GLOBALLY AMBITIOUS ROAMR IS DISRUPTING THE WORLD OF CORPORATE TRAVEL
What you need to know about CBAM BE PREPARED
New voice of IRISH BUSINESS MARGARET CONSIDINE takes up President role at Chambers Ireland
RICARDO BATISTA, NOESIS, ON DELIVERING IT SOLUTIONS THAT WORK AND WHY THE NEED FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE WILL NEVER CHANGE
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ISSN 20093934
14
INNOVATION & TECH
Ricardo Batista, Managing Director - UK & Ireland at Noesis, chats about the IT firm’s new Centre of Excellence in Dundalk and why the need for excellent service will never change
Roamr, a new Irish-founded accommodation platform with big-name backers, has set its sights on disrupting the world of corporate travel
18 Entrepreneur
Founder of Tonstix, Sinéad Crowther talks about export potential, growth at home and why hard work pays o
LIFESTYLE]
Embrace fresh voices and exciting screen adaptations in
Scott McInnes, host of Building Better Cultures, talks about authenticity and creating a culture that leads to success
Tobba Thorbjorg, CEO of Kara Connect, on her journey from politics to pioneering mental health platforms
Joseph O’Connor caught up with Fergus Sheil, Director of the Irish National Opera, to talk about juggling arts and business
IT Ops, Cloud & Security
Data Analytics & AI
DevOps & Automation
Enterprise Application Integration
Enterprise Solutions
Low-Code Solutions
Quality Management
Professional Services
30
Noesis is an international tech consulting company with 30 years of experience offering solutions to support companies’ businesses and digital transformation.
Its Centre of Excellence in Dundalk is a significant commitment to supporting the growth of Ireland’s IT industry.
Years of experience Par t of Altia Group
7 +1300
Specialised talents talents
Ex tensive IT ser vices por tfolio
Countries
Por tugal | Spain | The Netherlands
Ireland | Brazil | The USA | The UAE
“There is amazing talent in Ireland and we want to harness that talent so we can provide our clients with top level solutions.”
Ricardo Batista, Managing DirectorUK & Ireland, Noesis
technology or business leaders do not
Techies Go Green has revealed the findings of a survey which found that just over half (54%) of companies have a formal sustainability policy or strategy in place. The research – which involved 41 business and technology professionals – found that a further 39% are developing a formal sustainability policy or strategy. Almost three quarters of respondents (73%) said sustainability is very important in their company’s overall strategy. Despite this, 29% of technology or business leaders do not currently track their carbon emissions and 32% track them but have not set specific targets. Less than a third (32%) publicly report on their sustainability e orts. Of those who do not, 35% are planning to start. There are over 600 members of Techies Go Green across Ireland and abroad, with the aim of growing that number to 1,000 members.
More than 95% of US multinationals have a positive view of Ireland as an investment location, according to a survey of American Chamber of Commerce Ireland members.
An independent survey from Datapac has found that a majority (84%) of businesses are using AI tools in their day-to-day operations, but almost a third (30%) of those surveyed report that employees are using AI tools that are unapproved.
Corporate law firm Flynn O’Driscoll LLP has merged with commercial law firm Vincent & Beatty LLP, a move that reflects both firms’ commitment to expanding service o erings for their diverse client base. James Duggan, Managing Partner at Flynn O’Driscoll, said: “We are delighted to welcome Vincent & Beatty and their team to Flynn O’Driscoll. Their reputation for excellence and their deep roots in the legal sector are a perfect complement to our own client-centric approach. This merger is not only an opportunity to broaden our expertise, but it’s also part of our ongoing strategy to expand and diversify our practice to better serve our clients’ evolving needs. It also provides further opportunities for our colleagues to develop professionally. We are proud to continue the journey as a leading full-service law firm in Ireland and we look forward to further growth opportunities.”
Pinergy has announced that Tokyo-based multinational group Sojitz has taken a majority stake in the business, having acquired the holdings of long term shareholders, the Coates family. Sojitz says the investment aligns with its strategy to create, operate and grow businesses that deliver renewable energy from generation through to the supply of electricity and green energy solutions for commercial and residential customers who are navigating the energy transition.
Pinergy CEO Enda Gunnell said: “With Sojitz, we share a vision for a new type of energy retailer that focuses on delivering cleaner energy, enhanced technologies and supporting transformational change for our customers to revolutionise the energy sector in Ireland.”
Research from
A DataSolutions survey reveals that while 78% of tech companies have plans to achieve carbon neutrality, 65% have not yet measured their carbon footprint.
Last year funding into female-founded start-ups surged 120% to reach a record €230m, according to a TechIreland report published to coincide with International Women’s Day.
Four times as many firms feel their sta are more productive in the o ice than working at home, according to a recent Dublin Business Outlook Survey, produced by Dublin Chamber.
