Tag: national

National Archives publishes records of the 1926 Census

The publication of the records of the 1926 Census for the first time has been marked at an official state function at Dublin Castle, hosted by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD. The National Archives officially released the 1926 Census records at midnight, following the expiration of the one-hundred-year limitation on their publication under the Statistics Act 1993.

The Release of the 1926 Census

The National Archives made the entire census freely available and fully searchable on www.nationalarchives.ie at midnight. The newly released records provide an unprecedented resource, allowing users to efficiently navigate detailed household returns from 1926.

The preparation of the 1926 Census for public release has been a major project for the National Archives and the State, supported by a €5 million Government investment. The initiative which took almost three years, saw the careful conservation, preservation, high-resolution digitisation, and transcription of over 750,000 individual household and enumerator returns.

Speaking at Dublin Castle today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD commented:

“I’m honoured to mark the official release of Census 1926 by the National Archives, the first census undertaken by the independent Irish Free State. 

“When we think back to 1926, ten years after the Easter Rising and following a decade of conflict and upheaval; from the War of Independence to the Civil War, Census 1926 shows the ambition of the new state to carry-out a census of the 2.9 million people living in Ireland as part of its programme of nation-building and to do so, so soon after independence was a bold and visionary decision. As such, Census 1926 marks a historic moment in the development of modern Ireland.

“For people across Ireland, the release of the 1926 Census offers something deeply personal. It allows us to step back in time and encounter our own families, neighbours and communities as they were almost a century ago. It brings history out of the abstract and into the everyday.”

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD added:

“This is a significant day for the country and our diaspora as we see for the first time in a century the records of how we lived in 1926. I want to congratulate the team at the National Archives for their trojan work in getting us to today – not only through carefully cataloguing and preserving the records for generations to come, but also in putting together such a comprehensive programme of activities to allow people to engage with this important part of our history. 

“Indeed, there are over 1,000 people alive today who were recorded in the 1926 Census. These individuals offer a unique, living perspective on the past century of Irish life. The National Archives launched a Centenarian Ambassadors Programme last year which captures the first-hand personal testimony of those who see their own original family records made public today.  It is wonderful to see some of them here this afternoon.”

Also speaking at the launch Director of the National Archives, Orlaith McBride said:

“As we open these census records to the public, we honour those who came before us their resilience, their ambition, and their contribution to the Ireland we know today. 

“But perhaps most importantly, today reminds us that the history of Ireland is not only found in great events or political milestones — it is found in the lived experiences of its people. Every entry in this census represents an individual life, a family unit, a shared human story that together forms the fabric of our nation.”

Central Statistics Office (CSO) Director General Jennifer Banim added:

“The Census is a record of our past, a measure of the present and a plan for the future. Today’s release of the 1926 Census records shows the value of gathering, and preserving, this data. I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of the National Archives, and all those in the CSO, who have contributed to this historic release. We in the CSO are proud to continue the long tradition of census taking in Ireland with Census 2027 providing an online option for the first time, marking another milestone in the history of the state.”

The Story Of Us Exhibition

To mark the release of the 1926 census, the National Archives has opened a major exhibition that explores what life was like in the newly independent Ireland of 1926. Using contemporary documents and images, audio-visual displays and, above all, the census returns themselves, The Story of Us explores the 1926 census to present a picture of life in Ireland in 1926: from sport and entertainment to language, culture, religion, gender and the working lives of the inhabitants of the Irish Free State a century ago.

The exhibition, which was also officially opened by An Taoiseach and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport today, will run at Dublin Castle, opening to the public from 19 April until 15 August 2027.

The exhibition will visit London and Boston, before touring Ireland, as part of a partnership with ten local authorities, as well as a visit to the National Ploughing Championships in September.

Centenarian Ambassadors

Among the attendees at Dublin Castle on Saturday were some of the ‘Centenarian Ambassadors’ announced earlier this week. The programme captured the first-hand personal testimonies of those who were alive at the time the census was taken in 1926, which offer a unique and fascinating perspective on the past century of Irish life.  Almost 100 people contacted the National Archives throughout the programme, and the 48 selected ambassadors today live all over Ireland as well as in North America, the UK and Australia.

