5 Main Reasons Why People Prefer AI Sexting Over Real Partners

Technology has changed how people connect, and intimacy is no exception. More people now turn to AI for private conversations and sexual interactions, often finding comfort in a digital partner that feels easier to manage than a human one. You may wonder why so many choose AI sexting instead of relying on real partners, and the reasons reveal a lot about changing expectations in relationships.

This shift does not mean people no longer value real connection, but it does show how AI fills certain needs that human partners sometimes cannot. From avoiding emotional risks to enjoying constant availability, these digital interactions highlight both convenience and control. As you explore the main reasons behind this trend, you will see how AI reshapes the way intimacy is experienced today.

1.Avoidance of rejection and emotional pain

You may feel safer with sexting AI because it removes the risk of rejection. In real relationships, rejection can cause emotional pain that feels personal and difficult to manage. With an AI partner, you avoid that fear and maintain control over the interaction.

Real partners can sometimes ignore, criticize, or withdraw, which can trigger feelings of exclusion or self-doubt. These responses often hurt more than people expect, and they can affect your mood and confidence. AI chatbots, however, respond consistently and never dismiss you.

Because of this, sexting AI creates a space where you can explore intimacy without the pressure of judgment. The interaction stays private and predictable, which helps you feel more secure. You decide how the conversation unfolds, and the AI adapts to your needs.

For many, this makes sexting AI appealing as a way to enjoy sexual expression while avoiding emotional risks tied to human rejection. It offers comfort, especially if past experiences with rejection still feel painful.

2.Consistent availability without scheduling conflicts

You never have to wait for an AI partner to be free. Unlike real people, there are no work hours, social plans, or time zones to manage. This constant access makes it easy to start a conversation whenever you feel the need.

With an AI, you avoid the stress of matching schedules or negotiating time together. The interaction happens on your terms, which can feel more convenient than coordinating with a partner who has other responsibilities.

This availability also removes the pressure of interrupting someone’s day. You can engage at any moment without worrying about being a burden or a distraction.

As a result, the experience often feels smoother and more predictable. You gain control over the timing of the interaction, which can create a sense of comfort and stability.

3.Safe space for exploring fantasies without judgment

AI sexting gives you a private space where you can express fantasies without fear of embarrassment. You do not have to worry about how another person might react, which can make it easier to share thoughts you might normally keep hidden.

This sense of freedom allows you to explore ideas that may not match what you want in real life. Fantasies often serve as a mental outlet rather than a direct reflection of your actual desires.

Because there is no risk of judgment, you can test boundaries and notice what feels exciting or comfortable. This can help you better understand your preferences in a safe and controlled way.

In addition, AI does not pressure you or dismiss your thoughts. Instead, it provides a consistent response that lets you focus on curiosity rather than fear of rejection. This makes the experience feel more open and less stressful.

4.AI’s ability to remember and reference past interactions

You may notice that AI partners can recall details from earlier chats. This memory allows the system to bring up past conversations, preferences, or topics you mentioned before. As a result, your interactions feel more personal and less repetitive.

Unlike casual exchanges with strangers, the AI can keep track of your likes and dislikes. It can reference things you said in a previous session, which makes the dialogue feel smoother and more connected. This gives you a sense of being understood without needing to repeat yourself.

In addition, memory helps the AI maintain context across multiple conversations. Instead of starting fresh each time, it can build on what you already shared. This continuity makes discussions flow naturally and creates a stronger sense of familiarity.

Because the AI remembers details, you can explore ongoing themes or fantasies without interruption. This consistency creates a space that feels stable and tailored to your interests, which many people find appealing compared to starting over with a new partner.

5.Lack of pressure or expectation for physical intimacy

You may feel that real relationships often carry unspoken expectations about physical closeness. This can create stress if your mood, health, or energy does not match your partner’s needs. AI interaction removes that pressure, which allows you to engage without fear of disappointing anyone.

In many relationships, physical intimacy can decline due to stress, health issues, or emotional distance. These factors sometimes lead to conflict or feelings of guilt. With AI, you avoid those tensions because no one demands physical affection or sexual activity.

This freedom can make the experience feel safer and more comfortable. You control the pace, the tone, and the level of interaction. As a result, you focus on communication and fantasy without the weight of real-world obligations.

