Tag: waterford

Greenvolt Next 4MW solar farm for Sanofi in Waterford

Greenvolt Next, part of Greenvolt Group, a leading specialist in renewable energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sector, has completed the development of a 4 MW solar PV plant for Sanofi, one of the leading global biopharmaceutical companies.

Now in operation at Sanofi’s manufacturing campus in Waterford, the project was structured under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), requiring no upfront investment from the pharma company and allowing it to access renewable electricity at a stable and predictable price, while benefiting from long-term operational certainty.

The project was formally inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the Minister of State, Mary Butler, underscoring the national relevance of investments that accelerate Ireland’s clean-energy transition. Sanofi, established in Ireland more than 20 years ago, develops and manufactures healthcare solutions across therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and vaccines, with the Waterford site playing a central role in its operations.

Greenvolt Next designed and delivered the 4 MW solar PV plant, comprising more than 5,700 panels and 10 inverters. The installation will generate approximately 3.2 GWh of renewable electricity annually, covering around 20% of the site’s energy needs and enabling the avoidance of 950 tonnes of CO₂ each year. This reduction in carbon emissions directly supports Sanofi’s global environmental strategy, while demonstrating the Waterford site’s leadership in climate action within the Irish pharmaceutical sector.

Its delivery was completed within a four-month schedule, mobilising a multidisciplinary team of more than 100 professionals across design, engineering and installation. Greenvolt Next will operate and maintain the facility for 20 years, ensuring performance, safety and reliability throughout its lifecycle. The project strengthens the site’s long-term competitiveness, ensuring it can continue to grow, innovate and manufacture high-quality medicines sustainably.

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility as Government Chief Whip and the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health Mary Butler said: “This is an impressive initiative that represents a significant step forward for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure in Waterford. It is so important that we strive to continue developing smart energy solutions at community level. Such local investments in renewable energy are particularly important in the context of our national commitments and climate targets, I was particularly struck by the team leading out on this initiative in Sanofi – the energy, the enthusiasm is so encouraging. It sets a precedent for others to follow, having one of the largest renewable installations of this kind in the heart of our city.”

Owen Power, CEO of Greenvolt Next Ireland & UK, added: “This project is particularly meaningful for us, not only because it delivers a direct positive impact for the Waterford community – where Greenvolt Next is also based – but also because it reflects the trust placed in our expertise and execution capabilities by a global company of Sanofi’s scale. We have built a strong track record across multiple industries, including a significant presence in the pharma cluster, which continues to reinforce our leadership in the commercial and industrial renewable energy sector,”

Cian O Brien, Site Lead, Sanofi Ireland, said: “Generating our own renewable energy on-site is vital in helping us meet our sustainability targets, aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 across all scopes, with a trajectory towards carbon neutrality by 2030. With Greenvolt Next Ireland’s expertise in renewable energy installations for large businesses like us, we will be able to significantly reduce our reliance on the grid, generating 20% of our energy on-site each year.”

Greenvolt Next is a pan-European platform operating across 12 countries, specialising in distributed-generation solutions for the commercial and industrial sector. In Ireland, the company has a long-standing presence – formerly known as Enerpower – and continues to support businesses in their transition toward more efficient and sustainable energy models.

IDA Ireland welcomes expansion of IBM’s software developer presence in Waterford

The Irish Government and IDA Ireland today welcomed IBM’s announcement to create additional high-value jobs in the south-east of the country. The leading global technology company will, over the next three years, hire up to 75 software engineers, dedicated to research and development (R&D), based in Waterford.

The roles will focus on cutting-edge innovation for IBM Z, the infrastructure powering 70% of global transactions by value*. The Waterford software engineers will closely collaborate with IBM’s R&D teams around the world, from designing processors and firmware to software development and advancing the Linux operating system.

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment, said: “IBM’s decision to expand its operations in Waterford with the creation of up to 75 highly-skilled software engineering roles is very welcome news. This investment is a strong endorsement of the South-East region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. It also reflects the government’s commitment to supporting regional development and fostering strong partnerships between industry and academia. I commend IBM for its continued confidence in Ireland and for its collaboration with the South-East Technological University to build a future-ready workforce.”

Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, said: “I welcome this very positive development which underscores Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for businesses to invest in and to expand R&D operations. This strengthens IBM’s long-standing presence in Ireland where it employs thousands of people today. IBM has cited Ireland’s strong talent pool as a key factor in allowing the company to grow here, which reflects the significant increased investment by the Government in education, and particularly our third-level sector, over recent years. We are committed to supporting research and development in our tech sector, including in the South-East of our country, to drive balanced, regional development and economic growth.”

In addition to the expansion of R&D functions in Waterford, IDA Ireland also welcomes IBM’s decision to deepen its collaboration with the South East Technological University, to develop a technical skills ecosystem with a focus on mainframes and Linux.

Nathan Cullen, country general manager, IBM Ireland, said:

“I am delighted to see our footprint in Ireland evolve further. This is testimony to the deep talent pools available across the country, upon which we have steadily built our business, including mainframes which are a cornerstone of global transactions. IBM has now operated in Ireland for nearly 70 years and this milestone investment for the region also speaks volumes about the ecosystem that has built up around the South Eastern Technical University.”

IBM last year announced the recruitment of another 800 high-tech jobs in Ireland by 2027, cementing the country’s position as a globally strategic location for the company. These new roles, spanning R&D, digital sales and Consulting operations, will be spread across Dublin, Cork and Waterford.

Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland CEO, said: “This R&D investment announced by IBM is fantastic news for Waterford and indeed the South East Region. This investment is also closely aligned to Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29, where IDA has committed to positioning Ireland at the centre of cutting-edge global technological innovation in the next five years. I warmly welcome this decision by IBM and assure them of IDA’s continued partnership.”

Waterford set to host the ‘Masters’ of the Watchmaking World for the 2025 International Festival of Time

Waterford, Ireland, a city renowned for its rich history and craftsmanship, proudly announces the return of the International Festival of Time, set to take place on May 23rd and 24th, 2025, in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city. This globally celebrated event brings together master watchmakers, horology enthusiasts, collectors, and artisans for an unparalleled celebration of timekeeping excellence.

Now in its third year, the festival has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s premier horology events, featuring an array of exhibitions, masterclasses, expert talks, and exclusive showcases from some of the world’s finest independent watchmakers. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to examine extraordinary timepieces, explore the intricate art of watchmaking, and engage with some of the most respected figures in the industry.

Waterford is a fitting location for showcasing handcrafted artisanal ‘haute horlogerie’. The city is home to Ireland’s only dedicated museum of watches and clocks and is just a short distance from New Geneva, where Genevan watchmakers had decided to relocate their entire industry in 1784. Had this venture succeeded, it could have profoundly changed the industrial history of Ireland.

“We are thrilled to welcome watchmakers and enthusiasts from around the world to Waterford,” said Sara Dolan, CEO of Waterford Treasures Museums. “The International Festival of Time is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and the timeless connection between art and engineering.”

The festival highlights for 2025 include ‘Exhibitions of Rare and Exquisite Timepieces’, which will showcase a breathtaking collection of handcrafted mechanical watches and antique timepieces. ‘Masterclasses and Workshops’ offering a hands-on opportunity with master watchmakers revealing the secrets of traditional and modern watchmaking techniques. ‘Guest Lecture and Panel Discussion’ with the world’s leading horologists, historians, and designers as they share insights on the evolution of timekeeping. ‘Guided Tours of Waterford’s Historic Landmarks’ for visitors to explore the city’s centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship and innovation, and the ‘Collectors’ Showcase’ an incredible platform for collectors to present and discuss some of the most unique and historic timepieces in their possession.

One of the event organisers Johnny McElherron says, “As a celebration of independent and artisanal watchmaking, the Festival of Time is a unique opportunity for anyone with an interest in watches and contemporary horology to experience and appreciate some of the finest and most important hand crafted timepieces of our time, and to meet the people behind them. It is for me a great honour to welcome these extraordinary creators to Ireland, and to have the rare chance to showcase their internationally acclaimed and award-winning watches on Irish soil.”