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New data published by Comreg has revealed that fibre-to-the-premises technology in the Irish market is now on a par with cable broadband subscribers for the first time.
The Central Bank has said it plans to treble credit unions’ capacity for mortgages and business loans to €8.6 billion. The plan proposes that business lending can equate to as much as 10% of a credit union’s assets.
HCS has been acquired by Centric360, 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. HCS is a managed services business spanning cyber security, cloud, digital transformation and telecoms. Since 2020, the business has increased its turnover from €3.5 million to a projected revenue of €8 million and more than doubled its team from 24 to 50 employees. 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 roles.
Digital agency Granite has acquired Coalface, a Limerick-headquartered data science and digital marketing company. Granite’s workforce will now grow to more than 145 digital specialists and revenues are expected to exceed €18 million in 2025. Coalface manages over €220 million in annual online revenues across 68 countries. With this acquisition, Granite’s customer base expands by over 20 blue-chip clients including Aer Lingus, An Post, Allianz Care, Laya Healthcare and Continental. Adrian Feane, CEO of Coalface, will join the Granite team as part of the acquisition. “Having already worked closely together with Granite on multiple projects, we could clearly see the benefits of a full integration of our operations to deliver more complete solutions for our highly valued clients. This new venture creates further opportunities for us to shape a more data led approach to how marketers define their digital strategies,” said Adrian.
Bríd O’Sullivan, formerly of Christies PMP and Marian McQuillan,
Quillsen has announced its acquisition of Christies Property Management Partnership (Christies PMP), a long-standing player in the Irish property management and lettings sector. This acquisition will substantially enhance Quillsen’s property management offerings to nearly 600 rental and managed properties. It will also prompt a 20% increase in staff to support the expanded client base. The Christies PMP office in Santry joins Quillsen’s five offices across Dublin and Meath.
Global advisory and investing platform
Consello has launched in Ireland, with multiple senior leadership appointments, the acquisition of two companies and the opening of three offices. Former Google and LinkedIn Head of EMEA John Herlihy has been appointed Executive Chair of Consello Ireland while Katie Doran, CEO of The Lanyon Group, will become CEO of the Irish business. Consello has also acquired The Lanyon Group and Blue Lake High Performance Partners. Former Manchester United and England captain Gary Neville and former Irish champion golfer and Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley have also joined as Principals.
Mediolanum Irish operations’ second annual Philanthropy Collective raised €600,000 for national addiction charity Coolmine Therapeutic Community and Belvedere Youth Club. These contributions will empower Coolmine to transform lives through its residential and community programs for women, mothers and children. Additionally, they will support Belvedere Youth Club’s mission to provide essential services to young people in Dublin’s north inner city. To mark the fundraising efforts, an event was held at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, with Minister Jack Chambers in attendance along with Olympic gold medal-winning rower Fintan McCarthy.
Sharon Cunningham, CEO of Tipperarybased Shorla Oncology and CTO Orlaith Ryan have been named the 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Sharon and Orlaith were also named winners in the emerging category at the event. Shorla Oncology aims to improve existing oncology treatments and is focused on indications where existing treatments are limited, in shortage, or the drug applications are inadequate for the target population.
John Mackey (CEO), Ruth Mackey (CSO/ COO) and David Mackey (CTO) of Mbryonics Limited were named 2024 EY Established Entrepreneur of the Year while Ivor Queally, CEO of the QK Group South Africa, was named 2024 EY International Entrepreneur of the Year.
Relevium Medical has been awarded €4.6 million in Government funding to develop an immediate and long-lasting treatment for knee osteoarthritis. The University of Galway spinout secured the investment for its RestOAre project to develop therapies for debilitating chronic pain and disease progression of knee osteoarthritis. Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “This Government investment is one of the most significant Disruptive Technologies Innovation Funds awarded to University of Galway, and for one of our spinout companies to secure it, it demonstrates the scale of our ambition and impact as a global leader in research and innovation excellence. Relevium Medical’s treatment for knee osteoarthritis is ground-breaking and the team has global ambitions to improve the lives of people who live in chronic pain from the disease.”
President-elect Trump takes o ice as the 48th President of the USA on 20 January 2025. His rallying call to ‘Make America Great Again’ signals a protectionist intent, with talk of tari s on imports from other countries and favourable tax regimes to entice US manufacturing back home. As an economy highly dependent on US foreign direct investment (FDI) companies, this has potentially worrying implications for Ireland.
Commentary and news on future US foreign direct investment in Ireland
“Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and intensifying global competition for inward investment, we cannot a ord to be complacent about our o ering. e signi cant de cits in the State’s crucial infrastructure, including housing, energy, water, childcare and nationwide public transport, need to be addressed with urgency if we are to remain fully competitive in the race for future FDI.”
