Tag: storm

Google Year in Search results moments that captured Ireland’s attention in 2025

As the year draws to a close, Google’s Year in Search reveals the questions we asked Google, the people who caught our interest, and the everyday curiosities we wanted to solve.

For a country obsessed with weather it’s no surprise that the record breaking Storm Eowyn, was the most searched term of the year. The storm which hit Ireland in January was one of the most powerful and widespread wind events to hit Ireland since the 1800s. People also turned to Google to find out how to pronounce the storm’s name with ‘How to pronounce Eowyn’ as the third most popular ‘How to’ search term.

Asking Google questions is an everyday occurrence for most people. In a year where Ireland welcomed a new President for the first time in 14 years, the election had a big impact on the most searched lists. People used Google to not only find out more about Ireland’s new President, Catherine Connolly, who was the third most searched overall term and most searched person this year but also the presidential election in general. Ireland’s presidential election featured on the most searched list and in the ‘How To’ list, ‘How to spoil your vote Ireland’ was the second most searched term while ‘How to register to vote in Ireland’ was the fifth most searched term.

2025 was another huge year for sport. The Ryder Cup, in which Europe was victorious, was the second most searched term overall and football and rugby also featured on the most searched list. Champions League is the fifth most searched term, the Club World Cup is the sixth and Ireland v France rounded out the list.

The Top 10 Most Googled recipe list gives us a glimpse into what Ireland has been up to in the kitchen. This year Ireland leaned into comfort and creativity with coffee topping the list followed by the social-media hit, Dubai Chocolate.  Three cocktails bubbled up the chart; the Pornstar Martini, Hugo Spritz and Pimms. Pancakes, Gooseberry Jam and Cupcakes also featured on the list.

2025 was the year of TV shows people couldn’t stop talking about or searching. Monster: The Ed Gein Story and Adolescence were the most searched TV shows and they also featured on the overall most searched list showing their popularity. Google Search also helped people decide what to see in the cinema this year with Nosferatu, 28 Years Later and Superman all featuring at the top of the most searched Movie list.

Everyday questions and timely answers are what millions of people seek on Google every day. From health and wellbeing to social media trends and sports, Search helps Ireland navigate the practicalities of daily life and understand what’s shaping the news .‘What is Listeria?’ topped the ‘What is’ list and other trending questions asked by the Irish public were ‘What is 6 7?’ and ‘What is a tariff?’.

Search can help you find a world of information – and the way people use Search can be a window into the world. Take a closer look at this year’s trending lists at yearinsearch.google

 -Top trending searches refer to queries with the highest amount of traffic over a sustained period in 2025 as compared to 2024.

Top Overall

People

Storm Eowyn

Catherine Connolly

Ryder Cup

Maria Steen

Catherine Connolly

Jim Gavin

Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Belle Gibson

Champions League

DJ Carey

Club World Cup

Alexander Isak

Iran

Garron Noone

Adolescence

Andy Byron

Ireland Presidential Election

Conor Loftus

Ireland v France

Stephen Graham

Losses

Sports

Charlie Kirk

Ryder Cup

Ozzy Ozbourne

Champions League

Diogo Jota

Ireland v France

Gene Hackman

Liverpool F.C

Diane Keaton

Liverpool vs Man United

Hulk Hogan

Ireland v Scotland

Ricky Hatton

India vs England

Michelle Trachtenberg

FIFA Club World Cup

Val Kilmer

Liverpool vs PSG

Robert Redford

Lions

TV Shows

Movies

Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Nosferatu

Adolescence

28 Years Later

House of Guinness

Superman

Traitors Ireland

Happy Gilmore 2

Say Nothing

Minecraft

Mobland

Sinners

Dept. Q

Anora

Severance

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

The Last of Us

One Battle After Another

Squid Game

Weapons

Tech

Recipes

iphone 17

Coffee

Amazon.ie

Dubai Chocolate

Deepseek

Pornstar Martini

Wplace

Pancake

Chat GPT free

Gooseberry jam

Strands

Hugo Spritz

Maths solver

Pork fillet

TikTok banned

Pimms

Grok

Cupcakes

Switch 2

Plum Chutney

What is

How to

What is listeria

How to bottle feed a breastfed baby

What is 6 7

How to spoil your vote Ireland

What is the warehouse

How to pronounce Eowyn

What is adolescence about

How to watch Europa League final in Ireland

What is polytrauma

How to register to vote in Ireland

What is americano coffee

How to watch Club World Cup

What is halal meat

How to clear cache on Chrome

What is Tylenol

How to opt out of organ donation Ireland

What is Tai Chi walking

How to watch Ballon d’Or 2025

What is a tariff

How to make Dubai chocolate

 

68% of IT leaders believe AI reduces staff stress levels

Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, today announces new findings from its survey* which found that 68% of IT leaders believe the use of AI by staff reduces stress levels.