National Archives Director Orlaith McBride said:

“The census has never been about lists and numbers; it’s the story of us. It’s about the people living in Ireland in 1926 and all of their descendants today. Whether through the centenarian ambassadors, this exhibition, the book and all the other elements of our extensive public programme, throughout this project we have aimed to ensure the stories, information and human connections revealed by the census reach as many people as possible, in Ireland and around the world.”

Broader Public Programme

As well as the exhibition, The Census 1926 public programme also includes a number of other key components.

A new book, The Story Of Us – Independent Ireland and the 1926 Census has been published by Irish Academic Press and is on sale now. Featuring contributions from key members of the National Archives team and leading social historians, the book captures a number of unique perspectives on the census and the Ireland in which it was taken.

On 4 June, The National Archives in partnership with the OPW, will host the Exploring the 1926 Census Conference, a full-day programme of keynote lectures, thematic panels, and discussions, exploring the census as both a historical document and a contemporary resource.

The Good Luck Club, presented by ANU Productions, will run on site at the National Archives, opening on 27 May, while a major two-part documentary series Come to your Census, will air on RTÉ television next month, with an accompanying six-part RTÉ podcast series released.

Ireland’s Age-Friendly AI Training Programme Launches in Cavan

The Age-Friendly AI training programme, Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative for Older Adults, was officially launched at Johnston Central Library in the Farnham Centre in Cavan on Monday. The programme is delivered by researchers from Technological University Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre. Funded by Research Ireland, the initiative will roll out in public libraries across Ireland throughout 2026 in partnership with Libraries Ireland, managed by the Local Government Management Agency.

Age-Friendly AI was developed in partnership with older adults and leading ageing-focused organisations across Ireland. This training programme follows a year-long public dialogue exploring their hopes, concerns and expectations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in everyday life. Accompanying resources and training materials for librarians and other educators will support lifelong learning in their communities.

Speaking about the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for trade promotion, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Niamh Smyth TD said:

“As technology accelerates, we must ensure our progress is measured not just by the speed of innovation, but by its inclusivity. No citizen should be left behind in the wake of advancement. That is why the work being done through ADAPT’s Age-Friendly AI programme is so vital, it bridges the generational divide, ensuring that the rewards of AI are accessible, equitable, and empowering for everyone, regardless of age. I was delighted to work alongside the team at ADAPT to arrange for the Launch of Phase 2 of the Age-Friendly AI project held in Johnston Library, Cavan, and wish the project continued success.”

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) said, 

“Libraries Ireland is proud to support the Age Friendly AI initiative as part of our national Skills for Life programme. Libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of every community and play a vital role in ensuring learning is inclusive and accessible as society evolves. Already this year, we have seen Age Friendly AI engagements in libraries across several counties, and over the rest of 2026, libraries across Ireland will host a national rollout of the programme. Ultimately, this is about ensuring older people are part of the conversation on AI, giving them the time, support and confidence to engage at their own pace.”

Dr Emma Clarke from the ADAPT Centre said,

“Ongoing dialogue, enabled by the #DiscussAI national conversation on Artificial Intelligence, is at the very heart of this programme. By listening to older people from the outset, we ensure that the individuals this training aims to reach are actively involved at every stage of the process. This collaborative approach ensures that the programme is relevant and resonates with the real-life experiences and needs of older adults across Ireland.”

Paula Kelly, Age-Friendly AI Lead at TU Dublin, added:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the LGMA, Libraries Ireland, under their Skills for Life programme, as well as over twenty other community partners, to bring this training to every corner of the country. The Age-Friendly AI initiative isn’t just about teaching AI technology; it’s about making sure older adults aren’t left behind as AI becomes part of our everyday products and services, from healthcare to banking to staying in touch with family.”

The launch event began with an introductory workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) delivered by Paula Kelly. Participants explored what AI is, where it appears in daily life and how it is shaping areas such as healthcare, banking and communication. The session also examined both the benefits and potential risks of AI and allowed attendees to try AI tools in a supportive, hands-on environment.

The event also featured remarks from Paula Butler, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Local Government Strategy, Research and Communications at the Local Government Management Agency, who highlighted the role of libraries in supporting community learning and digital inclusion.

