficient solutions, generating a significant impact on organizational productivity.
It is estimated that, by 2028, 15% of corporate decisions will be made by these agents. More than a virtual tool that complements human actions, Artificial Intelligence agents are an opportunity to rethink the role of technology, prioritizing the balance between responsible integration and the protection of human needs.
More than having just a chatbot replying to some questions or doing some actions, AI agents will be talking between them, orchestrating actions and proving a task-oriented process where actions will be done by agents and supervised by humans.
  1. Data-as-a-Product
Data-as-a-Product (DaaP) remains one of the biggest challenges for organizations in the coming years. If we consider data as strategic assets, and look at it as a product, we are making our companies more efficient and business-oriented. To achieve this, businesses must create not only a robust governance system, but also AI platforms that generate assertive insights capable of guaranteeing ethical compliance, while promoting transparency and responsibility.
There are more advantages than disadvantages in treating data as a product – this model provides innovation and creativity, enabling teams to develop solutions with a previously available date, which increases the efficiency and productivity of organizations.
In short, components of a Data Product are Data Content: Raw and processed data Metadata: Documentation, lineage, and quality metrics and APIs/ Interfaces: For seamless access and integration.
Built to be discoverable, reliable, and usable by all teams across the organization.
  1. Data and Document Governance
Could 2025 finally be the year when the topic of Data Governance assumes a pivotal role within organisations? I believe so. With the emergence of Generative AI and the growing ability to directly query documentation, the scope of data governance is expanding into a broader concept of “document governance”. This evolution highlights the increasing necessity of establishing robust governance over who queries, what they query, in which documents, and with what permissions. Such measures are essential to ensure comprehensive control and security in this rapidly evolving landscape.
This subject goes beyond being a purely IT-driven initiative; it represents a vital connection between technology and business. For Data and Document Governance to be effective, it demands close collaboration between technical experts and business leaders. This ensures that data management strategies are not only technically sound but also aligned with the organisation’s broader goals. By uniting these areas, organisations can safeguard critical information, streamline operations, and support well-informed decision-making, an integrated effort that highlights its essential role in achieving sustainable growth and maintaining a competitive edge.
According to IDC, by 2028 it is expected that the amount invested in AI, worldwide, will exceed €700Bn. An impressive indicator, without a doubt. 2025 will be a critical year in this process,  the year of effective implementation of GenAI and (yet another!) technological reinvention. Enhancing responsible innovation, raising awareness about the conscious use of technology, investing in the robustness of the “governance” of Artificial Intelligence and the potential of AI Agents are strategies that will transform the future of companies in Ireland and globally.
By: Ricardo Batista, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Noesis

New initiative for young people to explore how Irish language and traditions can inspire environmental innovations

The CONNECT Centre’s Academy of the Near Future, in partnership with Gael Linn’s Gaelbhratach team, has launched a new Irish-language educational programme for young people. The initiative – ‘Treoraigh do Thodhchaí’ –  will feature hands-on workshops addressing environmental challenges and explore how the Irish language and traditions can inspire creative, sustainable, and technological solutions for the future.

Young people aged 15-17 are being invited to apply for the week-long programme, which will run from Monday, 31st March to Friday, 4th April 2025. Over the course of the programme the selected students will be encouraged to reflect on the role of the Irish language in their own lives and explore its significance in the wider context of environmental sustainability.

The programme will be hosted at Stiúideo Cuan, An Spidéal, Co. na Gaillimhe. It is the first Irish-language medium version of the ‘Design Your Future City’ programme, which has been delivered by Academy of the Near Future annually in Dublin since 2022.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Mairead Hurley, Assistant Professor in Science & Society Education, Trinity College Dublin, said: “We are excited to build on our innovative, youth-led approach to sustainability and citizenship education by delivering it through the Irish language for the first time. This step celebrates the creativity and transdisciplinary potential the Irish language brings to global citizenship education.

“This programme offers students a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, while exploring the role of Irish language and culture in shaping a sustainable future. It will also draw on the expertise of Trinity School of Education’s Critical Change Lab programme, an EU project exploring creative educational approaches to promote active citizenship and youth activism.”