For some people, this lack of expectation creates a sense of relief. It allows you to explore desires privately while avoiding the common challenges that often come with physical intimacy in human relationships.

Conclusion

You now understand that people turn to AI sexting for reasons tied to privacy, safety, and convenience. It removes the fear of rejection and gives you a space without judgment.

You also see that it can feel easier than navigating real relationships, which often involve conflict and compromise. At the same time, it may create distance from real human connections.

By weighing these points, you can better decide how this trend fits into your own view of intimacy and relationships.

ABM Connect for Life Sciences Launches in Ireland to Strengthen Regulatory Compliance and Operational Efficiency

ABM, a leading international provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, today announced the launch of ABM Connect™ for Life Sciences in Ireland. The platform is designed to help life sciences organisations improve accuracy, meet stringent regulatory requirements, and enhance operational efficiency in controlled environments.
A Digital, Audit-Ready Compliance Tool
ABM Connect for Life Sciences replaces paper-based documentation with a secure, fully digital system that creates an instant, audit-ready record of all activities. By guiding frontline teams step-by-step through their cleaning, maintenance, and operational protocols, the platform helps reduce errors, improve inspection readiness, and streamline day-to-day processes in compliance with the European Medicines Agency’s Annex 11 guidelines for electronic records and electronic signatures.
The system is accessible via a secure mobile application on company-issued devices, giving authorised personnel immediate access to live schedules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and task instructions. It also features real-time, automated task management and verification, ensuring that work is completed according to validated processes by trained and compliant staff.
Supporting Compliance in a Highly Regulated Sector
Manual documentation and logbooks in life sciences facilities can be time-consuming, prone to error, and costly to maintain. ABM Connect for Life Sciences digitises and centralises these records, helping companies reduce the likelihood of deviations, minimise rework, and improve oversight.
“Clients across the life sciences landscape are under pressure to deliver efficiency without compromising safety or compliance,” said Dinny Crowe, Vice President, Operations, ABM“ABM Connect for Life Sciences builds on decades of sector expertise to provide a precision-driven, validated process that gives our clients real-time visibility into operations and readiness for inspection at any time.”
Clients who utilise ABM Connect for Life Sciences state that it has improved their documentation compliance while reducing the costs and environmental impact of maintaining paper logbooks. It is a smarter, more sustainable approach to compliance.
A Strategic Expansion in Ireland
This launch marks a significant step in ABM’s growth within Ireland’s life sciences sector, where the company is expanding its specialist services. Globally, ABM supports more than 85 million square feet of life sciences facilities daily, with over 500 GMP-trained team members working in highly regulated, controlled environments.
ABM is an active member of leading life sciences professional associations, including the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE), Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST), Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio), BioCom California, and INTERPHEX. With more than 25 years of life sciences expertise, ABM’s Irish team delivers tailored, end-to-end support, combining global best practices with deep regulatory knowledge to meet the unique needs of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturers.
ABM Connect for Life Sciences is already in use across the United States with some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies,

Vitesy launches its upgraded version of Shelfy to extend food freshness #IFA2025

Vitesy, a company committed to improving people’s well-being and health through the development of sustainable and smart solutions, announces the launch of an upgraded version of the original Shelfy at IFA Berlin. This upgraded smart device is designed to extend food life, eliminate bacteria and odours, and significantly reduce household food waste.

The main upgrades from the original Shelfy include a new colour option, blue LED lighting for even more effective photocatalysis and enhanced battery performance for a more efficient charging cycle. As German households continue to waste a staggering 10.8M tonnes worth of food annually, Shelfy arrives at a crucial time to help families cut costs and live more sustainably. Vitesy will be at IFA Berlin in H1.2 Booth 113. The new Shelfy will be available from Vitesy from 16th September 2025 for an RRP of £119 [ launch offer at £109]

With its advanced photocatalytic technology, Shelfy removes harmful gases and microorganisms from inside refrigerators, reducing bacteria in the air by up to 97.5% in just 10 minutes and cutting unpleasant odours by 80%, such as those from fish or cheese. It also neutralises ethylene, the natural gas emitted by fruits and vegetables that accelerates spoilage, thereby slowing ripening and decay. The result is fresher food for longer with up to 12 extra days of shelf life.