Following the formal launch, attendees tried out interactive demonstrations, including “Spirit of Radio,” a vintage radio with a modern AI twist; an “Art or AI?” exhibit that challenged participants to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated artwork; and a voice-activated smart lamp.

The Age-Friendly AI training programme will continue to roll out in libraries across Ireland throughout 2026, providing accessible, community-based opportunities for older adults to learn about and experiment with artificial intelligence technologies. No previous knowledge of AI is necessary.

For updates on upcoming workshops and programme developments, members of the public can sign up to the Age-Friendly AI newsletter.

Lidl Ireland makes LGFA players stars of the screen with ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign

Lidl Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) are calling on supporters across the country to turn out in force this weekend for the Lidl National Football League Finals on Saturday 11th and Sunday, 12th, as the top teams across all four divisions compete for silverware.
Following a highly competitive League campaign, the finals represent a showcase of the very best of Ladies’ Gaelic Football, with players delivering exceptional standards of skill, athleticism and intensity throughout the season.
With over 63 hours of TV airtime dedicated to LGFA players since January 2026, supported by a national social media campaign across TikTok and Instagram, the campaign has been viewed more than 12 million times by audiences across Ireland, creating opportunities for the Irish public to see the game and its players ahead of the all important finals this weekend.
Despite this boost, challenges remain around visibility and recognition. Just 8% of LGFA players feel that current media coverage accurately reflects the true standard of the game, highlighting the need for continued support both on and off the pitch.
Lidl and the LGFA are encouraging fans to attend, back their counties, and experience firsthand the quality of the women’s game, ensuring that the excellence on the pitch is matched by the energy and support in the stands.
The call to action comes as Lidl research conducted by Red C highlights both the progress and the ongoing challenges facing women’s sport in Ireland. While 80% of people believe inequality still exists between men’s and women’s sport, there are clear signs of positive momentum, with one in five people reporting increased interest in women’s sport over the past year.
Importantly, perceptions are shifting. Almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents now rate women’s sport as “high quality,” a significant increase in recent years. Media coverage of the LGFA has also tripled since 2020, supported in part by sustained investment and campaigns such as Lidl’s ‘Greatness Deserves to Be Seen’. However, a significant gap remains, with men’s sport still receiving 15 times more coverage.
Through its ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign, Lidl has helped shine a spotlight on the skill and thrill of the game by ‘crashing’ its own TV advertisements to show one of the
many iconic moments in the sport instead of the retailer’s weekly offers. From Carla Rowe’s iconic back heel goal to superb strikes into the back of the net from Armagh’s Aimee Mackin and Kerry’s Danielle O’Leary and an overhead fisted goal by Tipperary’s Aishling Maloney, the campaign settles the score that when it comes to quality and skill, the ladies’ game has it in abundance.
As momentum continues to build, the message is clear: the talent is there, the quality is undeniable, now it’s time for supporters to get behind the game.
Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the impact that our ‘Greatness Deserves to be Seen’ campaign has had in bringing the skill of the game to new audiences who may never have engaged before.  Through our LGFA partnership over the past decade, and with our renewed investment of €7.5 million in the years to come, we continue to work to elevate the visibility and profile of the game. However, the reality is that there is still more to be done to ensure the brilliance we see on the pitch is matched by the support in the stands.
 
As we approach the Lidl National League Finals this weekend, I’m encouraging all Gaelic Games fans to come out and support these players. Through our ‘Greatness Deserves to Be Seen’ campaign, we are shining a spotlight on the skill, dedication and excellence of LGFA players. Now, we are calling on supporters across the country to play their part. Get behind the teams, attend the finals, and help ensure that the greatness on the pitch is truly reflected in the stands.”
 
 
Trina Murray, LGFA President, said:
“As we approach the Lidl National League Finals, it’s important that we continue to get behind our players. The standard of football throughout this year’s league campaign has been fantastic, showcasing the skill, intensity and commitment that defines the LGFA. These finals are a brilliant opportunity for supporters to come out, show their backing, and experience the quality of the women’s game firsthand. We are incredibly fortunate to have such strong role models across our counties, inspiring the next generation both on and off the pitch, and I wish all teams the very best in the finals.”
 