Cróna Clohisey, Director of Public Policy at Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), speaking at the launch of a new guide to foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland
“Ireland is the seventh-largest source of FDI into the US. Our role as a key international partner of the US can be solidified and strengthened with a continued focus on the two-way transatlantic relationship,” says Paul Sweetman, CEO of AmCham, the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. “With a renewed contender attitude, there will be a bright future for US investment into Ireland and for Irish enterprises expanding in the US. The next Government must be ambitious in its approach to enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness on the global stage.”
Location: Limerick
Number of sta : 20
The number of jobs created by NDRC-backed start-ups since 2021, according to an open letter signed by over 200 founders urging the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to reconsider the decision to close it.
LinkedIn compiled its annual start-up rankings for 2024, with no-code automation platform Tines topping its listing for Ireland. The list is built from LinkedIn’s data across four key pillars: employee growth; jobseeker interest; engagement within the company and its employees; and how well these start-ups have pulled talent from top companies. Rounding out the top 10 are fintech Wayflyer; AI-powered accounting platform Outmin; audit evidence collection platform Circit; corporate gifting platform &Open; Manna Drone Delivery; ePower electric vehicle charging; health tech Deciphex; XOcean, whose uncrewed robotic vessels collect ocean data; and Alchemy, a tech-refurbishment company.
Product or Service: Online safety, education and wellbeing for children
How have you funded the business to date?
Self-funded initially and then raised capital through private investors.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
There is always a way if you don’t give up.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned starting out?
Running one’s own business is the best self-development course one can ever do and that your product is only as good as your team. Due to the nature of our work and Cybersmarties’ mission to protect the safety and wellbeing of every child online, it is essential that each member of sta shares the same core values.
Your biggest make or break moment?
We partnered with An Garda Siochána in 2020 after three years of working together and are the only private company to do so. They are a great team of people whose work fighting some of the most inhumane crimes against children often goes unnoticed. They are the quiet heroes. This led to other partnerships such as becoming a UNICEF Global Partner and partnerships with other national police forces.
Is there anything you would change in hindsight? Expand faster, you will never have everything 100% perfect.
A record 108 start-ups raised funding in Q3 2024, up from 67 in Q3 last year, according to Tech Ireland’s Start-up Funding Vibes report for Q3. The numbers are largely driven by Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) and High Potential Start-up (HPSU) approvals. The amounts raised by HPSUs is still undisclosed and data will evolve over the coming months. Unusually, Q3 tech investments into Dublin-based tech companies were a smaller part of the total and a single investment (Let’sGetChecked) comprised the lion’s share of the Dublin funding, raising €130 million in venture debt.
Agency (ESA) under the ARTES Business Applications and Space Solutions Programme. It will enable Proveye to further develop its pioneering platform that integrates satellite and drone image processing and AI technologies for high-precision, metric-based measurement and monitoring of land use, carbon sequestration and biodiversity in the world’s grasslands.
The contract underscores Proveye’s growing influence in the field of sustainable food production and environmental monitoring. Its innovative remote sensing platform enables the measurement of the performance and risk in nature-based solutions projects that look to increase biodiversity and carbon sequestration through regenerative management of grassland ecosystems.
Headquartered out of Nova UCD, Binarii Labs has developed a patented data security solution that provides secure data storage and sharing through its file transfer protocol. Earlier this year, an investment of €400k from Enterprise Ireland in High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) match funding brought to €3 million the total raised by the company to date. That money has been put to work and the company achieved ISO 27001 certification and has just announced new distribution channel partnerships across the United States, Europe and Asia.
“We’re thrilled to partner with top-tier cybersecurity leaders like BitCyber, OBETEC and The Consultant Practice, Ironland Intel, Cyberacta, Veridat, and CommSec,” said Ciarán McNamee, Co-Founder and Chief Business Development O icer at Binarii Labs. “These partnerships allow us to bring our mission of data sovereignty and resilience to global markets, supporting our clients with advanced, locally optimised data security solutions.”
Deloitte’s Rising Star Award in association with Enterprise Ireland recognises a young company that demonstrates a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. This year it went to Waterford-based Klearcom. The start-up helps businesses manage incoming customer service calls by testing interactive voice response (IVR) systems. Klearcom raised €1.5m in its last funding round in spring 2023, to invest in the use of AI and machine learning in its o erings.
It is now o ering local testing for both phone numbers and interactive voice responses (IVRs) with a single test call, in over 100 countries. The service allows clients to validate and test across all local operators to ensure complete confidence that their services are working seamlessly.
Congratulations on the new role. Are you optimistic about the business landscape going into 2025?