The research – involving 200 IT decision-makers and leaders across Ireland and the UK (100 respondents per market) – found that 60% think AI will help reduce burnout in their organisation, with almost three quarters (72%) of respondents of the opinion that AI would help employees to achieve a better work life balance.

Meanwhile, some 66% think AI would allow employees to reduce manual repetitive tasks and focus on more meaningful work, with 57% revealing employees are optimistic about the potential impact of AI on their day-to-day routine.

Showing the influence of AI and the current level of uptake across businesses in Ireland, some 69% of IT leaders in this market would prefer to work for a company that is more advanced in terms of AI adoption.

The research found that 70% of respondents in Ireland are in organisations which already permit the use of AI and 68% are using the technology to assist with their own work. In fact, over half (51%) use AI on a daily basis for work purposes and only 2% never use it at all.

However, the research found that barriers remain when it comes to AI adoption, the most cited one being a lack of understanding within the wider organisation about potential applications or benefits – selected by 31% of all respondents.

Backing this up, almost three quarters (73%) of IT leaders agree that user adoption is a concern when it comes to AI implementation. Furthermore, almost a third (30%) do not believe senior management in their organisation understand the potential of AI.

The other top barriers to AI adoption were the management of data, privacy and security (28%), lack of trust in AI (27%), employee resistance (27%), and a lack of AI skills in the organisation (27%).

On the topic of AI skills, 40% of IT leaders do not believe their team currently has the technical skills or knowledge to implement or adopt AI. Perhaps unsurprisingly then, 70% think employees expect to receive AI training and enablement.

John Tallon, M365 Productivity & Adoption, Azure Application Innovation and Azure Data & AI Practice Director, Storm Technology, said: “AI is creating a predicament for people and businesses. On the one hand, it is seen as a means of reducing workload stresses, supporting creativity, and productivity. However, on the other hand, there is reluctance to adopt AI, stemming from a gap in understanding and the necessary skills required. Businesses will need to bridge this knowledge gap to capitalise on the benefits of AI. Empowering people will drive the biggest impact across the whole business.”

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Storm Drain Blockages

Storm drain blockages can lead to serious property damage and health hazards, making them a significant concern for any homeowner. Proper maintenance of these drains is essential to prevent flooding and to keep the water flow efficient. Understanding the causes, prevention methods, and solutions for blockages can help homeowners maintain their properties and minimize risks.

Understanding Storm Drain Blockages

Storm drains are designed to manage excess rainwater, channeling it away from roads and other areas. Blockages can occur due to various reasons, including debris accumulation, sediment build-up, and organic materials. 

Often, leaves, trash, and other debris find their way into these drainage systems, creating obstacles that impede the smooth flow of water. Recognizing the causes of blockages is crucial for effective prevention. Common types of debris that lead to storm drain blockages include sticks, leaves, and various litter that wash into the drains during heavy rainfall. These materials, combined with dirt and sediment, can build up over time, creating significant clogs. In urban areas, infrastructure can be particularly strained during heavy rain periods, leading to overflows and localized flooding. 

Rely on qualified locals for skilled assistance. If you’re facing problems like these, several services offer reliable solutions. Whether you need Septic Tank Cleaning Miami Septic Tank Cleaning Miami Shores Septic Tank Cleaning Coral Gables, or anywhere else local to you, finding the right professionals can ensure that your storm drains are clear and functioning well. Clogged storm drains cause surface flooding and can damage landscaping, foundations, and driveways. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and health hazards associated with stagnant water.

Preventing Blockages

Preventing storm drain blockages requires proactive measures by homeowners and local communities. Regular maintenance is key. This might include clearing leaves, debris, and other obstructions from drains and gutters during seasonal changes. 

Homeowners should be vigilant after storms to inspect drains and ensure they are free from materials that can cause blockages. Communities can play a significant role in prevention by organizing clean-up events or awareness campaigns on keeping drains clear. 