Lidl Ireland has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the LGFA and women’s sport more broadly, announcing a €7.5m extension of its LGFA partnership for the next five years. Combined with a previous €15m investment over the last ten years, Lidl’s total support for the LGFA now totals €22.5m, representing a significant and sustained effort to advance and promote women’s sport across Ireland.
The Division 1 final will be held in TUS Gaelic Grounds between Cork and Galway at 5pm on Saturday 11th April, while the Division 2 final between Cavan and Donegal will be at 3pm at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones, Monaghan, on the same day. Also on Saturday, the Division 3 final will see Louth face Antrim at 1pm in St. Oliver Plunkett Park, Crossmaglen and on Sunday 12th April,  Carlow will take on Leitrim at 2pm in Grant Heating St.Brendan’s Park, Birr, in the Division 4 Final.

Tickets for the Lidl National Football League Finals are priced at €15 for adults, €10 for students and OAPs, and €5 for juveniles and €2 for U12s.
Peil na mBan Beo will also be available to audiences globally on the TG4 Player at www.tg4.ie/beo and on the TG4 Mobile and Smart TV App.

 

 

 

 

Vodafone Ireland – Ireland’s first mobile video phone call via satellite

Vodafone Ireland has marked a major milestone for connectivity on the island of Ireland, successfully completing Ireland’s first mobile phone video call via AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellite using a standard smartphone. This achievement highlights the potential of satellite technology to help close coverage gaps, strengthen network resilience and ensure people can stay connected wherever they are, benefitting people living or working in remote areas, farmers, sailors, hikers and mountaineers for example.
The announcement was made during a visit to Ireland by Vodafone Group Chief Executive, Margherita Della Valle, to mark 25 years of Vodafone in Ireland and to meet with the Taoiseach. She briefed him on Ireland’s first satellite enabled mobile broadband call delivered by the company and discussed the future of connectivity, innovation and continued investment. She was joined by Vodafone Group CEO of European Markets, Ahmed Essam.
The video call was made, in partnership with Satellite Connect Europe connecting to AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation, by Vodafone Ireland engineer Robert Ivers from Clare Island, Co. Mayo to Vodafone Ireland CEO Sabrina Casalta in Dublin. The call is the first satellite broadband video call to a standard smartphone in the EU. It follows Vodafone’s world‑first mobile video call via satellite in the UK last year.
The successful satellite video call demonstrates Vodafone Ireland’s ambition and success in delivering the next frontier in connectivity for its customers, integrating satellite technology with existing mobile networks. Critically, satellite connectivity can provide a vital safety net for those living in remote or hard‑to‑reach areas and help keep emergency services and communities connected during severe weather events or major outages, when mobile networks can be impacted by disruption to their power supply.
Vodafone Ireland secured Ireland’s first test and trial licence from ComReg, enabling this satellite call to be made using terrestrial spectrum. Building on this milestone, Vodafone is now progressing further technical development and regulatory engagement, with the ambition of bringing satellite broadband connectivity to customers as soon as possible.
25 Years of Vodafone in Ireland
This landmark achievement comes as Vodafone Ireland marks 25 years of serving customers, businesses and communities across Ireland. Over that period, Vodafone has invested more than €20 billion in Ireland, in today’s terms, including €5.8 billion in capital investment and €6.3 billion contributed to the national exchequer through spectrum licence fees and taxation.
Vodafone Foundation has invested €24 million in support of community and digital inclusion initiatives, having been the first company to establish a corporate foundation in Ireland. More than 2,000 people currently work with Vodafone across its Dublin headquarters and 80 retail stores nationwide.