Thank you. Yes, I’m feeling very positive. Part of my role is about inspiring people to be optimistic and to be their best selves, so I have to practice what I preach. I truly believe that we learn nothing on a straight road; you learn on the crooked roads when things go wrong or when you’re faced with complexities. I'm 23 years in business and as an SME, I’ve been through two recessions so I've been on that crooked road. It’s a privilege to be leading Chambers Ireland; I've been in the chamber movement for over 17 years so I believe I have the experience, knowledge and trust of the chamber network to do the role effectively.
What are your ambitions as President?
To lead a collaborative board that is truly the in-touch representative voice of the businesses in the chamber movement in Ireland. During the term of the Government, the board will continue to represent the whole country and to grow the relevance of Chambers Ireland. I also aim to strengthen the voice of Ireland Inc. at a European level and ensure that our advice on manifestos is taken into account. Economic success is the overall ambition, as is achieving social success – we’re a country of people, not just of businesses.
As a small firm , what are some of the challenges you're facing?
The greatest challenge to everybody is uncertainty. The cost of doing business is
crippling for SMEs, as is managing cashflow. Many small businesses are not Chamber members, but I truly believe that every business in the country should be. The benefits and the support I have received over the years has been excellent. Ireland is a country of nascent entrepreneurs; about 96% of businesses are SMEs. We need to be able to support those small firms and so tackling the cost of doing business is really important. Building future skills is also critical and we need to start developing quick pathways into careers like nursing and engineering. University degrees shouldn’t be the only option, micro-credentials need to be pushed far more than
they are. As someone who's in the learning and development eld, we need to look at the ways in which we educate and train our people to be entrepreneurs for the future. Strengthening our international connections is also important because ultimately, we are an island and we need to stay connected to Europe and to our stronger business partners.
When did you set up EQuita Consulting Ltd?
I set up the business 23 years ago. I had worked with a variety of large brands including McDonald's, Baileys and Mercury Engineering. During my time in these roles, I saw an opportunity to develop a solution for an issue that I was seeing, which was a lack of good quality advice to problems that businesses were regularly encountering. e training available to businesses was also very poor. e name –EQuita – comes from the word equality, which is around removing barriers and upskilling people to give them access to every tool, technique and opportunity that they need in order to live their best life. We have three divisions – a consulting division, a training and executive education division and a ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) division.
How has the company grown over the years?
It's grown signi cantly. We call ourselves a boutique brand and for the most part, we y under the radar. For example, we recently produced the Probation Strategy but you would never know it was us. We hire really brilliant people and our associates are probably some of the best in the world. At the moment, we have about 20 associates that are with us over two decades, including world renowned author Owen Fitzpatrick, Associate Professor Ashley Hughes and Professor Andrew Kakabadse.
What do you attribute the success of the business to?
Agility, service, customisation and personalisation. We’re a small business, we're not pretending to be huge. You won't nd our name in 44 corners of the world, but what you will nd are our ideas in 44,000 people's heads who are turning concepts into transferable ideas in progressive workplaces. Our business is based on trust and return on investment for our clients. We never have a di culty selling because we come referred. Every piece of work we do is custom built to the client. We don't charge for design. We don't charge for customisation, but we make sure that it ts.
e products that we have developed for clients t their world of work and deliver on their ambition. at's something we're very proud of.
Did your time in South Dublin Chamber as President prepare you for your new role?
It absolutely did, it was the runway that enabled me to take on the role. Firstly, it gave all the chambers an opportunity to get to know me and to see if they could trust me to be President. It gave me practice in governing a chamber with a strong executive team and the nuances in politics that’s required. South Dublin is one of the largest chamber in the country, so it was exciting to be part of it. Working with the CEO there, Peter Byrne, was an amazing learning pathway.
Do you enjoy what you do?
I love it. Alongside the day job and my new role at Chambers Ireland, I give up a day of my week to voluntary work. I consider this my way of giving back. For the past two years, I was President of the All-Ireland Business Foundation and I’m also chair of Tallaght University Hospital Foundation. I'm a former chair of Making Connections (2022-2024), a brilliant small company that alleviates loneliness in the elderly. I really believe that most of us have in nite capabilities and that with the right support, we can achieve so much. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in my career and I intend to build on those achievements in my role as President at Chambers Ireland, for chambers across the country.
"Economic success is the overall ambition, as is achieving social success - we're a country of people, not just of businesses"
“We are unapologetically globally ambitious with this, but you have to be by default.”
A new Irish-founded accommodation platform has set its sights on disrupting the world of corporate travel. Joseph O’Connor caught up with Roamr Co-Founder STEPHEN DOOLEY to find out more
If anyone doubts how groundbreaking Airbnb and Uber have been for their respective industries, just ask Stephen Dooley. He’ll share an anecdote about how, as a child, he was constantly warned against getting in a car with or answering the door to strangers, only to see in adult life two tech companies rip up the playbook.