Key features of Shelfy:

  • No filter replacements needed: The washable ceramic-coated filter helps maintain zero-waste usage and only needs to be washed under water when necessary and placed back in the device.
  • Smart sensors: Built-in temperature monitoring and door opening detection support energy efficiency.
  • Blue LED light: makes photocatalysis more efficient
  • Three adaptive modes: Eco, Crisper, and Performance mode are tailored to placement and usage needs.
  • Up to three weeks of battery life with easy USB-C recharging.
  • Full app integration: The Vitesy Hub app provides real-time fridge analytics, energy tips, and storage advice.
  • Smart home ready: Seamless compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Shelfy also contributes to broader sustainability goals. Vitesy manufactures the device without glue or harmful chemicals, packages it plastic-free and works with sustainability partner UP2You. Its reusable

design aligns with Vitesy’s commitment to a zero-waste future.

With the cost-of-living going up, Shelfy is a one-time investment that can start to pay for itself within months, making it both an eco-conscious and financially smart addition to any kitchen.

New EU law will improve phone and battery life

Starting this summer, all phones and tablets sold in the EU and Ireland must have more durable batteries, greater resistance to drops, and be easier to repair.

That is according to Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands Northwest, Nina Carberry, who has hailed the new law as a key measure in enhancing consumer rights and holding manufacturers to higher standards when designing products.

The ‘Ecodesign Regulation’ will mean that new mobile phones and tablets must be capable of holding at least 800 charges, while retaining at least 80% of their initial battery capacity.

Phones must also be able to survive at least 45 accidental drops, and be repairable for 7 years, with manufacturers required to supply key spare parts within 5-10 working days.

“Phones that last longer mean less waste, less cost on repairs, and far less frustration for the consumer. ”

“This regulation is a powerful reminder of how the EU shapes daily life. It will also reduce the environmental impact of electronic devices, promoting greater sustainability across Europe”, Carberry concluded

WHOOP 5.0 MG First Look

Over the last few months I have been testing out the WHOOP 4.0 and about to drop a review on that soon which comes perfectly timed to test out the new WHOOP 5.0 MG and after using the WHOOP 4.0 I can say it has changed me in several ways including habits which I find a good thing and not only that I did wear this to bed for test duration something I never done even with smartwatches and still do not.

Recently launched the new WHOOP line of products ups the game again and I look forward to getting more in depth insights to my health even with WHOOP 4.o my doctor was impressed with what the device offered.

I have noticed myself more and more people using WHOOP devices some with another wearable device and some not, for me I always have a smartwatch on which is good to compare data and see who offers the most accuracy and having many watches to test against WHOOP and other devices it is handy to have this available.

With ECG hardware onboard, WHOOP MG unlocks features like Heart Screener when paired with compatible bands. The device also maintains 24/7 tracking capabilities—including heart rate, strain, sleep, skin temperature, and more.

WHOOP MG features a compact yet powerful design that’s 7% smaller than WHOOP 4.0, with a matte black finish and brushed metal detailing. It weighs slightly more than WHOOP 5.0 (~27.3 g), due to the conductive clasp required for ECG signal acquisition.

 

Features

  • EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS INCLUDED: Your WHOOP purchase includes a 12-month WHOOP Life membership, a WHOOP MG device, a SuperKnit Luxe band, and a waterproof* Wireless PowerPack.
  • CONTINUOUS MONITORING: WHOOP continuously monitors your physiological data, including sleep, stress, VO2 max, blood pressure*, and heart health metrics—providing 24/7 insights to optimize fitness, recovery, and overall health.
  • ADVANCED INSIGHTS: WHOOP Life seamlessly integrates total-health screening into your routine
  • ON-DEMAND ECG READINGS: With electrocardiogram readings, Heart Screener detects potential signs of AFib to help you stay informed about your heart health.*
  • FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND BLOOD PRESSURE TECHNOLOGY: Get blood pressure insights*, including systolic and diastolic ranges, and learn about how blood pressure affects your well-being and performance.

BUY

More WHOOP News

Unboxing Video 

WHOOP Unveils WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG: Powerful New Devices with Breakthrough Health and Longevity Features

WHOOP, the human performance company, today introduces WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG — two next-generation wearables designed to unlock a new approach to personal health and longevity. Paired with a redesigned WHOOP experience, the devices offer 14-day battery life in a sleeker, seven percent smaller form – and introduce category-defining features, including Healthspan with WHOOP Age, Heart Screener with on-demand ECG, Blood Pressure Insights, and more.