 Looking ahead, Vodafone Ireland said the next 25 years will be defined by innovation, continued investment and the deployment of advanced technologies that enable the competitiveness of Ireland’s digital economy, public services and communities. Vodafone Ireland continues to invest heavily in its mobile and fixed networks nationwide, ensuring customers benefit from the best services available.
COMMENT 
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, said: “Our new National Digital & AI Strategy, Digital Ireland reflects the Government’s ambition to strengthen our position as a digital leader and a global hub for AI innovation. This includes ensuring Ireland remains one of Europe’s best-connected nations, and Vodafone’s innovations in this space are particularly exciting. Ireland’s first satellite mobile call demonstrates how innovation can strengthen resilience, extend connectivity to remote communities and support emergency services. As Vodafone marks 25 years in Ireland, today’s announcement highlights the significant contribution the company has made to our digital economy, connectivity and employment, and how Vodafone continues to build on that legacy through transformative innovation.”
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive said: “Ireland’s first satellite-enabled call reflects Vodafone’s ambition to push the boundaries of connectivity and to invest in technologies that deliver real impact for customers and society. Ireland has been a key part of Vodafone’s success for 25 years connecting people, businesses and communities across the country. To sustain innovation and continued investment in advanced networks, it is essential that this ambition is matched by a stable, forward looking regulatory and legislative environment that supports long term infrastructure investment.”
Ahmed Essam, CEO, Vodafone European Markets said: “Investment in telecommunications is far from over. As technology evolves, our networks must evolve too, and the sector must continue to invest to ensure customers remain connected. Innovations such as 5G Standalone and satellite are opening up the next frontier of connectivity, enabling new services and capabilities that were not possible before.”
Sabrina Casalta, CEO, Vodafone Ireland said: “This milestone is a powerful demonstration of how technology can make a real difference for people. By integrating satellite and mobile networks, we are extending connectivity beyond traditional limits — helping to keep customers, communities, businesses and emergency services connected, particularly in remote areas and during times of disruption, using their everyday smartphone.
For 25 years, Vodafone Ireland has consistently raised the bar for connectivity, underpinned by sustained investment and the dedication of our people. We were the first to roll out 3G, 4G and 5G nationally, alongside delivering a series of other Irish firsts — from fibre connectivity and the establishment with the ESB of SIRO to Real Time Text — helping to shape Ireland’s digital landscape.
As we mark 25 years in Ireland, this satellite call represents a significant next step, reflecting our commitment to ensuring no one is left without access to vital communications, wherever they live. Our focus now is on progressing towards commercial satellite services, working closely with partners to advance the regulatory frameworks and technologies needed to make this next phase a reality.”
Meredith Sharples, Managing Director of Satellite Connect Europe, said: “This video call, completed from a part of Ireland with no mobile connectivity using a standard smartphone, is yet another step forward as we continue to demonstrate the performance of space-based cellular connectivity while expanding the constellation and advancing deployment with mobile network operators across Europe. Our focus is on delivering a seamless extension of existing networks, providing reliable coverage in areas where traditional infrastructure alone cannot reach.”