Airbnb and Uber’s ability to shift people’s innate behavioural habits struck a chord with Dooley – not only did their trust and adoption strategies form the focus of his PhD research, but they also planted a seed for his start-up.
So, too, did the pandemic. At that time, Dooley was taken by how many employers were letting staff work from anywhere in the world but also frustrated by the financial barriers making it impossible for most.
“That was my personal pain point,” says Dooley. “Speaking with friends, they faced the same issue of having to spend thousands on accommodation while paying rent at home. It was probably my PhD
research brain that put me in customer discovery mode and I thought, ‘is there a play here? How do we solve the piece and what would a solution look like?’”
These were questions Dooley had when he met Jason O’Gorman through the Y Combinator founders matchmaking programme. With O’Gorman’s decade-long engineering experience building travel and hospitality start-ups, it was the perfect match – and Roamr was born. Seven months later, the pair had a product built for just €15,000 and in the hands of their first paying customers, with an ambitious plan to rip up the business travel playbook.
Roamr is a corporate travel accommodation platform aimed at helping companies cut costs by paying staff to host their colleagues instead of footing expensive hotel bills. Its B2B proposition is to save client companies around 30% on accommodation costs, while the employee host and business traveller get a slice of the savings. Roamr’s primary target market is big tech – companies with deep pockets and a global presence.
“The example we tend to give is a tech company with someone in Dublin,” says Dooley. “They need a person in San Francisco for a month. It’s going to cost $10,000 on hotel bills. Instead, they could be hosted by a colleague or friend in that city and then we redistribute the would-be hotel cost to those two people’s pockets and back to the company.”
To break it down further: the host gets $3,000, the travelling employee gets $3,000 and the company saves 30% on the trip cost after paying Roamr a service fee.
“We use what we’re calling a pay-as-you-save model,” says Dooley. “Unless the company has driven a saving, we won’t charge them. It helps us pitch the CFO in a way that makes it a nobrainer. You get to push 30% of your cost straight to the bottom line, but you get to deliver that news in a way that makes you look like a hero to your workforce because you’ve created financial opportunities for them.”
Roamr also has a B2C SaaS model, which focuses on personal trips with home exchange. That means employers pay a flat fee to unlock the home exchange service for their staff, many of whom will have a work from abroad policy.
According to Dooley, the platform’s frontend is not dissimilar to Airbnb – “because familiarity breeds trust” – but the backend is more B2B-focused, complete with a customised dashboard and admin controls for CFOs and chief people officers.
Founded in 2023
“The core value prop is unlocking the globe for people, so you must have that global mindset.”
96 countries with users (at time of writing)
€500k+ raised in a pre-seed round
€300k in tech costs funded by Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
€15,000 cost of initial product build
The very nature of Roamr’s business means it has massive global ambition, which is also reflected in the big names backing and advising the start-up. They include former MD of Meta Ireland Rick Kelley, Eoghan Quigley of KPMG, former Shopify executive John Riordan and John Collins, formerly of Intercom and Ramp. Roamr has also secured partnerships with leading players in the future of work like Deel, Oyster, Dell and Remote and raised over €500,000 in an oversubscribed pre-seed round earlier this year.
Dooley says everyone at the cap table has specific expertise that can unlock a different piece for Roamr. “We focused on the blind spots of the business,” he says. “The obvious one was, ‘How does the buyer think about rolling out this technology?’ We need to understand that perception, which is why we built relationships with CPOs in big tech companies like Google, Netflix, Workday and Cisco.”
While Dooley acknowledges riding the coattails of Airbnb’s disruption of the accommodation sector, he says they offer a very different proposition. “If you travel right now for work, you have a choice. Will I stay in a hotel or an Airbnb? There’s actually not too much of a reason to choose one or the other nowadays. We’re saying, ‘Hey, you can travel for work and you can have one of those or if you choose Roamr, you get paid.’ So it’s a strong enough differentiation.”
The other differentiator is trust. Roamr offers a much more gated community. “It’s not a bunch of college students that are going to come to your home and party while they’re there,” says Dooley. “This person is a working professional. So there’s higher trust in that community for us.”
Roamr currently has a team of four with plans to use its funding to increase its headcount. It has users in 96 countries, which Dooley says proves its global application.
“We are unapologetically globally ambitious with this, but you have to be by default,” he says. “The core value proposition is unlocking the globe for people, so you must have that global mindset. Our metric for success is whether when people travel, they’re going to think, ‘Am I getting a Roamr or a hotel or an Airbnb?’ Hopefully, in that order. That probably sounds lofty and delusional but ultimately, it’s what we need to be.”
A n s w e r de
Getting the right advice around employment law is crucial, especially when it comes to tricky areas like dismissal and the burgeoning issue of mandated return to o ice. LAURA MCKEEVER answers some of your most pressing questions
What are the most common employment disputes that present?