These innovations arrive at a pivotal moment when ailing health systems cost more and deliver less. WHOOP is advancing a new solution and a better way – one that empowers people to connect their daily decisions to performance and health outcomes that can be measured and felt. While others track surface-level trends, WHOOP delivers longevity through depth — translating the body’s most vital signals into guidance that extends healthspan, not just lifespan.

“This isn’t just a product launch. It’s a new chapter for WHOOP and for our members,” said Will Ahmed, WHOOP Founder & CEO. “We’ve taken everything we’ve learned over the past decade and built a platform to help our members perform and live at their peak for longer. We’ve held nothing back.”

NEW HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE IN-APP FEATURES:

 

  • Healthspan with WHOOP Age: Get insights and guidance on how your daily habits impact your long-term health with Healthspan – a powerful new way to quantify your physiological age and slow your Pace of Aging. Developed in partnership with Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Healthspan uses nine different metrics linked to long-term health to calculate your WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging.

 

  • Heart Screener with ECG: Your heart, in your hands. WHOOP now includes an FDA-cleared ECG feature that allows a reading to be taken anytime, from your wrist — and shared directly with a healthcare provider. The Heart Screener detects signs of Atrial Fibrillation (Afib), a leading cause of stroke, and provides Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications (IHRN) for greater peace of mind.
  • Blood Pressure Insights: A patent-pending technology that delivers daily blood pressure insights, right from your wrist. Get estimated systolic and diastolic readings, and learn about how blood pressure affects wellbeing and performance.
  • Women’s Hormonal Insights: WHOOP goes beyond cycle tracking to deliver science-backed education and personalized insights on how hormonal shifts influence recovery, sleep, stress and performance. Whether you’re navigating menstruation, pregnancy, or perimenopause — WHOOP adapts with you.
  • Sleep Performance Update: Unlock better nights and better days. The reimagined Sleep Score delivers a more accurate reflection of sleep quality, helping members recover more effectively and show up stronger each day.
  • WHOOP Advanced Labs: Join the waitlist for the next evolution in personalized health. Coming soon, WHOOP Advanced Labs will allow members to schedule blood tests and receive clinician reports that are integrated directly into the WHOOP app, creating a more comprehensive picture of your health — and giving you actionable steps to improve it.
  • Comprehensive Fitness Tracking: From daily steps and VO₂ Max to Muscular Strain during strength training and 145+ supported activities, members can now optimize fitness for both performance and long-term health outcomes.

HARDWARE, REIMAGINED FOR PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION: 

  • Precision Sensors. Smaller Design. Greater Power: WHOOP 5.0 and MG pack more technology into a seven percent smaller form factor. Enhanced sensors capture data 26 times per second, while a redesigned processor delivers 10x more power efficiency — enabling richer insights without sacrificing battery life or comfort.
  • 14+ Day Battery Life. New Wireless PowerPack: 14+ days per charge across WHOOP 5.0 and MG hardware. Now, members with their device alongside the new Wireless Powerpack have access to a full month of battery life.
  • Elevated Accessories: Complete the experience with a new line of WHOOP accessories — including the new LeatherLuxe, crafted from genuine Italian leather for our most premium look and feel yet.
  • 24/7 Wearability: WHOOP remains the only wearable that’s truly wearable — designed for 24/7 use across multiple locations on the body. Powered by WHOOP Body and AnyWear™ technology, our technical garments seamlessly integrate with your device to capture data with unmatched precision — no matter your sport, lifestyle or movement.
  • Medical-Grade ECG: Available exclusively on WHOOP MG, maintain peace of mind with medical-grade ECG readings you can do from the comfort of home. Simply place your thumb and index finger on the ECG-conductive clasp, and get a medical-grade reading in seconds.

CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE:

To make these innovations even more accessible, WHOOP is also introducing three new membership tiers. These tiers empower WHOOP members to choose the hardware device, features and pricing that make the most sense for them:

  • WHOOP One: Professional-grade fitness insights at our best price at €199 per year
  • WHOOP Peak: Advanced health, fitness and longevity insights designed to help you perform at your peak, longer. Priced at €264 per year
  • WHOOP Life: The most powerful WHOOP ever, delivering medical-grade health and performance insights. Priced at €399 per year

“WHOOP is a great tool. It’s like a doctor on my wrist,” said Cristiano Ronaldo, Professional Soccer Player and WHOOP Global Ambassador and Investor. “It allows me to monitor my behavior easily, and shows me that being consistent and prioritizing your health is worth it. I’m happy to be part of this company, and the launch of the WHOOP 5.0 and MG.”

