Tag: project

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.”

Innovative Mica Insulation Solutions | Axim Mica

In a world powered by technology and precision, the importance of reliable insulation materials cannot be overstated. Axim Mica stands as North America’s only ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer and supplier of mica-based insulation products recognized for its innovation, quality, and customer-first approach. For over a decade, the company has led the industry with solutions that empower high-performance applications across some of the most demanding sectors in the world.

Axim Mica’s mica insulation materials are engineered to meet the needs of industries where reliability, safety, and efficiency are non-negotiable. From advanced aerospace systems to cutting-edge electric vehicles, Axim’s expertise ensures optimal performance where it matters most.

The Legacy of Innovation and Quality

Axim Mica’s journey is defined by its dedication to excellence. For 12 years, the company has been continuously certified under ISO 9001:2015 a distinction that reflects its consistent commitment to world-class manufacturing standards. This certification isn’t just a label; it represents the company’s promise of quality, reliability, and accountability in every product it delivers.

The company’s approach goes beyond merely supplying mica insulation; it redefines how these materials are designed, produced, and integrated. By combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Axim Mica ensures every product delivers superior thermal and electrical insulation performance, even under the harshest conditions.

Every partnership begins with a simple goal: understanding the customer’s specific challenges and engineering insulation solutions that deliver lasting value.

Elevating Performance in Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry demands materials that can withstand extreme environments, intense heat, vibration, and stress. Mica insulation plays a critical role in ensuring aircraft systems operate safely and efficiently under these conditions. Axim Mica’s precision-engineered materials provide exceptional dielectric strength and thermal resistance, making them a trusted choice for aerospace components.

From turbine insulation to engine wiring protection, the company’s mica-based products ensure aircraft reliability at every altitude. More importantly, Axim’s technical expertise allows it to customize solutions for aerospace manufacturers who require precision and performance without compromise.

Innovation isn’t just about creating new products, it’s about anticipating the evolving needs of industries like aerospace and delivering insulation solutions that meet tomorrow’s challenges today.

Driving Efficiency in the Automotive Industry

The global shift toward sustainability has transformed the automotive industry, making high-performance insulation more important than ever. As vehicles become more electrified and intelligent, the demand for efficient thermal and electrical management systems continues to grow.

Axim Mica’s materials are designed to meet these modern automotive challenges head-on. Whether used in braking systems, electrical insulation, or heat shielding, mica provides exceptional resistance to temperature and voltage fluctuations. The result is enhanced vehicle safety, improved component lifespan, and greater energy efficiency.

The company’s ability to collaborate directly with automotive engineers ensures that its mica insulation products integrate seamlessly into new designs, supporting innovation across conventional and emerging vehicle technologies.

Powering the Electric Vehicle Revolution

Few industries are evolving as rapidly as the electric vehicle (EV) sector, where innovation meets environmental responsibility. Axim Mica is playing a vital role in supporting this revolution by supplying mica-based insulation solutions that enhance the safety and reliability of EV batteries, motors, and power systems.

Mica’s natural properties make it ideal for thermal and electrical insulation in EV components, protecting them from overheating and electrical failure. Axim’s advanced mica laminates and sheets are engineered to handle the high voltages and temperatures typical of EV powertrains ensuring stable performance and safety for drivers and manufacturers alike.

As global demand for electric mobility grows, Axim continues to innovate in this space, helping manufacturers build the next generation of sustainable vehicles.

Supporting the Foundry and Steel Industries

In heavy industrial sectors like foundry and steel, insulation must withstand some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. High heat, constant exposure to molten metals, and demanding mechanical processes require materials that offer unparalleled thermal endurance and structural integrity.

Axim Mica’s insulation products are trusted in foundries and steel plants worldwide for their durability and resilience. From furnace linings to heat shields and electrical insulation components, these mica-based materials help optimize energy efficiency and equipment longevity.

What sets Axim apart is its hands-on approach to problem-solving. The company doesn’t just deliver products it partners with engineers and operators to provide tailored insulation solutions that improve safety, minimize downtime, and reduce operational costs.

A Team Driven by Expertise and Integrity

Behind Axim Mica’s global success is a team of dedicated professionals engineers, materials specialists, and technical experts who bring decades of industry knowledge to every project. Many team members have worked directly in the industries Axim serves, giving them unique insight into the real-world challenges their clients face.