The Coombe Hospital takes top prize – 2026 National Digital Awards

Digital Business Ireland, the country’s largest representative body for digital and online businesses, recognised The Coombe Hospital with the National Website of the Year Award at an awards ceremony in Dublin last night.
The 2026 National Digital Awards were held at Pitch Dublin where The Coombe Hospital was crowned alongside other winners and runners-up in front of over 250 attendees from the digital sector. 
The sold-out event recognised the best digital achievements in businesses throughout the country. It consisted of 16 categories featuring the best websites, people, and digital innovations of the year across all sectors. The Coombe, a leading hospital for maternity and women’s healthcare was the winner of the Most Trusted Website of the Year as well as taking home the top prize of National Website of the Year winner, selected from all of the finalists in the website categories.
The event marked the sixth year of the awards, with high quality submissions from more than 300 businesses, people, and organisations from across Ireland.
Digital Business Ireland also presented the Taoiseach with the Digital Changemaker of the Year award, awarded to worthy individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and impact in advancing Ireland’s digital transformation. The organisation’s selection panel selected the Taoiseach in recognition of his personal leadership in advancing Ireland’s AI and digitalisation agenda, the appointment of Ireland’s first Minister of State for AI and the establishment of the National AI Office, and his continued advocacy for innovation to promote economic growth.
2026 saw the highest-ever number of entries for the Best New AI & ML Project Award, which was won by AI solutions provider Galvia AI. Other notable winners included the female education and empowerment charity, The Shona Project, which took home the Progressing Diversity Award, as well as placing as runner up in the Marketing Campaign of the Year category.
This year’s awards were supported by key sponsors including Byrne Wallace Shields, All Human, Core Optimisation, Hibernia Venture Labs, .IE, Truffle Hog, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, Pitch, Rockwood Public Affairs and Strike Digital.
Speaking of the awards, Victor Timon, Chairperson of Digital Business Ireland said: “Over the past six years, the National Digital Awards have witnessed tremendous growth in entry numbers and quality, demonstrating the growing importance of the sector and the ways in which businesses are embracing digital tools to increase efficiency and change. Throughout the judging process, we have been inspired by the dynamism, ingenuity, innovation, and talent of the organisations, businesses, and the people involved. 
I would like to congratulate the winners and runners-up in each of the 16 categories this year, and in particular our Digital Changemaker of the Year Winner, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who’s sustained commitment to positioning the country at the forefront of technological change has been an enormous boon to  Ireland’s digital ecosystem. However, I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to all who entered this year’s awards, and I encourage those who have not been successful this year to take the key learnings on board from this year’s process and get involved once again for the 2027 iteration.”
The sold-out event was held in Pitch Dublin, with MC Anna Daly, the Irish television presenter and former host of TV3’s breakfast show, Ireland AM, as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Digital Business Ireland (DBI) is the voice of the Irish digital commerce sector. Set up in 2019, DBI is comprised of a community of over 8,000 businesses and counts a number of national trade representative bodies, large technology companies and SMEs among its members.
The organisation consists of a wide range of online and digital businesses including retail, hospitality, professional services, travel, technology, transport, education, leisure, agri-business and property.
Digital Business Ireland is a member of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’ Digital Advisory Forum and the Retail Forum.
SEE THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS HERE
Awards
Winner
Runner Up
National Website of the Year
The Coombe Hospital
GPO Museum
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Musgrave Group Daybreak
The Shona Project
Sustainable Business of the Year
Revolution
Esri Ireland
Best New AI and ML Project
Galvia
Irish Life and Kreoh
Mobile App Excellence Award
Express Merchants
AddJust
Ecommerce Business of the Year
EZ Living Furniture
Hotel&SpaResorts.com
Digital Impact of the Year Award
ALONE
TURN2ME
Next Generation Award (Under-30)
Chris Barrett, RDI Hub
Eve Lawler, Circular Style
Women in Digital Award
Melissa Proxenos, Brightbeam
Kate Colleary, Pembroke Privacy
Progressing Diversity Award
Ellen Conway, The Shona Project
Jennifer Keane, PayGap.ie
Digital Trailblazer of the Year
Brian Hanly, Brightbeam
Kathrin Chambers, Fáilte Ireland
Digital Changemaker OTY
Taoiseach Micheál Martin
Large Business Website of the Year
EZ Living Furniture
Fintua
Most Trusted Website of the Year
The Coombe Hospital
RIP.ie
New Website of the Year
GPO Museum
Activity Time
Medium Business Website of the Year
Expert Ireland
Carraig Donn
Small Business Website
Babogue
Dingle Sea Safari

NBI end of year update: over 450,000 homes, farms and businesses now ready to connect

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for delivering the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced its final quarterly update for the contract year ending 31 January 2026, confirming that all surveying and design work is now complete and that 82% of the entire network is built with those premises available for a connection. The remainder (18%) is under construction with the main infrastructure build scheduled to complete this year.

Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., said:

“The progress being delivered under the National Broadband Plan represents one of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects ever undertaken by the State. With the rollout now running ahead of schedule nationally, the scale of achievement is clear and demonstrates what can be delivered through sustained investment and a strong focus on delivery.

 

“Tens of thousands of kilometres of fibre have been laid, and communities right across the country are now seeing the tangible benefits of high-speed connectivity. This programme is transforming rural Ireland and reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every home, farm and business, no matter how remote, can participate fully in Ireland’s digital future.”

 

Performance update:
By contract year end (31 January 2026), NBI has delivered:

  • 100% of all surveying and design work is complete;
  • 100% of the network either built or currently under construction;
  • 451,433 premises passed, representing a 33% year-on-year increase;
  • 164,708 premises connected, representing a 43% year-on-year increase.
  • 63,064km of fibre cable laid, enough to circumnavigate the Earth 1.5 times.