The International Festival of Time is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of cutting-edge horology while experiencing the vibrant culture and heritage of Waterford. Whether you are a seasoned collector, an aspiring watchmaker, or simply fascinated by the artistry and science of timepieces, this festival offers something for everyone.

The festival will take place at various historic venues throughout Waterford, enhancing the experience with the city’s stunning medieval architecture as a backdrop. Tickets and further information are available at  https://www.waterfordtreasures.com/event/international-festival-of-time-2025/. Follow @festivaloftime on socials for ongoing updates and announcements.

Exhibitors Confirmed for 2025

The festival will feature a prestigious lineup of renowned watchmakers, including:

  • John McGonigle (Oileán, Ireland)
  • Stephen McGonigle (Ireland/Switzerland)
  • Bryan Leech (Sidereus, Ireland)
  • Alison Moriarty (Ireland/Switzerland)
  • Vianney Halter (France/Switzerland)
  • Albert Edelmann (Zeitwinkel, Switzerland)
  • Patrik Sjögren (GoS, Sweden)
  • Rune Bakkendorff (Denmark)
  • Shona Taine (Khemea, Switzerland)
  • Lundis Bleus (Bastien Vuillomenet, Switzerland)
  • Cyril Brivet-Naudot (France)
  • Robb Nudds, James Thompson & Anders Brandt (Arcanaut, Denmark/Switzerland)
  • David Brailsford (Garrick, UK)
  • Marco Borraccino (Singer, Italy)
  • Christiaan van der Klaauw & Pim Koeslag (Netherlands)
  • Ludovic Ballouard (France)

Centric360 acquires Irish managed services provider HCS

HCS – the managed services provider with offices in Dublin, Waterford and Cork – today announces that it has been acquired by Centric360. Centric360 is an investment vehicle owned jointly by Pamela Farrell and Brian Larkin, former directors of the Evros Technology Group which was acquired in 2020 by eir. The acquisition will be followed by further investment in HCS throughout 2025, including the expansion of its service portfolio and team.

Over the past 30 years, HCS has become a highly successful managed services business spanning cyber security, cloud, digital transformation and telecoms. HCS has an impressive customer base across financial services, healthcare, hospitality, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors.

Since 2020, HCS has increased its turnover from €3.5 million to a projected revenue of €8 million in this financial year and more than doubled its team from 24 to 50 employees. The company has also invested heavily in automating its systems across sales and services, providing a foundation for long-term growth and innovation.

Building on this acquisition by Centric360, both Larkin and Farrell see significant scope for further investment in the business in 2025. This will include enhancing and scaling the existing HCS service portfolio and expanding the sales and professional services teams to deliver an end-to-end offering with a best-in-class customer experience.

The vision is to build on the company’s impressive growth and foundations by extending the range of products and services to meet the rising demands of existing and future customers. Furthermore, the business intends to shift its focus beyond the SME and midmarket space to include larger enterprises.

To support these plans, HCS will add additional expertise and resources to its experienced team in the coming months. In addition to creating jobs across its three Irish offices, the company will invest in the professional development and progression of the existing team.

The acquisition also includes the purchase of the HCS headquarters in Waterford, where the business intends to strengthen its presence further. The current HCS owners and directors – Seán Hegarty, Dan Hegarty and Neil Phelan – will continue in their vital roles, contributing significantly to HCS’s ongoing growth and future success.

Meanwhile, Larkin will become Chairman and Farrell will assume the role of Managing Director. Together they bring extensive knowledge to the organisation, having been key contributors to building the Evros Technology Group to revenues of over €100 million and a 400-strong team.

Speaking about the acquisition, HCS CEO Neil Phelan said: “It was important for us to join forces with people who understand our brand and history. Together, we hope to continue driving growth not just for the business but for our employees and customers too. Pamela and Brian bring extensive industry experience, strong professional reputation, and a proven track record in leadership and business expansion. Combined with our high-quality services, excellent client relationships and talented team, we look forward to elevating HCS to the next level.”