From various polls that we’ve run over the last six months, several key trends are emerging as challenges for Irish employers. ese include:
» Handling remote working requests
» Managing sickness absence
» Addressing workplace toxicity
» Preparing for the Pensions Automatic Enrolment Savings Bill
» Tackling substance abuse in the workplace
» Overseeing probationary periods e ectively
» Ensuring compliance in the evolving landscape of AI
e Workplace Relations Commission’s (WRC) 2023 Annual Report highlights the most common individual complaints received, with pay disputes accounting for 26%, followed by unfair
dismissal cases at 13%. Discrimination and equality complaints also represent 13% of cases, while 11% are related to working time issues. Notably, there has been a sharp 201% rise in protected disclosure/ whistleblowing cases compared to 2022.
When it comes to fair/unfair dismissals, what issues most commonly come up?
Complying with the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977–2015 can present signi cant challenges for employers. Professional legal advice should be sought before taking steps to terminate an employee’s contract of employment.
Some of the most common and complex dismissal scenarios in Ireland arise in the following situations:
» Probationary periods: While probationary periods are a valuable tool for assessing employee suitability, they can be challenging. Employers must make critical decisions within a short timeframe, o en while navigating intricate legal requirements.
» Performance management: Addressing poor performance is a delicate process. Whether a dismissal for poor performance is fair will depend on the employer’s approach to managing the underperformance, including the steps taken to support the employee and provide opportunities for improvement.
» Misconduct: Managing employee misconduct in a fair and legally compliant manner is crucial. Doing so protects the organisation’s reputation and helps prevent costly litigation arising from claims of unfair dismissal.
» Redundancy: Conducting redundancy processes with fairness and transparency is vital. Clear communication and adherence to legal guidelines significantly reduce the risk of disputes or legal challenges.
Has the mandate of return to office from some companies thrown up any interesting cases? What challenges are presenting?
This area of employment law is regulated by the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (the Act), enacted in April 2023, and the Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Right to Request Flexible Working and the Right to Request Remote Working (the Code), introduced in March 2024. The Code offers practical guidance on managing remote working requests and employers must adhere to its standards. However, handling such requests has posed significant challenges, with several cases already adjudicated by the WRC including:
» Employer discretion: The first Irish case on remote working, Karabko v TikTok Technology Ltd [ADJ-00051600], was heard by the WRC in July. The WRC ruled in favour of TikTok, upholding its decision to deny a full-time remote working request. This case underscores a critical distinction: employees have a right to request remote working, but not an automatic right to work remotely.
» Procedural compliance and documentation: Employers must follow a clear, structured process when handling remote working requests. The WRC’s role is to assess the process followed by the employer, rather than the merits of the decision itself. It is essential for employers to maintain detailed records of discussions, decisions and the reasoning behind accepting or rejecting such requests.
» Reasonable requests: In Rafael Andrade Jorge v Centric Mental Health [ADJ-0051008], the WRC determined that employers can make reasonable requests regarding employees’ return to the office. In this case, requiring one day per month in the office was deemed reasonable.
Balancing needs: Recent case law emphasises the need for employers to balance business requirements with employees’ personal circumstances. Employers should consider and document alternative arrangements if employees dispute mandated office attendance.
There have been a spate of business closures this year, from numerous restaurants to the liquidatiob of Irish active wear company Peachylean just recently. What sort of pitfalls do employers need to look out for when they are making staff redundant or closing a business?
Restructuring a business in Ireland can occur for various reasons, often leading to challenging decisions for employers around staff redundancies. When making such decisions, it is essential for employers to seek professional legal advice on the redundancy process to ensure compliance with the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967–2007. Below are some key points for employers (this is not an exhaustive list and legal advice should be sought early in the process) to
“Restructuring a business in Ireland can occur for various reasons, often leading to challenging decisions for employers around staff redundancies.”
consider when planning a restructuring in their business and common pitfalls to avoid:
» Genuine redundancy: Employers must identify the objective business rationale for the proposed redundancies and ensure that the reason aligns with the definition of redundancy under the Redundancy Payments Acts. A genuine redundancy paired with a fair process is essential to meet legal requirements and reduce the risk of unfair dismissal claims.
» Collective redundancy: If the number of proposed redundancies meets the thresholds for collective redundancy, additional legal obligations will apply. Employers must check whether these thresholds are triggered at the outset.
» Fair selection: Where a selection process between employees is required, employers need to establish clear and objective selection criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.
» Consultation: A meaningful consultation process is critical. Employers should allow sufficient time for planning and engaging with employees, exploring all alternatives to redundancy before proceeding. Preparation is key!