Also commenting, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, Gael Linn said: “Gael Linn is thrilled to collaborate on ‘Treoraigh do Thodhchaí’, creating opportunities for young people to lead and shape a brighter future. Through our Gaelbhratach initiative, we have seen the incredible creativity and passion young people bring when given the chance to lead and shape their own future. This project is an exciting opportunity to amplify the student voice, combining their innovative ideas with the power of our language and culture to create a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.”

Support from the Department of Education

The programme is being run with support from the Department of Education’s ‘Education for Sustainable Development to 2030 Fund’. Commenting on the initiative, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD said: “I am delighted to see ‘Treoraigh do Thodhchaí’ open for applications, supported by the Education for Sustainable Development to 2030 Fund. I am particularly pleased to see it being rolled out for the first time in the Gaeltacht community in Galway, with plans to extend it to the Gaeltacht community in Kerry in the coming months. This will encourage students to get involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to be excited about the role they can play in tackling climate issues in their community using technology.”

Highlights from the programme

Over the course of the week, the selected students will have the opportunity to:

  • Engage in interactive workshops that integrate Irish language and cultural elements with sustainability and technology.
  • Collaborate with experts through Irish to develop a deeper understanding of Irish language and traditions.
  • Experiment with citizen science to address the environmental challenges facing modern cities, all through the lens of Irish culture.
  • Meet STEM, design, and innovation experts who will guide students in bringing their ideas to life with a sustainability focus

Application Details

The programme is open to students aged 15-17. Applicants must commit to attending all sessions of the week-long course. Workshops will be conducted in Irish, and the main requirement is an enthusiasm for technology, sustainability, and Irish culture. With only 20 places available, interested students are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing out.

To apply, applicants must answer a few short questions about themselves, describe an environmental challenge in their area, and propose a technology-driven solution. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday, 24th February 2025.

For further information and the application process, visit: https://nearfuture.ie/programmes/treoraigh-do-thodchai

BluePoint is A Free Irish Phone App to Combat Plastic Pollution

Created under the EU-funded BluePoint Project, the app leverages cutting-edge technologies to tackle marine plastic waste while fostering innovative solutions.

Co-director of the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems at UL, Professor Gerard Dooly, said the new app, which is available for iPhone and Android, could also create a pathway for recycling plastic pollution collected along Ireland’s 3,172 kilometres of coastline – the longest coastline per head of population in Europe. “Employing drones equipped with sensors, the app leverages cutting-edge technologies such as infrared (IR), multispectral imaging, LiDAR, and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and locate plastic waste in natural environments, particularly beaches and can scan vast areas to pinpoint the exact locations of plastic debris,” he said.

Prof Dooly said anyone with a suitable camera-equipped drone could scan any area and upload the data and disclosed that commercial partners plan to incorporate the project’s outcomes, using recycled raw materials to drive a circular economy and promote industry-wide sustainability. “In minutes, the BluePoint app identifies pollution hotspots and can even locate items as small as a bottle cap. BluePoint enables communities to keep their coastlines free of plastic pollution, and we can link them up with companies who can commercialise this waste – it’s a win-win for everybody,” he added.

Team member Mr. Jose Alvarez said the app features an intuitive user interface, making it easy for anyone to navigate and contribute to cleanup efforts. “On top of that, BluePoint offers an augmented reality (AR) mode, allowing users to visualise the plastic waste in real-time and better understand its impact on the environment.

Prof Dooly said BluePoint is more than just an app, describing it as a powerful environmental conservation tool. “By engaging the public and providing them with the necessary information and resources, we can collectively make a significant difference in protecting our oceans and beaches.”

BluePoint is available for download on iOS https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/blue-point/id6720749903 and https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glorystats.bluepoint&hl=en_IE

To learn more about the project and how you can get involved, visit  https://www.bluepointproject.eu/the-project.htm.