Pamela Farrell added: “It was clear from the moment we met with HCS that we shared similar values and vision for business. With the alignment of culture and expertise, we look forward to further investing in operations, expanding the company’s capabilities, and bolstering the team. In turn, we intend to open up new opportunities while building on the organisation’s existing legacy of delivering transformational, innovative services which customers can trust.”

New online election hub set to enhance information accuracy and voter participation in Waterford

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is today announcing that its digital mapping system is being used by Waterford City and County Council to help bring real-time and accurate electoral information to local citizens. It is expected to drive voter participation in the upcoming local and European elections taking place in June.

This is the first dedicated resource of its kind to be rolled out by a local authority in Ireland, and provides information in both the English and Irish languages.

The Election Hub platform, built using Esri’s ArcGIS technology, is providing 127,000 citizens across Waterford with easy access to transparent information about electoral candidates, existing elected representatives, electoral areas, and voting and registration FAQs. Real-time data from the Register of Electors is streamed daily into the hub, creating a one-stop-shop and putting authoritative and accurate information at the fingertips of local voters.

The hub enables citizens to explore and download interactive maps of the six electoral areas within the Waterford region where they can enter their Eircode to find their elected representatives, from local councillors to TDs. Voters can also locate their allocated polling station, and even get directions from their home address.

The Election Hub is also leading to more focused campaigning and representation for electoral candidates. Both new candidates and elected representatives can view the electoral area maps within the hub to improve their understanding of the areas they represent or seek to represent.

The platform also levels the playing field for new and existing candidates in the lead up to elections, giving everyone equal access to information about the electorate. When elections take place, Waterford City and County Council plans to update online dashboards on the Election Hub as the results of each count are declared.

In addition, the use of the technology internally is improving the accuracy of the electoral register. Waterford City and County Council can now easily spot anomalies where clusters of houses may have been assigned to the wrong electoral area or where a voter has entered an incorrect Eircode. The inclusion of a link to the Irish Government’s Check the Register website is also encouraging more citizens to verify their information, leading to more accurate data about households.

Jon Hawkins, GIS Project Lead, Waterford City and County Council, said: “Waterford City and County Council needed to make information about elections more accessible to members of the public, help them find their polling stations, and remove other barriers to participation. Configuring the hub was very straightforward and it was an intuitive and responsive solution to build. The platform aims to educate citizens, inspire public confidence, and support Waterford’s prospective and elected representatives. The easy-to-use hub provides transparent, accessible information for citizens in both Irish and English to promote greater voter participation in elections.”

Dermot O’Kane, Head of Sales, Esri Ireland, said: “This is such an important platform which has not only improved the quality and accuracy of electoral information, but will ultimately encourage more people in local communities to have their voices heard by demystifying the voting process. It also helps local candidates to better connect with households in their electoral areas. Waterford City and County Council is doing invaluable work in this area and we are delighted to support this innovative use of our ArcGIS technology. Our system is flexible and can scale as the council’s capabilities continue to grow.”

Red Bull launches state-of-the-art gaming hub at SETU Waterford

Red Bull has this week launched a state-of-the-art gaming hub at SETU Waterford to support the development of third-level gamers in Ireland. The Red Bull Gaming Hub will help SETU students of all abilities to develop their skill sets while also connecting them with leading partners in the global gaming industry.

The hub, the first of its kind at a third-level institute in Ireland, is located in SETU Waterford, the first third-level institute in Ireland to launch an esports scholarship. Synonymous with esports and gaming throughout the world, Red Bull has long since been a pioneer in the industry, supporting esport athletes and student gaming tournaments across the world.

This latest initiative represents Red Bull’s most significant esports venture in Ireland as the brand expands its footprint on the Irish gaming scene. The Hub will also host national gaming tournaments, interactive workshops and live stream events, while Irish gamers will also have the opportunity to qualify for global esports tournaments via events hosted in the Red Bull Gaming Hub.

This November for example, the Irish National Finals of the global VALORANT tournament, Red Bull Campus Clutch, will take place in the Hub. A team-based tournament open only to those in third-level education, Red Bull Campus Clutch sees over 200 national and regional tournaments take place across the globe this autumn. The best of the best advance to the World Finals, this year hosted in Istanbul, with a cash prize of €20,000 on offer.