Educating residents about the importance of not littering and understanding the impact of stormwater management helps foster a community-wide approach to maintaining the drainage systems. Collaborations between local governments and communities lead to better infrastructure and effective waste management programs.

The Role of Infrastructure

The design and condition of stormwater infrastructure are critical in preventing blockages. Older systems may not adequately handle current water flow demands, often leading to overwhelmed drains. Maintaining these systems through regular inspections and timely repairs is essential for effective stormwater management. 

In areas where the infrastructure is aging, upgrades may be necessary to accommodate increased rainfall and urban development. Local governments must invest in modernizing stormwater systems to enhance their efficiency, which can mitigate risks associated with blockages and flooding.

Poorly maintained infrastructure can contribute to erosion, road damage, and contamination of local waterways. When systems fail, stormwater may carry pollutants directly into rivers and oceans, harming ecosystems. Public awareness and community involvement play a role in advocating for better infrastructure funding and maintenance. Collaboration between municipalities and residents ensures that drainage systems remain functional and resilient.

Signs of Blocked Drains

Homeowners need to be aware of the signs that indicate a storm drain is blocked. Some common indicators include stagnant water in nearby areas, unpleasant odors emanating from drainage sites, and unexpected water pooling during rain showers. Catching these warning signs early can save considerable effort and resources in the long run. 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to act quickly. Failing to address blockage can lead to serious flooding, potential property damage, and increased repair costs. Timely interventions will often make a significant difference in preventing larger issues down the road.

Other symptoms may include slow-draining water in sinks, gurgling sounds from pipes, or water backing up in toilets or tubs. Vegetation overgrowth near storm drains can signal excess moisture and hidden clogs. In some cases, pests may be attracted to the stagnant water, creating an additional nuisance. Regularly checking drainage grates and surrounding areas for debris buildup can help prevent blockages from developing.

 

Understanding Local Regulations

Each locality can have different regulations regarding stormwater management and drain maintenance. Homeowners must be informed of their responsibilities and any applicable regulations to avoid potential penalties. 

This includes understanding what materials are permitted in drains and the consequences of non-compliance. Local governments often provide resources and guidelines to help homeowners navigate stormwater management practices. Familiarity with these regulations can help reduce the risk of blockages and associated issues, contributing to safer community living. 

Understanding the intricacies of storm drain maintenance can help minimize risks associated with blockages. By staying vigilant, regularly maintaining drains, and seeking professional help when necessary, homeowners can protect both their properties and community members from the adverse effects of flooding and drainage issues.

Irish digital solutions provider Storm Technology acquired by Littlefish

Storm Technology, the market-leading digital solutions provider, today announces that it has been acquired by Littlefish, an award-winning managed IT and cyber security services provider.

Founded in 1995, to help Irish organisations on their digital transformation journey, Storm Technology has established itself as one of the leading Microsoft business technology consultancies in Ireland. Driving client success for both public and private sector clients across island of Ireland through its 160-strong team, extensive Microsoft solutions portfolio and a carefully curated partner network.

Since it was established in Nottingham in 2003, Littlefish has become an award-winning managed IT and cyber security services provider and has grown its team to nearly 650 people. Its expertise in managed IT services, cyber security, cloud services and strategic consultancy has driven the company’s growth and reputation in both the private and public sector markets in the UK.  

The acquisition will further strengthen Storm Technology’s service portfolio for both new and existing clients in Ireland, particularly within the managed IT services and cyber security space, and facilitate future growth, enabling the delivery of its business solutions to the UK market. Similarly, the deal will allow Littlefish to address the growing demand for business focused Microsoft solutions and expand its customer base in Ireland via Storm Technology.

In turn, this will see both companies extend their capabilities across larger scale projects and to a wider breadth of clients. Together, Storm Technology and Littlefish will continue to deliver industry leading services to existing customers across the areas of managed IT services, cloud services, and strategic consultancy.

Karl Flannery, CEO, Storm Technology, said: “Joining forces with Littlefish marks an exciting step in our business and client journey, supporting our growth ambition and facilitating entry to the UK market, while reaffirming our commitment to the delivery of maximum client impact with the expansion of our existing capabilities – creating an end-to-end digital operating platform.

“Our team and clients have been an integral part of our journey, and it was important to us that any partnership would build upon the values that have underpinned operations since we first opened in 1995, including unrivalled customer experience and operational excellence. We are confident that we have found that partner in Littlefish. I look forward to this exciting next stage of the Storm Technology journey alongside Littlefish, our valued team, clients, and partners.”