There are now 451,433 homes, farms and businesses passed with NBI fibre across the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area. When a premises is passed, an order can be placed to connect to high-speed fibre broadband on the NBI network through a choice of over 50 broadband providers actively selling on the network.

 

According to the recent ComReg Quarterly Report, more than one million premises across Ireland are now subscribed to fibre-to-the-home broadband, and National Broadband Ireland is encouraging premises in the Intervention Area to check availability in their area and order today.

 

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “This year’s results demonstrate the sheer scale and momentum of the National Broadband Plan. With every part of the network now designed and either built or under construction, and over 450,000 premises ready to connect, we are firmly into the final delivery phase of this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.

 

More than 164,000 homes, farms and businesses are already connected to high-speed fibre on the NBI network, transforming how people live, work and do business in rural Ireland. With the final phase of construction now underway, we are on track to complete the main rollout by the end of this year.”

 

NBI’s fibre broadband rollout under the National Broadband Plan is delivering broadband services to what is known as the State’s Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband. The Intervention Area now stands at 566,000 premises which signals an increase of c.29,000 since the time of contract signing.

 

People living and working in rural Ireland can enter their Eircode on the NBI website, www.nbi.ie, to check if their home or business is included in the rollout and find out how to get connected.

 

As the main rollout phase of NBI’s network nears completion, demand for connections continues to grow strongly. 164,708 premises are now connected to the NBI network, with take-up rates continuing to exceed original projections and international benchmarks, particularly in areas where the network has been live for longer.

 

NBI is now fully focused on the final stages of construction and accelerating connections across the country, ensuring every premises in the Intervention Area can avail of future-proofed, high-speed broadband.

 

All stats are correct for our contract year, ending 31 January 2026. For the latest stats on our programme delivery, please see www.nbi.ie.

Tyndall Delivers Significant Insights for Ambitious European Space Agency Mission

Tyndall National Institute, based at University College Cork, has wrapped up a multi-year project with ESA, contributing critical expertise to the ambitious Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission.

Scheduled for launch in 2035, LISA will be the first observatory of its kind to detect gravitational waves from space, revealing new insights into the most powerful events in the universe, such as pairs of black holes coming together and merging.

Tyndall’s role focused on evaluating the reliability of commercial photonic components, small but vital parts that will help power LISA’s ultra-precise laser system. These lasers will span millions of kilometres between three spacecraft flying in formation, measuring minuscule changes in distance caused by gravitational waves.

Tyndall conducted long-term reliability testing and detailed construction analysis on a wide range of active and passive photonic devices, including laser diodes, photodiodes, UV LEDs, modulators, switches, isolators, and more. Each component was assessed against ESA’s demanding space standards, with risk levels identified for their potential use in the LISA laser system.

The outcome is a comprehensive dataset that will help ESA make informed decisions about which components to use, ensuring the mission’s laser system performs as intended when deployed.

Finbarr Waldron, Principal Engineer at Tyndall, said: “This project showcases the depth of Tyndall’s expertise in photonics and reliability engineering. Space is a very unforgiving environment, and many commercial photonic components are built using materials that may not be suitable for use in space. Our task was to rigorously test and analyse these components to determine whether or not they could withstand the extreme conditions of launch and long-term operation in space.”

Contec and National Space Centre to progress restoration of iconic 32-metre dish

National Space Centre, Cork and Contec Space Group of South Korea, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Space Tech Expo Europe 2025 in Bremen, Germany for the refurbishment and return to operation of the iconic 32-metre antenna, The Big Dish, at Elfordstown Earthstation in Cork.

Originally commissioned by Eutelsat in conjunction with Telecom Éireann in 1984, the installation of The Big Dish was for the purpose of hosting transatlantic communications between Europe and North America. It was decommissioned in the 1990’s with the advent of underwater fibre-optic links.

However, a new lease of life is underway for similar large dishes worldwide, which have since been repurposed for deep-space tracking, radio astronomy, and advanced communications. There are fewer than 100 large dishes of this class remaining worldwide and under thirty are estimated to be in active use.  But there are an increasing range of uses for large satellite dishes, along with a demand for the technical capability they can provide.