Commenting as the hub was officially unveiled today, Katie Redmond SETU Sports Manager, Waterford Campus, said: “In 2020, SETU became the first third-level institute in Ireland to launch an esports scholarship and since then, the Esports Club has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the most active clubs at SETU. We are now delighted to further set the standard in the Irish third-level sector by opening our new Esports Gaming Hub. Our goal with this is to create a sports community where all students, current and future, who participate in Esports can receive the same support and facilities as all our sports teams. We would like to recognise that without the guidance and support of everyone at SETU, Esports Ireland, Collegiate Esports, and Red Bull, this vision would not have been possible.”

The hub is kitted out with a casual gaming area equipped with Xbox consoles, an immersive sound system and comfortable gaming bean bags. The facility also includes a chill-out area where students can bring their own laptops, connect to the high-speed network and work on their own creative projects with a cold can of Red Bull in hand. A unique custom-made 10-sided gaming table sits at the centre of the hub and allows for 5v5 gaming sessions on top-of-the-range gaming PCs.

Four outstanding partners have come on board, helping to bring the latest and greatest hardware to gamers. Intel NUC, SteelSeries, AGON by AOC and Backforce have worked with Red Bull to bring this unique gaming facility to life.

As PC Partner, Intel NUC, renowned for packing high-powered gaming rigs in small form factors, will support with their top-notch GamingPCs. SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, is the official Peripheral brand of the Red Bull Gaming Hub and will equip students with award-winning gaming headsets, keyboards, and mice.

Backforce, the Gaming Chair partner, have provided ergonomic chairs that can boost performance and help maintain high-level gaming over long, competitive sessions, while the official Monitor Partner, AGON by AOC, provide high-performance gaming monitors within the space.

For more information about the Red Bull and Gaming, and the new Hub at SETU Waterford, visit www.RedBull.com/ie-en/gaming. To find out more about Red Bull Campus Clutch, and how to register, please visit Red Bull Ireland on Instagram & Tiktok @RedBullIre

 

What is in the mystery box

 

AdTech Company Kargo announces 25 new jobs for the South East

Kargo, a private advertising technology company has chosen Waterford City for its first European R&D hub creating approximately 25 data science and software engineering jobs over the next three years.

Employing approximately 500 people across 11 global sites, the New-York HQ, Kargo is a  next-generation full funnel addressable advertising platform which delivers exclusive advertising and content experiences across mobile, social, video, CTV  and commerce, providing differentiated design forward, attention grabbing formats driving extraordinary outcomes.

The team at this R&D hub will seek to develop proprietary IP in applied Machine Learning and process automation in the open web cookieless digital advertising industry. The company is recruiting across the areas of data science, engineering, analytics and product management.   To explore opportunities at Kargo, visit – kargo.com/careers

“Kargo is thrilled to be branching out into new technologies and our focus on R&D efforts is a top priority that will help meet the challenges ahead,” said Kartal Goksel, Chief Technology Officer. “Waterford has demonstrated the skills and has built a reputation for talent in our community, and we are happy to be investing in key resources for continued expansion.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Simon Coveney TD said: “I am really pleased to hear that Kargo have announced plans to open their European R&D Hub in Waterford. This investment of €10m includes the creation of 25 highly skilled data science jobs over the next three years. The new facility will provide a Hub for exciting new innovations in technology to be undertaken. The announcement will also create will be a welcome boost to the South East, and the Government is hugely supportive of all regional investment. Best of luck to all at Kargo and congratulations on the new Office.”

“This investment from Kargo is a big vote of confidence in the existing team and the south-east region,” said Mick O’ Brien, Senior Director of Engineering, Kargo, Waterford. “With a vibrant cluster of tech companies, a highly skilled talent pool and excellent programmes available from SETU, Kargo has recognised the fantastic opportunity available here and is making a key investment for the future.

Mary Buckley, Interim CEO, IDA Ireland said: Kargo’s decision to choose Waterford as the location of its European R&D hub is really good news. The company is a welcome addition to the South East region’s growing Technology cluster. I’d like to wish Mick and his team every success with this new investment.”