WHOOP 5.0 and MG are available to purchase now on WHOOP.com.

Guide to Start a New Career in Tech (Even Later in Life)

Countless people feel like changing careers, and there are plenty of reasons for this. They’ll also have more than a few other careers they could be interested in. You could be in this position and want to start a career in tech. It’s easy to see why.

That doesn’t mean it’ll seem like an easy process, though. You mightn’t know where to start. Usually, it’s not just a matter of starting to apply for jobs.

You’ll need to put a bit more time and effort into it. That doesn’t mean it has to be complicated, though. Instead, it could be more straightforward than you’d think. You might just have to take the right steps, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Some of these could have more of an impact than others, making them more than worth focusing on.

Why Start a New Career in Tech?

You’ll have plenty of careers you could consider, so you might wonder why you should start a new career in tech. The most obvious reason is that it’s an area you’re interested in. That could be more than enough to persuade you to give it a go. It’s far from the only reason it’s appealing, though.

It offers multiple other benefits, too. Some of the more interesting – and tempting – of these are:

  • Salary – Perhaps the most tempting reason to get into tech is the salary. Tech workers at all levels can expect quite a large paycheck every month. It’s one of the main reasons people consider getting into the tech industry.
  • Flexibility – Working in the tech industry is more flexible than many others. You’ll have the option to work from almost anywhere. Even companies that offer hybrid working can be more appealing than office-only industries.
  • Culture – The culture in the tech industry can be much more relaxed than many other fields. This can be one of the more tempting reasons to consider it, especially if you don’t like workplaces that are quite formal.
  • Diversity – The tech industry has a diverse employee base, but that’s not the only way it’s diverse. There’s a wealth of job types out there, and you could find some of these more interesting than others.
  • Advancement – The tech industry is growing constantly, which is great for the people working in it. This offers the possibility for a lot of growth and advancement in the industry. There’s no reason why you couldn’t take advantage of this.

These can be more than enough to persuade most people to start a new career in tech. To actually see them, though, you’ll need to actually break into the field.

This can seem quite complicated, especially considering the various parts of the tech industry you can get into. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming, though. Taking the right steps could be more than enough to help with this. They’ll end up helping you get into tech faster than you’d think.

Five of these steps can be worth focusing on.

Start a New Career in Tech: 5 Steps to Take

1. Take a Look at Your C.V.

One of the first steps you should take is to take a hard look at your C.V. It helps to give you a strong idea of what your skill set is and whether or not there’s anything you’ll need to learn going forward. Start off by focusing on any transferable skills and experience you could have already.

After that, it’s a matter of figuring out what areas you need to work in to break into the tech industry. It’ll help you more than you’d think.

It gives you a firm idea of what you need to do going forward. See it as a way to come up with a gameplan. You’ve no reason not to make this one of the first steps you take with your new career.

2. Consider Learning New Skills

There’s a decent chance you’ll need to learn some new skills before you can start a new career in tech. Taking a hard look at your C.V. helps you figure this out. This doesn’t always have to mean you have to go back to college full-time, though. Instead, you could learn more than a few of them online.

Most of these are more affordable than attending college full-time. You can even do them from the comfort of your own home.

The benefits of an online MBA are well-known, and you can fit this around your schedule. It’s worth looking into the most relevant courses for you and your new career. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll be in a better position to find a job you love. The process doesn’t even need to take too long.

3. Start Networking

You’ll already have a strong network of friends and other professionals in the career you’re already in. While these can help you in a specific career, they mightn’t be able to help you break into tech. It could be more than worth starting to network with professionals in the tech industry.

This can help you moving forward more than you’d think. They could give you advice, and even point you in the right direction for job opportunities. While this takes a little time, it’ll be more than worth it.

4. Build Mentoring Relationships

It’s always worth having a mentor in your career, as they can help you get started in it and grow into your career. When you’re trying to break into tech, this is especially recommended. It’s just a matter of finding someone who’s willing to mentor you when you’re starting out in tech.