Contec will provide expert consultancy and guidance throughout the restoration. The South Korean company, is a renowned global leader in space communications and brings deep-space mission support expertise and experience operating large-aperture antennas.

Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO of National Space Centre, said: “This big dish in Midleton is part of European space heritage, but it has been idle since 1997.  In 2024, we kickstarted the preservation of the dish with the Save the Big Dish campaign on Go Fund Me, to stop the continuing degradation of the 32-metre dish.   Now this MOU with Contec will form the foundation for the next step towards restoration.  Bringing The Big Dish back into service to support international science and space collaborations is our goal and we welcome Dr Sunghee Lee and Contec on board for this mission. Their expertise in this area will be invaluable.”

Contec Space Group is a global provider of advanced space communication systems, based in South Korea, specialising in mission support, deep-space tracking, and high-reliability ground-segment technology.

National Space Centre Ltd. is a groundstation partner and teleport services company based in Elfordstown Earthstation and hosts a global ground station for Contec in Cork.

PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC, celebrate Lidl for first net zero energy supermarket

The Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) announces the winners of this year’s PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC. Among the winners was Lidl for its first net zero energy supermarket in Ireland.

The annual awards recognise the contribution and excellence of project management in Ireland, showcasing the best innovation and talent in the profession. This year, 10 awards were presented at the black-tie event hosted at PwC’s Dublin office on Thursday 6 November.

From a workforce management transformation project in the retail sector to a telehealth programme, the event celebrated a variety of projects across numerous industries and demonstrates the growing influence and success of project management in Ireland.

Lidl was celebrated in the special “Future of Work Excellence” category for Ireland’s first net zero energy supermarket. Based in Maynooth, the store is net zero in both operational and embodied carbon. Furthermore, the supermarket’s design promotes wellbeing and productivity among employees by incorporating natural light, landscaped surroundings and low noise systems. Electric vehicle chargers, bike racks, and e-bike stations have also been installed to promote sustainable commuting.

Other organisations that were successful on the night included Primark, ESB and the HSE. Individuals were also celebrated, including three under-35 changemakers. These were Rachel Bothwell of GP Practice Ally, Sainath Vasantha of Deloitte, and David Garry of KSN Project Management.

The full list of winners for 2025, chosen by an independent judging panel*, can be found below.

  • PMO of the Year – National Broadband Ireland.
  • Project Professional of the Year – Niamh McAuliffe, NMA Consulting Ltd.
  • Private Sector Project of the Year – Primark: Workforce management transformation “myTime”.
  • Public Sector Project of the Year – ESB: PI Vision: Unlocking data, empowering decisions, transforming ESB.
  • Project Management for Social Good – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Under-35 Changemakers of the Year – Rachel Bothwell (GP Practice Ally), David Garry (KSN Project Management), and Sainath Vasantha (Deloitte).
  • eHealth Project of the Year – HSE: Community and primary care telehealth programme.
  • Special category: “Future of Work Excellence” – Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland: Lidl Zero Maynooth Store.
  • Special category: “2025 awards submission most compliant with the 17 x UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Ireland Chapter of the PMI Volunteer of the Year – Mariana Zanivan.

Speaking about the awards, Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of the PMI, said: “The project profession in Ireland seems to go from strength to strength every year. This year was no different, with the quality and creativity of projects pushing the boundaries in terms of ambition and innovation. Not only that but these initiatives and individuals are driving real impact both within organisations and for society as a whole.”

John Dwyer, Partner in PwC Ireland, added: “As the landscape of business and work continues to evolve, project professionals are at the forefront, driving innovation and technology-led transformation across Irish and international organisations to prepare for the future. Both the Ireland Chapter of the PMI and PwC are deeply committed to the transformation agenda, and we at PwC are delighted to again be the headline sponsor of the Awards this year and support two specific awards – the Future of Work Excellence Award and the eHealth Project of the Year. This sponsorship highlights our dedication to advancing project management through a complex and fast-changing environment with resilience and optimism, to ensure that we are fit for the future. We commend each and every one of the finalists and a huge congratulations to the winners.”