This insider expertise allows the company to provide practical, results-driven recommendations that go beyond generic solutions. Whether it’s optimizing a production process or improving insulation efficiency, Axim’s team approaches every task with precision and a deep understanding of the client’s needs.

It’s this personalized, collaborative philosophy that has made Axim Mica a trusted partner to manufacturers and engineers worldwide.

Innovation That Moves Industries Forward

At its core, Axim Mica is more than a materials manufacturer, it’s an innovation partner. The company invests continually in research and development to stay ahead of evolving industry standards and customer expectations. This commitment ensures that its mica insulation products not only meet current demands but also anticipate future applications across emerging technologies.

From aerospace breakthroughs to advancements in electric mobility and heavy industry, Axim’s insulation solutions are helping shape the future of engineering performance.
Please find relevant business stories here. 

A Trusted Partner for the Future

In an era where technology, efficiency, and sustainability intersect, Axim Mica remains a benchmark for quality and innovation. Its customer-driven approach, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to set new standards for mica-based insulation manufacturing.

Choosing Axim Mica means choosing a partner that values precision, integrity, and long-term success. As industries continue to evolve, the company’s focus remains clear: to provide insulation solutions that empower innovation, enhance performance, and move the world forward one layer of mica at a time.

Saros announces 50 jobs €8M investment in global expansion

Saros Consulting, a global leader in IT consulting and strategic project management, today announces global expansion plans, which include the creation of 50 new jobs and a €8M investment. In addition to the new jobs, the investment covers a new HQ in Dublin and the establishment of a global delivery hub in Cape Town, South Africa.

Headquartered and founded in Dublin, Saros provides IT consulting services covering areas including digital transformation, cybersecurity and mergers and acquisitions. The company currently has a presence in the UK, Switzerland and the US.

Over a two-year period, the next wave of Saros’s expansion will see the company strengthen its presence in existing markets, while entering South Africa – supported by Enterprise Ireland – as a new market. The jobs – split across all of Saros’s key markets – and investment will accelerate the company’s growth in its core sectors of life sciences, financial services and retail, while enabling it to scale its global resourcing business.

As part of the investment, Saros has opened a new HQ in Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin, which is designed with collaboration spaces and break-out rooms to support the company’s expanding workforce. The Cape Town team will support Saros’s growth across Europe and Africa, providing fully remote solutions to businesses across both continents.

The new roles will be in the areas of project management, IT consulting and business development, supporting Saros’s mission to provide high-quality, scalable resourcing solutions to multinational clients.

Ray Armstrong, co-founder and CEO, Saros Consulting, said: “Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in our journey to becoming a truly global player. With this investment, we are not only creating new jobs in Ireland and South Africa, but also strengthening our ability to deliver flexible, remote-first services to enterprises across multiple regions. The investment represents our confidence in the future of distributed work and our commitment to building a truly borderless consulting practice.”

 Justin van der Spuy, co-founder and CEO, Saros Consulting, said: “South Africa offers a strong talent pool and a strategic gateway to global markets. The quality of technical talent emerging from South African universities, coupled with the country’s mature IT services sector, make it an ideal location for our first African hub.”

BowelScreen and Viatel Technology Group partner on EU project to advance AI in cancer screening

BowelScreen, as part of Ireland’s HSE’s National Screening Service, is contributing to a major EU-funded research initiative exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and microbiome science could shape the future of colorectal cancer screening.

As part of the five-year Microb-AI-ome project, the national screening programme is supporting research efforts through collaboration with technology partner Viatel Technology Group.

The Microb-AI-ome project, funded by Horizon Europe, brings together institutions from five countries to investigate whether AI-driven analysis of gut microbiome data can improve the accuracy of bowel cancer screening. The research aims to reduce unnecessary colonoscopies, enhance early detection, and improve patient outcomes in the future.

Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna MD FRCPI, Clinical Director, BowelScreen Ireland said: “This research could pave the way for a more accurate and efficient screening process that supports early detection and prevention of bowel cancer and reduces unnecessary colonoscopies, ultimately improving outcomes for screening participants across Europe.”