More tech news

Vida Care to open ten Irish clinics as demand for preventative healthcare soars

Irish healthcare provider Vida Care is ramping up its plans to open ten preventative health screening and testing clinics in Ireland after closing a funding round which has generated €1 million from investors.

The company has already spent another €1 million developing its business model and opening its first three clinics and has screened over 2,000 patients as it responds to a new and growing demand from Irish consumers who have become proactive about protecting their health, longevity and wellness.

Vida Care opened its third clinic in Pembroke Street in Dublin this week, following on from clinic openings in Blackrock and Clonsilla. The new clinic is its first in Dublin city centre and will be followed by new clinic openings in Cork, Galway, Sligo and Athlone in the coming months.

Vida Care’s service provides patients with immediate access to preventative health screening, enabling them to book routine tests for bloods, cholesterol, cortisol, diabetes, thyroid, hormones, colon cancer and STIs on demand and to receive their test results from 48 hours.

Its base line test costs €129 and covers 46-biomarkers, providing patients with essential insights into their kidney, heart and liver health. Its most comprehensive screening test costs €499 and covers 150 data points including nutritional, hormonal, digestive, pancreatic, muscle and joint health, allergy evaluation, and screening for infection and inflammation.

Vida Care is also eyeing up expansion into Portugal and Marbella which have become the epicentre of the preventative healthcare, longevity and wellness business in Europe. This element of its overall expansion strategy will provide new and existing clients who live aboard for part of the year with a familiar, local service.

‘The preventative healthcare and longevity business is exploding in Ireland and is being driven by consumers who want to take back control of their health. Vida Care is leading the way in meeting that demand and we are pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand and scale up our company at home and abroad,’ said Conor Kelly, CEO of Vida Care.

‘Our growth to date has been financed by shareholders, private investors and investment through the EIIS scheme. This investment has also allowed us to develop innovative software that is powered by AI technology to revolutionise how our health data and test results are analysed and to provide detailed recommendations that significantly improve patient outcomes,’ he said.

‘Irish consumers want to know their health numbers. They are already getting a lot of biometric data from wearable devices and related apps which are often their first step towards taking charge of their health. Vida Care is the next step on that personal wellness journey and the demand for our service is also being driven by customers who simply can’t access their local GP service,’ Mr Kelly.

‘Our health screening and testing service makes life easier for patients. They don’t need a GP referral, they won’t be left waiting for days for results, and they won’t have to chase their GP to know where they stand. They can book a same day appointment online and have their results from 48 hours. Our patients value the convenience and peace of mind that comes with that,’ he concluded.

Vida Care is also providing cardiac screening services for sports clubs and corporate clients. It’s rapid analysis and results model has already played a critical role in saving lives, in helping to ensure that at risk individuals are identified and supported, and in reducing the incidences of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) among people under 35.

See other health news 

Majority of Irish businesses have either adopted or plan to integrate a clear AI strategy

Ireland’s Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) sector continues to drive growth and employment, but without funding it risks dependence on foreign technology and diminishing competitiveness, according to the Ireland’s Innovation Index Pulse Survey, which surveyed over 500 Irish companies.

IRDG and KPMG conducted Ireland’s Innovation Index pulse survey in October and November and this pulse survey aimed to capture the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities faced by companies in Ireland active in Research Development and Innovation.

The research found that nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of businesses plan to increase RDI spending in response to challenges like AI and talent shortages, with the recent R&D tax credit rate increase to 30 percent continuing to drive growth. However, this is down 12 percent from 78 percent in comparison to a similar question that was asked in the main Ireland’s Innovation Index 2024 survey in May 2024. This may be a sign of decreasing confidence in Ireland’s RDI environment.

At the same time, it found that over 6 in 10 cited a lack of funding as the primary barrier to increasing innovation, while 43 percent of businesses identify time constraints and one third (34 percent) said difficultly recruiting talent as significant challenges.

The administrative burden related to the R&D Tax Credit claims and grant applications remain an issue with 80 percent of respondents reporting that the administrative burden has remained the same, and 14 percent reporting that it has worsened, while only 6 percent saw an improvement over the past six months.