Steve Robinson, CEO, Littlefish, added: “As a business, we’ve evolved from a bedroom startup to ‘the’ superior alternative to the multi-billion-pound, IT outsourcers, providing award-winning services and a world-class customer experience. This acquisition marks the next part of our success story, expanding our presence and footprint with a like-minded organisation and services that will materially enhance our Microsoft business solution capabilities.  

“As well as a shared passion for delivering service excellence and genuine business value for customers through tailored solutions, Storm Technology shares our people-centric, expertise-led approach. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Karl and his talented team to Littlefish. We are very much looking forward to collaborating, innovating and growing together in both the Irish and UK markets.”

Storm Technology partners with NaviPartner to distribute specialised retail solutions

With a strong reputation for the successful design and implementation of ERP software solutions, Storm Technology is one of Ireland’s preferred suppliers of Microsoft Dynamic 365 Business Central.

By partnering with NaviPartner, Storm Technology is now able to offer four new specialised omnichannel solutions to all existing and new clients, further enhancing its current solution range and reenforcing its commitment to the retail sector.

NaviPartner has a long history as a Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner on the Danish market. Its many years of expertise has led the company to funnel its knowledge of its clients’ needs and challenges into a strong product innovation focus. The result is four well-documented and tested omnichannel solutions – namely NP Retail, NP Ecommerce, NP WMS and NP Entertainment.

NP Retail is a cloud-based retail software solution (SaaS – Software as a Service) for all types of retailers that combines point-of-sales (POS), financial management, bookkeeping, order management, inventory management, reports and statistics in one complete package.

The solution supports more than 250 payment methods, delivering payments across online, mobile, and in store. That makes NP Retail a future-proof solution that is easy to implement in multiple countries, when a business expands into new markets.

Speaking on the partnership, Karl Flannery, CEO of Storm Technology, stated: “We are very excited about this new partnership. NaviPartner has built an excellent reputation for the supply of high-quality POS, e-Commerce, Warehousing and Ticketing solutions built on top of Microsoft Business Central and we are confident that this partnership will deliver considerable advantage to both new and existing clients.”

Closely connected to NP Retail is the online e-commerce solution NP Ecommerce based on Magento. NP Ecommerce seamlessly integrates into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and is the backbone that ensures real-time integration between the online store, the ERP system and the physical store and makes sure the inventory is always up to date. As an extension of the NP Retail solution, the NP Entertainment solution is aimed at the entertainment segment with specialized modules perfect for ticketing and membership.

To complete the omnichannel offering, NaviPartner has also developed a fourth solution – NP WMS, which is intended for the effective management of warehouse operations. NP WMS is a 100% mobile WMS solution with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for Dynamics 365 Business Central. The implementation process is extremely cost-efficient, as customers can configure the solution themselves and thus get started in a matter of hours. End users will only need a minimum of training for this easy-to-use app. All that customers need to get started is the NP WMS app and access to Business Central SaaS.

NaviPartner is happy to see their product portfolio brought to market with extra manpower. “We have spent a lot of time and resources on developing and refining these solutions, and we are proud to be able to offer them worldwide through strong partnerships. We find that Storm Technology with their expertise and client base is a perfect match for us, and it will mean that our solutions can be presented to a whole new segment of customers,” says CEO of NaviPartner, Mark Stewart Pedersen.

Survey shows inability to switch off is the biggest obstacle to productivity in Irish workplaces

Storm Technology, the business technology consultancy, today announces the findings of a new survey which reveals that the biggest obstacle to productivity in Irish workplaces is people’s inability to disconnect/switch off. In fact, more than half (51%) of IT decision-makers identified it as one of the main barriers.

The other biggest obstacles cited by respondents were virtual meeting overload (49%), relying on manual processes (42%), the inability to collaborate with colleagues (35%), and a lack of effective IT solutions (33%).

The survey – conducted by Tech Central on behalf of Storm Technology and involving more than 100 IT decision-makers from the larger enterprises and businesses across Ireland – found that some 30% also view worrying about security protocols as an obstacle to productivity. Meanwhile, 22% identified a greater number of distractions when working remotely as a barrier and the same proportion said working irregular hours.