For the AI to function effectively, it requires access to a broad and diverse dataset from volunteer screening participants. To ensure privacy and compliance, the Microb-AI-ome platform anonymises all sensitive information and retains it within secure cloud databases. To contribute to this international research effort, BowelScreen has facilitated the enrolment of patients by three research hospitals across Ireland, who will provide stool samples for microbiome analysis.

Viatel, leveraging Microsoft Azure technology, has developed the bespoke, cloud-based data-management solution to manage the Irish data repository.

Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna added: “The platform we have devised with Viatel will allow us to analyse a huge volume of metadata generated from participants’ stool samples to make it interpretable as a signal to say the person is at risk, or is not at risk.”


James Finglas, Managing Director of Viatel Digital Services said: “This is game-changing for the potential use of AI in population-based cancer screening. It analyses millions of data points per patient to identify an individual’s risk of pre-cancer changes or bowel cancer. Consequently, this technology may identify those who need a colonoscopy, creating positive outcomes for patients.”

Security and compliance were paramount in the platform’s development. Fully compliant with Irish legislation and GDPR standards, the system ensures the highest levels of patient confidentiality and data protection.

“Viatel has the experience and expertise to develop what we need. It was really beneficial to have that collaboration between Microsoft and Viatel to be able to generate this platform for us,” Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna said. 

This initiative highlights the growing role of the AI sector in healthcare innovation, and underscores the importance of strategic AI roadmaps in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

“This is a tremendous example of how AI can be adopted in a real and meaningful way. A lot of people are talking about AI right now, but we’re immensely proud to be effecting change in our work to get the most out of Microsoft’s AI solutions,” Finglas concluded.

Lero and Logitech join forces to engage in a €2.5M research project

The University of Limerick based software research centre, Lero, is to collaborate on a new multi-year research project, which will involve the testing of 2,000 top video gamers in partnership with gaming computer peripherals giant Logitech G, to better understand how computer gamers train and compete.

Logitech gaming innovation engineer Niall White said: “This €2.5 million four-year partnership with Lero builds on previous research projects with Lero, which have yielded positive results and enabled the company to gain an edge in the global video game industry.

“Lero are the best in the business at this type of software research, and the outputs from this project will help us design and create new gaming products for augmenting gaming performance – mouse, headsets, keyboards and controllers, for example.”

The research partnership extension signals Logitech G’s continued dedication to advancing the industry’s scientific knowledge base of gaming and esports performance.

Lero and Logitech G have collaborated across a range of studies since 2016 to measure the biomechanical, psychological and cognitive capabilities of professional esports athletes to casual gamers to better understand their needs and innovate products to serve them.

Director of the Esport Science Research Lab at Lero, Professor Mark Campbell, said the project’s goals are to advance our understanding of how gamers train and compete.

“We will have to create bespoke software tests to identify and measure key performance indicators of gaming and gamers, and identify and measure the biomarkers of esports and gaming performance.

“This will be achieved through the use of cutting-edge technology such as brain imaging, eye tracking and biosensors,” said Dr Campbell, who is Professor in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Limerick.

Professor Campbell said Lero aims to test up to 2,000 gamers or more over the next four years of the project, beginning today (August 18) at the Gamescom convention in Cologne, Germany, where Lero plans to test hundreds of gamers over the five-day convention.

“The information we gather will help enable the development of AI-powered smart gaming peripherals such as mice, keyboards and headsets with biosensors for human performance monitoring in-game and other potential training tools such as bespoke software tests using AI dynamic difficulty adjustments for smarter training and competing,” he added.

Professor Campbell said the four-year research programme will be of benefit to Ireland’s €500 million gaming industry employing close to 2,000 people as the project will involve developing strong PhD students, research assistants and Post Docs dedicated to focused research areas across fields such as computer science, psychology, neuroscience, sport science, software engineering, and human-centred design.

“We will leverage behavioural, physiological and performance data from both professional and amateur gamers during play and training sessions to assess player performance, identify key influencing factors and enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, this project will explore prototyping and iterative design methodologies to develop next-generation gaming tools, interfaces, and performance-tracking systems tailored for various gamer needs,” he added.

Professor Campbell said there is a growing level of game development expertise among the research community in Ireland, and the Lero/Logitech INGAME (Innovation in Gaming and Esports) project will bring about greater international visibility of the games industry-related research and development taking place in Irish third-level institutions.