R&D of green and sustainable technologies

Over half (51 percent) are currently involved in the R&D of green and sustainable technologies.  Many of those companies (95 percent) already involved in the R&D of green and sustainable technologies plan to further invest in the coming year. Only 2 percent of companies which are not currently investing in developing these technologies plan to do so in the future.

Adoption of AI

Some 39 percent of organisations claim to have adopted or are currently adopting AI with a clear strategy, nearly one third (32 percent) plan to integrate AI within the next 6-12 months, and 3 in 10 have little or no AI strategy and no current plans to adopt AI.

Ken Hardy, Head of KPMG’s RDI Incentives Practice noted: “Investment in RDI is critical for long-term economic growth and job creation across the country. Notably, 65 percent of businesses plan to increase RDI spending, driven by many factors including recent increase in the rate of the R&D tax credit to 30 percent. Issues such as the high cost of innovation have led to concerns about decreasing confidence in the RDI environment. We need to continue to improve the attractiveness of investing in RDI to maintain Ireland’s competitive position.“

Dermot Casey, CEO of IRDG, remarked: “Ireland is at a critical juncture. Business is eager to embrace AI and green technologies, but high costs and funding gaps are holding us back. Innovation is the lifeblood of our economy and the key to tackling global challenges like climate change. We need immediate action to break down these barriers. It’s time to radically improve Ireland’s RDI environment and claim our position as a global innovation leader.”

How did Storm Darragh impact Irish mobile operators

Storm Darragh caused the most extensive damage to Ireland’s electricity infrastructure in a decade and widespread mobile network outages over the weekend.

Today, Ookla shares its analysis of the impact on mobile operators in Ireland and Speedtest Intelligence® data revealing a marked and sustained decline in download and upload speeds, as well as increased latency and jitter, across all operators nationally.

Ireland’s three Mobile Network Operators (Eir, Three and Vodafone) all suffered, with median download speeds on Saturday recorded at nearly 70% lower than the 7-day average preceding the storm.  Around 40% of all samples collected by Speedtest failed to meet the minimum thresholds across 4G (5 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload) and 5G (25 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload) on Saturday.

This performance analysis is based on the national picture, highlighting that the impact was significant enough to lower the overall country-wide performance profile. A closer examination of the worst-affected areas along the western seaboard revealed even more pronounced declines in performance outcomes in the aftermath of the storm.

Read more here

Read more Ookla news here

‘Mindful’ spending Irish will still treat themselves this Black Friday

As Black Friday approaches, shoppers across the country are adopting a more mindful approach to spending, new data from Revolut, the global fintech with more than 2.8 million Irish customers and over 50 million globally, suggests.

As financial pressures continue to tighten the purse strings, 30% of Irish consumers have reported that they plan to spend less this Black Friday, reflecting a blend of financial caution and a desire to indulge in more meaningful purchases either for themselves or loved ones.

The study also suggests that ‘treat culture’ is still making a significant mark on Irish society, with one in five (20%) citing a desire to treat themselves to something new as their main motivation for any Black Friday spending. Those wanting a little treat this Black Friday are 25% of 18-24-year-olds, while half (49%) of 18-34-year-old consumers will use this occasion to spend mindfully, purchasing things they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.

This move towards a more mindful way of spending has also impacted where consumers are choosing to shop. Despite Black Friday historically being a popular online retail event, many plan to head back to the high street this year. Two in five (42%) shoppers will hand Ireland’s small shop owners a boost, with many citing a desire to support small businesses and escape long delivery times as factors in their decision-making.

Youngsters are the most motivated by Black Friday shopping with 90% of 18-24-year-olds agreeing Black Friday is a good chance to grab a great deal compared to the more sceptical over-65s (59%) – 15% of whom claim that the deals on offer aren’t as good as they used to be.

Maurice Murphy, General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch, said: “Managing your money needn’t be complex or confusing but it pays to be mindful, and this data clearly shows a change in consumer behaviour ahead of this year’s Black Friday. Irish shoppers are purposefully savvy, but with plenty of deals on offer, it’s good to see consumers unafraid of treating themselves at this time.”