Perhaps unsurprisingly then, Irish enterprises are set to spend an average of €1,588,720 on modernising the workplace in 2023. This marks a significant rise from the estimated average spend on modernising the workplace in 2022 which was found to be €848,765.

In terms of 2023 IT budgets, priority areas will be collaboration and productivity tools, with over two thirds (69%) of IT leaders set to focus on these. Security and compliance (64%), and cloud infrastructure (53%) rounded off the three key areas for investment this coming year.

Supporting hybrid working is the leading driver of workplace modernisation for 78% of organisations, with more than half (52%) of respondents viewing Microsoft as the most comprehensive solution suite to support the needs of hybrid/remote working. The other top drivers of workplace modernisation are enabling people to be more productive (71%) and delivering a better employee experience (55%).

Aiding communication and collaboration is a driver for 53%, as is enhancing service delivery for 51%. Meanwhile, some 27% of IT leaders said that creating a 100% remote working environment is a top reason for workplace modernisation, while almost a fifth (18%) said instilling better company culture was a key driver.

It seems that data governance is another area that requires improvement with the study showing that 61% of respondents find it challenging to uphold standards of data governance in their organisation. Furthermore, a quarter (25%) don’t think their company manages data effectively and more than one in ten (12%) businesses don’t have a strategy in place for data loss incidents.

Speaking about the findings, Mick McKay, Chief Operating Officer, Storm Technology, said: “Irish enterprises are still getting to grips with the workplace as we know it today and many issues remain, not only in terms of supporting productivity and collaboration but also company culture, customer service and data governance.

“As well as implementing technologies and automating processes which allow people to be productive and collaborative, business leaders must establish an environment which aids work/life balance. That means allowing them to focus on core tasks, rather than filling up diaries with virtual meetings. It also means being mindful of their time, both in and out of the workplace. For example, emails might suffice for some virtual meetings and communication with staff out of hours could be easily avoided.

“Technology should be deployed to support and enable work/life balance. Allowing people to switch off also benefits business. By modernising the workplace with effective technologies and strategies which uphold employee experience, strengthen company values and reinforce governance, you can deliver more value for your customers, drive business growth and maximise your return on investment.”

Storm Technology futureproofs Trinity’s internal communications strategy in digital transformation deal

Storm Technology, the market-leading digital solutions provider, today announces that it has futureproofed how Trinity College Dublin staff communicate and access information internally in a digital transformation deal.

A world-leading university and Ireland’s highest ranked university, Trinity has approximately 3,500 staff members and serves a community of 20,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. To bring staff together on a communications platform and support the organisation’s strategic goals, Trinity partnered with Storm Technology to roll out a new staff intranet.

Leveraging SharePoint, which was already in use across the campus, a one-stop knowledge centre and communications hub was implemented by Storm Technology to address the requirements of university staff.

The solution ensures that staff have instant access to the resources they need on a day-to-day basis – including news, events, job listings, health and safety information, and learning and development resources.

It also helps the communications team to maximise the impact of their own content by measuring same, in terms of engagement and reach. The platform also automatically pulls content from social media channels and allows staff to interact with posts – while protecting employee privacy through the anonymisation of data.

Furthermore, the cross-organisational initiative streamlines internal communication processes within Trinity and enhances user experience by enabling two-way communication via a centralised and easy-to-use channel.

By streamlining communications, content and accessibility for staff, the intranet minimises the impact on Trinity’s internal IT resources. In fact, the system can be easily managed by the in-house communications team, reducing the need for ongoing third-party support and associated costs.

Mike Lillis, Chief Commercial Officer, Storm Technology, said: “By digitally transforming the way Trinity staff share, publish and access information, we are driving success for the organisation. This is both enhancing how they work today and will enable them to scale and maximise value for the future. In turn, this helps Trinity to deliver educational support to thousands of students and remain a leader in its field.”

Trinity’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Sally-Anne Fisher, said: “Our aim was to create a community for staff and modernise our methods of communication, moving from the dependence on internal emails to a hub where people can easily interact, collaborate, and innovate. By transforming the employee experience, we are improving not just their working lives but how we operate as an educational establishment.

“Our decision to partner with Storm was an easy decision, given their experience and expertise in intranet design and user experience. It has also been key to project success. We were impressed by the professionalism of the entire team – a team which looked beyond the technical implementation, providing us with tips and advice to support roll-out and system adoption, this was really appreciated and added to the overall positive experience.”