IN2 Engineering lays foundation for expansion with OSSM and NetSuite

OSSM, an Oracle NetSuite Solution Provider, today announces that IN2 Engineering, an Irish-headquartered building services and environmental engineering consultancy, is using NetSuite to support its mission to expand across Europe. With NetSuite and OSSM, IN2 Engineering has been able to increase efficiency, centralise operational data, and lay the groundwork for its ambitious five-year growth plan.

Founded in 2002, IN2 develops innovative and sustainable engineering solutions for customers across multiple construction sectors including residential, hotel, health, education, commercial, sport, and leisure. With locations across Ireland, the UK, Germany, and Spain, in addition to a growth strategy to expand further across Europe, IN2 needed a flexible and scalable platform to support its multi-country operations. IN2 selected NetSuite and OSSM to streamline operations for over 100 employees across finance, sales, and project management, while using insights from NetSuite to support strategy and decision-making.

“To facilitate our growth as we expand into new jurisdictions, we needed a system that could scale with us,” said Lucy-Marnée Henning, Bid Manager, IN2 Engineering. “With support from OSSM, NetSuite is enabling the flow of real-time information across the business, which is crucial for delivering high-quality customer projects. In addition, as a business with multiple locations, NetSuite enables our employees to stay connected, wherever they’re working. As we build our portfolio of innovative and sustainable services across Europe, NetSuite will grow with us and give us insights to confidently make decisions.”

With NetSuite and OSSM, IN2 has a foundation that is helping drive productivity, improve operational efficiency, and enable seamless collaboration across the company’s six locations. With information centralised in NetSuite’s unified suite, IN2’s teams can more seamlessly manage customer projects, allocate resources, and track the status of bids and proposals to support new business growth. By using NetSuite to automate invoice processing and expense management, IN2’s finance team saves up to four days per month on previously manual processes, freeing up resources to focus on value-added tasks and customer service.

“When we set out to implement an ERP system, our goal was to choose a single platform that could support every aspect of the business and grow alongside IN2’s plans,” said Lorraine Kenny, Director of Finance, IN2 Engineering. “NetSuite has the longevity, adaptability, and capability to deliver fast, meaningful insights to empower our leadership team to act decisively. The OSSM team has provided fantastic support for our implementation and spoke our language from day one.”

“IN2 Engineering is an Irish business on an exciting expansion path,” said Roger Gribbin, Sales Director, OSSM. “OSSM is thrilled to have implemented NetSuite for IN2, which will provide the cornerstone of the company’s growth. With NetSuite and support from OSSM, IN2 can have confidence in the smooth day-to-day running of the business across its international bases, with a platform to help innovate and scale. We look forward to building our relationship with the team further.”

How Top Agencies Use Visual Annotation to Cut Delivery Times by 40%

Feedback can make or break a project timeline. It’s often not the creative work that slows things down—it’s the endless cycle of revisions, miscommunications, and the frustrating hunt for clarity. Agencies trying to deliver high-quality websites or digital experiences often find themselves bogged down not by the work itself, but by how feedback is managed.

And that’s where visual annotation tools are changing the game.

What Slows Agencies Down? It’s Not Just the Workload

A lot of agencies have tight internal systems. They use project management tools, they run stand-ups, they track deadlines with discipline. But when it comes to collecting and actioning client feedback, even the most organized teams hit a wall.

Think of it this way: your client sends an email that says, “Can you fix the spacing on that thing under the testimonial?” Suddenly, a developer is opening three different browsers, resizing their screen, and still isn’t sure what that thing actually is. Multiply that by a dozen pieces of vague feedback and now your team is spending more time decoding than developing.

Why Visual Feedback Changes Everything

Visual annotation tools let clients drop comments directly onto a live site, wireframe, or image—pinpointing exactly what they mean. It’s like placing a digital sticky note on a specific button, section, or layout element. But it’s not just about convenience. These tools typically capture screenshots, browser data, screen resolution, and even the device used—all automatically.

So, instead of asking “Which version of Chrome are you using?” or “What did it look like on your end?”, your team has everything they need from the get-go.

Less guessing. Less back-and-forth. Way faster fixes.

How Agencies Are Actually Using These Tools

For a growing number of web and creative agencies, visual annotation tools aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re core to their workflow.