With consumers in Ireland increasingly prioritising mindful purchases, brands and retailers alike are preparing for a season defined by quality offerings and compelling deals. Revolut will also take part in this year’s Black Friday with some exciting deals available in-app this month: 

 

  • Aer Lingus: Until the end of November 2024, earn 10x RevPoints when you choose to pay with Revolut Pay at the checkout.
  • The Irish Independent: Until the end of November 2024, earn 10x RevPoints when you choose to pay with Revolut Pay at the checkout.
  • HelloFresh: Until the end of November 2024, get a 50% discount and 20x RevPoints.
  • Vision Express: Until the end of November 2024, get a free eye test and 30% off when you spend €60 or more, as well as 20x RevPoints.

 

Revolut Bank UAB (Irish Branch) was recently recognised by financial comparison site Bonkers.ie as ‘Ireland’s Best Consumer Business’ and ‘provider of the Best Current Account’, while the company ranked 9th as part of the Ireland RepTrak® 2024 study earlier this year.

 

For more information, visit: www.revolut.com/en-IE

Irish Rugby stars unite to promote positive online experiences for young people

International stars from the Men’s and Women’s Irish Rugby Teams have joined forces to promote more positive online experiences among young people.
 
In collaboration with the Vodafone Foundation’s Tozi App, influential Irish rugby players Caelan Doris, Mack Hansen, and Josh van der Flier from the Men’s team, along with Deirbhile Nic a Bháird, Fiona Tuite, and Dorothy Wall from the Women’s team, have created a series of online videos to support young people with their online experiences.

These videos share their personal experiences with digital resilience, emphasise the importance of kindness, and offer valuable advice to their 12-year-old selves.

The Vodafone Foundation Tozi App, developed in partnership with DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and Childline by ISPCC, aims to empower young people to navigate the digital world safely and positively.
 
As prominent sports figures, they have a substantial following on social media and frequently engage with both positive and negative interactions online. They shared their insights on managing the heightened presence of social media and offered advice to young people on handling the varied reactions they encounter.
 
Dorothy Wall, Ireland Women’s player, shared her advice to her 12-year-old self: “Your close people just want to make sure you’re okay. People around you are the most important thing and can lift you up when you’re low, but you need to let them know when you’re feeling down.”

Ireland Men’s Captain, Caelan Doris, highlighted the importance of kindness and how the smallest interaction, good or bad, can have the biggest impact: “It goes back to being kind, whether in person or online. It’s easy to post something negative or nice online, but you don’t always see the impact it might have on that person. So, be mindful and be kind.”

Ireland Women’s player, Fiona Tuite also gave advice to younger people on how to deal with negative comments online. She said: “It’s not the real world. These are anonymous people. Put the phone away. Who cares what they think. They don’t know anything about you your life or what’s going with you. Put the phone away and go talk to real people.”

The Tozi app is available for free download and usage from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
 
Liz Roche, Head of the Vodafone Foundation in Ireland emphasised the importance of the Tozi App in a challenging time for young people online: “With the increase in online activity among young people, the Tozi App provides research-backed resources and learning tools to help young people manage their online presence. Since its launch in 2023, Tozi has made a significant impact, achieving nearly 4,000 downloads. Polls have emerged as the most popular content type on the app, offering bite-sized, quick-reward content that allows users to test their knowledge and opinions while viewing responses from others. We recommend all parents and guardians to encourage their children to download the App if they have a phone. It is free to download and use, and available to everyone, regardless of their network provider.”
 
Tozi is designed to educate, empower, and support young people with a range of engaging features:

  • Cosmos: A rich content library offering stories, tips, and advice on handling common online challenges such as account hacks, ghosting, trolling, grieving, and self-esteem issues.

  • Live Help: Direct access to call or chat with Childline by ISPCC.

  • My Space: A private journaling area featuring a gamified diary and feelings-tracker.