Going with someone who’s been in the tech industry for years is recommended. They’ll have a wealth of advice they could give you.

While it could take some time and effort to find someone who’ll have the time to mentor you, it’s worth it. Make sure to follow their advice and ask plenty of questions when you’re with them. You’ve no reason not to.

5. Go to Career Fairs

You’ll eventually get to a point where you’ll start applying for jobs in the tech industry. That doesn’t always have to mean looking at jobs websites and hoping for the best. Going to career fairs with a lot of tech companies involved can be more than recommended. It offers more than a few benefits.

These will all make it more than worth it. You could end up having a better chance of getting a job with them.

You can actually engage with companies that are hiring and find out more about them. This gives you the chance to stand out from other potential applicants, and you could even get some advice while you’re at it. You’ve no reason not to go to a few of them while you’re applying for jobs.

Wrapping Up

Countless people consider changing careers, and it’s easy to see why so many of them do. They’re fed up with their current job, and they don’t see any potential career progression. You could end up in this position and want to make a change.

You’ll have plenty of other options ahead of you. You could want to start a new career in tech, and you’ll have more than a few reasons for this.

While this seems complicated, it doesn’t have to be. By following the right steps, it could be easier than you’d think. You’ll just have to be willing to put the time and effort into it. It’ll pay off dividends once you start your new career.

Dublin Drone Innovation Partnership will shape the future of urban air mobility

A two-year in-depth study to help prepare Dublin and other European cities for the widespread use of drones in commercial and civic life has been launched today at the offices of Dublin City Council, by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, James Lawless T.D.

The project is led by a research team from Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software and Maynooth University, in collaboration with Dublin City Council (DCC), and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

Speaking at the launch, Minister Lawless said: “Ireland has an established record of leadership in regulation of emerging technologies. As drones begin to be used more and more across the globe, at home we have seen them supplying emergency medicines, delivering fast food, used for search and rescue purposes and to enhance public safety among a range of important applications. Earlier this year, the Government held a public consultation on the development of a policy framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. The research partnership being launched today, between Lero, Maynooth University, Dublin City Council and the Irish Aviation Authority, with stakeholder engagement at its heart, is very much aligned with Government’s efforts to foster the industry’s growth while mitigating safety, security, environmental, privacy, and other concerns.”

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO of Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, the newly established research and innovation funding agency, said: “Research Ireland supports partnerships such as this to bring key stakeholders together, to drive progress and capitalise on the advantages offered by innovative and disruptive technologies. While exploring emerging technologies and systems to capture data and support responses to critical events, this collaborative approach helps us to better understand its potential benefits and impact on wider society. Investing in basic research is of strategic importance to Research Ireland, as it allows us to support a pipeline of transformative solutions to bring about real-world benefits.”

Project Coordinator Professor Tim McCarthy of Maynooth University and LERO believes the project is particularly timely as unmanned drone ecosystems are beginning to emerge globally and involve a wide variety of stakeholders and end-users.

A vital aspect of the research project, according to Prof. McCarthy, will be the creation of a digital twin for Dublin City to explore and simulate urban drone flight ecosystems, allowing researchers to address issues that emerge in a safe and controlled environment.

“This digital twin will capture inputs from all stakeholders, enable simulation of drone activities and provide prototype digital optimisation services in addressing various business, market, safety, privacy, nuisance and environmental concerns,” he added.

The partnership will also deliver a number of ‘state of the art’ drone applications to show the benefits of autonomous and remote piloting of drones to support life-saving and emergency response applications in a Dublin City setting.

“This unique drone innovation partnership will contribute to Dublin City Council’s Drone and Urban Air Mobility Strategy 2024-2029, an ambitious roadmap to support the integration of drones into city services and position Dublin and Ireland as a European leader in Drones and Urban Air Mobility,” said Jamie Cudden, Smart City Lead Dublin City Council.

Enda Walsh, manager of the IAA’s UAS division, believes the partnership will deliver crucial insights for safely integrating UAS into urban environments while maximising benefits to society, and laying the foundation for developing UAS Traffic Management (UTM) for the State.

“The Drone Innovation Partnership project will look at stakeholder concerns and provide crucial information and analysis of the key aspects around security, environment, and privacy for UAS integration into urban environments. It will also support the future establishment of a comprehensive and effective UTM infrastructure for the State, which provides a safe environment for all air traffic while facilitating a growing UAS industry.”