During the QA phase, project managers use them to review builds internally before involving clients. Designers gather precise change requests during the approval process. Developers get all the context they need to resolve bugs quickly. And clients? They finally feel like their feedback is being heard and acted on—without having to send long-winded emails.

Many agencies also loop stakeholders in without forcing them to create an account or learn a new system. A simple shared link is often all it takes to bring someone into the review process. It’s feedback made easy—for everyone involved.

From Two Weeks of Back-and-Forth to Two Days of Clarity

One agency we spoke to used to spend about 10–14 days just gathering and clarifying feedback for a mid-sized web project. After adopting a visual annotation system, they saw that drop to less than three days.

They didn’t rush the creative. They just cut out the lag time between misaligned feedback, miscommunication, and confusion. Multiply that time savings across several projects and it’s easy to see how 40% faster delivery isn’t just possible—it’s practical.

Yes, There Are Tools. But Not All Are Equal

If you’ve searched for markup alternatives, you’ve probably come across a few popular platforms offering visual collaboration features. Some are geared toward developers, some toward designers, and some offer feedback on a range of media—from PDFs to video.

But here’s what top agencies really look for:

  • A way to drop comments in context—on the actual site or design
  • Automatic capture of screenshots and technical specs
  • A smooth way to turn comments into tasks
  • No need for client logins or complicated onboarding
  • Integration with tools they already use, like Trello, Asana, or Jira

The best visual annotation tools don’t just help you collect feedback—they plug into your process like they were always meant to be there.

Why It’s Not Just About Speed

Faster delivery is a big win, no question. But agencies are also seeing softer benefits. Clients feel more involved and confident throughout the build. Team members feel less frustrated chasing down unclear comments. And projects, overall, just feel smoother.

That kind of workflow creates happier clients and happier teams. And, let’s be honest—when your team isn’t spending hours rewriting feedback as tasks or jumping between email threads, they have more creative energy to put into what really matters.

Cutting Through the Noise

Agencies aren’t strangers to project chaos. But the smartest ones are finding ways to cut through the noise—to align their teams, clients, and tools in a way that brings clarity and flow.

Visual annotation is more than a helpful add-on. For many, it’s become the cornerstone of a modern feedback process. It brings everyone onto the same page—literally—and gives teams the confidence to move fast without sacrificing quality.

Because when feedback stops being a bottleneck, delivery becomes a whole lot easier.

 

New Feasibility Study Launches to Shape the Future of Autonomous Vehicle Oversight

Funded by UK Government, Project NAVIGATES has commenced with an aim to explore centralised control centres to unlock safe and scalable deployment of autonomous vehicles in the UK. Project NAVIGATES is part of CCAV’s CAM Pathfinder Programme.

Project NAVIGATES (Networked Autonomous Vehicle Integration and Governance with Advanced Technology and Security) will assess the technical and commercial case for Regional Remote Service Operator Control Centres (RSOCCs), a critical enabler for the safe and cost-effective rollout of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) in applications such as public transport, logistics and emergency response. The project will be led by Belfast-based cybersecurity specialists ANGOKA, in partnership with low-emission transport experts Cenex.

The CAM Pathfinder Programme, as part of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy and the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, is delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, a joint unit between the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with Innovate UK and Zenzic.

Similar to air traffic control centres, a regional RSOCC would oversee fleets of driverless vehicles operating with No User in charge (NUiC). This centre would monitor multiple vehicles in real-time, intervene when necessary and help the public sector coordinate services across different regions and use cases. Project NAVIGATES is the first dedicated study in the UK to explore this model in detail.

In the following months, the project will:

  • Research, identify, document and validate the technical and user requirements for an RSOCC.
  • Conduct a detailed safety and threat assessment for related data transmission needed for monitoring and control.
  • Develop a high-level system design for control centres, detailing security and communications frameworks.
  • Undertake an outline business case for operations.
  • Identify partners and locations for a follow-up demonstration project.