Impacted employees: Special care must be taken with employees on protected leave, such as maternity or sick leave, to ensure their rights are upheld during the process.
Laura McKee is a Knowledge Partner at Legal Island, an employment law training specialist, providing jurisdiction specific guidance for HR professionals
This article is correct as at 20/11/24
Disclaimer: The information in this article does not constitute legal advice. We regret that Legal Island is not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this article
An idea for a lollipop that would help relieve children’s coughs and colds has evolved into a product that’s now sold across the country. SINÉAD CROWTHER talks to InBUSINESS about export potential and why hard work pays o
“Once I had my own children, I shared that frustration and thought, someone has to do something. It turned out that someone was me.”
or most parents, the start of the school year isn’t just about organising the uniform and buying a new lunchbox. It’s about preparing for coughs and colds season – the illnesses that spread like wild re once all the kids are back together again. For Sinéad Crowther, Founder and CEO of Soothing Solutions, back to school season is her busiest and most pro table time of the year, when pharmacies, supermarkets, health-food stores and other retailers sell her products to parents looking for a solution to soothe their child’s cough or sore throat.
Sinéad and her business partner Denise Lauaki set up the business in 2017. With over two decades of experience in community pharmacy under her belt, Sinéad saw a gap in the market for a natural, e ective product for common, seasonal illnesses. “I got the idea for Tonstix a er spending 20 years talking to parents and feeling their frustration at the lack of child-friendly products for common illnesses. ere just wasn’t an over-the-counter product that would soothe that type of discomfort in children. Once I had my own children, I shared that frustration and thought, someone has to do something. It turned out that someone was me,” says Sinéad.
A er her son had a serious accident, Sinéad le her role as a Pharmacy Technician. “I was on lone parent bene ts as I was too scared to leave him when he got out of the hospital. e idea for Tonstix was in my head at this stage and so I just decided to see how far I could take it. I wasn’t thinking about the big picture or the longer term, it was just something to focus on. I got really interested in the idea and began using my network in pharmacy to see if I was to go ahead and develop a product like this, would pharmacies stock it? e answer was a resounding yes.”
Tonstix is a dissolvable, all-natural, jelly pop that provides comfort to children with common coughs, colds and sore throats. e pop encourages the sucking re ex which facilitates lubrication of the throat and contains honey, known for its soothing properties, along with Vitamin C and Zinc. As it dissolves, the pop creates a coating that temporarily supresses distress and comforts irritable throats. Shaped like a stick person, its design prevents a child from inserting the
pop too far into their mouth. Sounds clever –but how did a good idea evolve into a physical, on-shelf product?
“I had no experience in product development so taking the idea to a product on-shelf took a long time. We had to ensure it complied with regulations and that it would appeal to children. We worked alongside a food scientist to ensure the product’s e cacy and safety. As a lone parent, I had zero capital at the start; securing funding for R&D was di cult.”
Eventually her good idea started to take root. A priming grant from her local LEO along with High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) funding from Enterprise Ireland and approximately €800,000 in private capital from a seed funding round, gave the business the boost it needed. “It’s been a journey with nance. Again, I knew nothing about running a business or trying to raise funds. At this stage, I could write a book about it! It’s been a steep learning curve, but I’ve really enjoyed that element of it. I can’t imagine going back to a regular 9-5 role where you do your job and go home. It’s hard work but I love it.” at hard work is paying o . In 2023, Sinéad was named the Enterprise Ireland HPSU Founder of the Year. Judges described her as an excellent example of a founder with a clear pathway to scaling globally and someone with the potential to become a world leader in her eld. Tonstix, which is manufactured in a purpose-built factory in Dundalk, Co Louth, is sold in pharmacies and retail stores across the country and in 2024, the product launched in 110 Tesco stores. ey’re also available in every Holland & Barrett outlet. “We’re exporting to the UK and Malta and we’re talking to distribution partners for expansion into Europe. Our sights are on further growth in the next 12 to 18 months; we already have huge listings at home
but we want to expand and grow our presence in Ireland and abroad.”
e business currently employs a team of ve and that gure is growing. In 2024, the business launched a second product, developed for children with travel sickness. Tonstix Travel Pops contain a di erent formulation to the original product, ideal for use on ights for children su ering from ear popping. Feedback from parents has been excellent, says Sinéad, and there are plans in place to launch further products in 2025 and beyond. “We expect to launch the next product much quicker than our rst two; we have the experience now and we also have the support of our partners.”