 

Digital StoryMaps bring Galway’s heritage to life

Students from the University of Galway are playing a key role in an innovative new digital project that brings County Galway’s unique heritage to life.

Spearheaded by Galway County Council in conjunction with Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council and local community and heritage groups, ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ showcases the cultural and historical significance of almost half of County Galway’s 4,556 townlands through meticulous research and the application of cutting-edge technologies.

One of the standout features of the project is the creation of StoryMaps, a series of interactive maps combining geographical data with multimedia elements to guide users through the historical landscapes of County Galway’s townlands, towns and villages.

In recent months, University of Galway students Dylan Reilly, Joseph Ennis and Natalie Cyrkle have been working with the Heritage and GIS teams of Galway County Council to convert historical data from sources, including O’Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Letters, Griffiths Valuation, the Down Survey, and the 1901 and 1911 censuses, into digital formats.

161 townlands in the civil parishes of Kiltartan, Kinvaradooras, Kilcolgan, Kilthomas and Killinny have recently been digitised while online StoryMaps also have been created for Oranmore, Mountbellew, Monivea and Ballyglunin, bringing to 2,000 the number of townlands now digitised through the project.

Cllr Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “StoryMaps is a simple yet powerful way to share information and enlighten, engage, and inspire people with stories that relate to locations of interest around us.  Incorporating location and mapping into the context of a story, each StoryMaps is designed to provide an immersive experience, shedding light on the cultural and historical significance of various locations.”

“Placements such as those with the Heritage Office allow students from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies to develop important skills and broaden their horizons in terms of longer-term career options open to them. The positivity shown by students in their presentations in Áras an Chontae only serves to demonstrate the value of their experience in this project,” added the Cathaoirleach.

Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services, Director of Services for Economic Development & Planning added, “By combining academic rigor with local authority and community collaboration, this project underscores the power of digital technology in preserving and sharing local history. The digitised sources and StoryMaps not only honour the past but also pave the way for dynamic, future-oriented research and learning and are an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, the diaspora and history enthusiasts.”

Marc Mellotte, Head of Engagement at the University of Galway commented, “Our engagement with organisations and businesses is a very important part of our students’ development and our own commitments as a university. Our B.Sc. (Social Sciences) graduates see their careers and futures in many different areas of work and the placements and internships offered by Galway County Council really help to broaden their perspective and allow them to see new opportunities for their future.”

Meanwhile, Galway County Council is inviting members of the public to contribute to ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ with the objective of digitising heritage information relating to all 4,556 County Galway townlands. To date, the Heritage Office has worked with community heritage groups, active retirement groups, Forum Connemara, Galway Rural Development, schools, University of Galway students, and The Heritage Council in digitising 2,000 of the County’s townlands.

“Making heritage more accessible to everyone is one of our main goals,” explained Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway County Council.

She added, “There are over 64,000 townlands in Ireland of which there are in the region of 4,556 in County Galway, Ireland’s second largest county. The townland is a uniquely Irish division and one of the oldest in existence. The boundaries of the townland have often been redefined to match borders with other divisions. It is the smallest notable division and is often the one with which people identify themselves.”

“In addition to the academic aspect of the project, there is a strong emphasis on community engagement. Galway County Council and the students have worked closely with local heritage and community groups to collect and present local heritage information that enriches the content of the StoryMaps. This collaborative approach ensures that the digital heritage trails reflect the authentic voices and experiences of the community,” Ms. Mannion concluded.

Michael Mulkerrins, Principal of Peterswell NS, whose 5th and 6th class students collaborated with the Heritage Office of Galway County Council on mapping the townlands of the civil parish of Kilthomas, said, “The children spent time studying our school maps to decide on what townlands they could visit and then it was decided that each student would photograph a small number of townlands. Students worked hard to find suitable points of interest to photograph in each townland and were thrilled to get the opportunity to visit every corner of our homeplace. Seeing their photographs now on the completed storyboards is fantastic recognition for our students.”

Meanwhile, Eilish Kavanagh of Kinvara Heritage Group said the new digital heritage resources have opened access to the rich heritage of Galway’s townlands and places for the ordinary person.

“This project not only aids in preserving local history but also serves as a model for other communities interested in digitising their historical records,” she added.

To view the StoryMaps and Townland research, visit www.galwaycoco.maps.arcgis.com.