Cenex will lead on stakeholder engagement and business case modelling, drawing on experience from previous projects such as the IUK Project RUBICON. ANGOKA will focus on technical analysis and security design, utilising their expertise in secure communications and remote operations in both CAV and drone environments. By engaging with potential end-users and the broader stakeholder community, Cenex will identify the requirements for the successful deployment of these centres. By combining expertise in low-carbon transport with advanced operational technologies, Cenex is contributing to the development of a smarter, cleaner future for mobility

Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, stated: “We are pleased to partner with ANGOKA on this significant CCAV-funded feasibility study. The NAVIGATES project highlights the vital role that remote operational centres play in the safe and efficient deployment of autonomous vehicles. These centres are not only responsible for overseeing self-driving vehicle services but can also serve as the nerve centres of a new transport ecosystem, ensuring resilience, responsiveness, and public trust. We look forward to hosting a workshop for project NAVIGATES at Cenex Expo 2025.”

Steve Berry, Chairman at ANGOKA said: “This is a truly significant project helping advance the roll out of autonomous vehicles. With this study we will have the most up to date review of current and forthcoming legislation and how this would affect the widespread adoption of CAVs. We look forward to working on this project with Cenex to establish the most complete picture of what the perceived threats and requirements are to assure the cyber security when operating autonomous ‘driver on the loop’ systems.”

Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic, said: “We are thrilled to announce the NAVIGATES project, spearheaded by ANGOKA and Cenex, as one of the fourteen exciting CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies taking place across the UK. The deployment of Connected and Automated Mobility solutions holds incredible promise – enhancing accessibility, reducing emissions, and fostering a transport network that is both reliable and inclusive. The NAVIGATES project seeks to address specific challenges that will be key to unlocking those benefits. We are looking forward to working with the project consortia as they further develop their business case and provide vital insight into the opportunities presented by the deployment of CAM solutions in regions throughout the UK.”

From Townlands to Tablets: Galway Heritage Gets a Digital Makeover

Six of Galway’s historic civil parishes are stepping into the digital age with the launch of an innovative project that turns local heritage into interactive online StoryMaps.

In a major collaboration between Galway County Council, University of Galway, Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council, and community heritage groups, the rich histories of Stradbally (Clarinbridge), Monivea, Moylough, Moycullen, Gort, and Loughrea have been meticulously researched and digitally transformed.

Officially launched this week at a special event in Áras an Chontae, the project brings together traditional townland research and historical records in a newly digitised format. Drawing on rich sources such as O’Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Letters, Griffith’s Valuation, the Down Survey, and the 1901 and 1911 censuses, the initiative makes these valuable archives more accessible than ever.

The initiative is powered by the work of University of Galway students Carlos Grace, Giada Solito, Liam Flaherty, and Laura Daly. Over the past year, they have worked in close partnership with local communities and Galway County Council’s Heritage Office and GIS Department, unearthing stories, local lore, and forgotten histories that now live on through this accessible and engaging digital format.

The research has been digitised for townlands in the six parishes, while immersive digital StoryMaps have been created for Loughrea, Moylough, Moycullen, and Gort. Combining the latest mapping technology with text, images, and multimedia content, the StoryMaps tell powerful location-based stories accessible from any internet-enabled device with a web browser, including tablets and phones.

Cllr Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “The launch marks a significant milestone in how local history is preserved and shared. With an eye on Galway’s global diaspora and future generations, the project is a powerful example of how technology and tradition can converge to deepen our understanding of place.”

“As we navigate the digital landscape, we honour the traditions of the past while embracing the opportunities of the future,” she added. “Through these StoryMaps, we invite you to immerse yourselves in the essence of our townlands, towns, and villages, to witness the evolution of time reflected in the fields, roads, and streets we walk, and the buildings, landscapes, and structures we admire.”

Dr. Lisa Walshe, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Galway, commended the students’ efforts: “It has been a privilege for our university to collaborate with Galway County Council on this initiative, which highlights the rich heritage of Galway County through innovative student research. This partnership exemplifies the value of academic and civic engagement, and I commend our students for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to preserving and sharing our local history. Together, we are helping to deepen public appreciation of Galway’s unique cultural landscape.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said: “The accomplishments of these outstanding students and their significant contributions to preserving and promoting the heritage of Galway County are immense. Their efforts exemplify the power of collaboration and the necessity of investing in future generations.”

Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer of Galway County Council, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative: “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in our future generations. The dedication and passion of the students, combined with the support of our local communities and the expertise of the Heritage Office and GIS Department, have brought this initiative to life.”

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. Almost half of the County’s townlands have so far been digitised as part of the ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ project.

The Townland Research is available at www.tinyurl.com/townland, while the StoryMaps may be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/StoryMapGalway.