Sinéad attributes the success of Tonstix to delivering a new, convenient solution to a problem faced by parents all over the world. “I saw a very real gap in the market for a child-friendly
“Throughout the whole process, we kept the user experience front and centre and that’s why it has proved so popular.”
solution for children’s health issues. It might sound niche, but that niche is global. Children are responding to the products, they’re happy to use them and I think that’s the key. roughout the whole process, we kept the user experience front and centre and that’s why it has proved so popular.” e plan is for Tonstix to become a household staple, a pop that’s always on-hand for when seasonal illness strikes. “With the investment we’ve secured, with our growing listings and the fact that we’ve started exporting, that ambition is becoming a reality. I think our story really shows what can be achieved when you believe in your product and set your mind to making it work.”
Technology may evolve but Noesis’ values remain the same. RICARDO
BATISTA, Managing Director - UK & Ireland, chats to InBUSINESS about the IT firm’s new Centre of Excellence in Dundalk and why the need for good service will never change
Simplifying the complex is what Noesis is all about. The global IT services company provides clients with a one stop shop when it comes to IT solutions, whether that’s cloud, cybersecurity, AI and data analytics, automation or low-code platforms.
Launched with the support of IDA Ireland, the company opened its new Centre of Excellence in Dundalk in 2024, creating 30 jobs across various areas over the next three years and highlighting its commitment to innovation and excellence The Dundalk facility joins other centres across the globe, in Portugal and Brazil, and the intention is to research new ways of looking at client challenges and investigate trends before they’re presented to clients. The new facility, which complements the Noesis Dublin office, is also a step forward in its broader strategy around enhancing its global reach and impact. “With Ireland at the forefront of IT around the world, it made sense for us to establish a presence here. There is amazing talent in Ireland and we want to harness that talent so we can provide our clients with top level solutions. Exporting
our services to other regions is a priority, as is maintaining a high level of service to our Irish and UK clients. The Dundalk facility will allow us to do that,” said Ricardo Batista, Managing Director - UK & Ireland, Noesis.
The services available to clients at the Dundalk Centre of Excellence will help them on their journey towards digital transformation. They’ll enable businesses to be more competitive, speed up delivery and raise the quality of their customer offering. “Research shows that 70% of all software development will include these services by 2025. We’ve recognised that there is tremendous opportunity for growth when it comes to these services in Ireland and we are determined to lead this movement. That’s why our new Dundalk Centre of Excellence is a crucial part of our growth strategy.”
“With Ireland at the forefront of IT around the world, it made sense for us to establish a presence here. There is amazing talent in Ireland and we want to harness that talent so we can provide our clients with top level solutions.”
For over three decades, Noesis has been providing clients with solutions that help make their business more efficient. The company’s values – efficiency, security, reliability and quality – are the cornerstone of the Noesis operation and the reason why it celebrated 30 years in business in 2024. A strategic mindset has kept the company a step ahead all these years and it’s that type of forward thinking that’s at the heart of the new facility in Dundalk. “Thinking strategically is what we do and it’s what we encourage our clients to do. If you look at what happened to businesses when Covid struck and the strategies they very quickly developed to deal with a rapidly changing business environment, I think that forward momentum has stalled a little. We need to harness that progress again and that’s what we help our clients achieve. We help businesses to be as competitive as possible by implementing smart, efficient solutions that work for them.”
Those solutions, which are all vigorously tested before roll-out, include Cloud & Security – a set of tools that help clients adopt and leverage cloud capabilities and focus on the security of their IT ecosystem. They also include Enterprise Application Integration, which allows clients to connect any application, IoT device, service or datasets in the cloud or on-premises with ease. When it comes to increasing efficiency and agility, simplification of processes is key, says Ricardo. Enterprise solutions from Noesis add value and the potential to scale. “Our enterprise solutions help our clients better manage their relationships with customers. Those solutions, which range from digital signature and CRM to chatbots, help improve a company’s operational efficiency.”
“We’ve recognised that there is tremendous opportunity for growth when it comes to these services in Ireland.”
Real-time data analytics can help a business thrive. In 2023, research from McKinsey showed that data-driven organisations are 23 times more likely to acquire customers. Noesis provides advanced analytics, data preparation, data discovery, data visualisation, big data architecture and machine learning models to help clients streamline processes and maximise profitability. However, gathering the information is one thing; utilising it to your advantage is another. “It’s not just about getting real data. We help clients to transform the data they’ve gathered into actionable insights and really capture that hidden value. That will then help guide the client to make the right decisions, improve
operational efficiency and provide a more dynamic customer experience.”
Improving operational efficiency is high up on the priority list for thousands of small and medium sized businesses across Ireland and the key motivator for AI adoption. In late 2024, research found that a significant number of companies were planning to implement AI while more than a third had already done so. The research, conducted by Eir Evo, found that almost a third of businesses surveyed said AI could cut up to four hours a week from administrative tasks. A further 23% said administrative work could be reduced by more than six hours a week, redirecting spending of up to €5.1 billion. AI solutions from Noesis can deliver process optimisation through consumption forecast, market demand forecast, production forecast, stock optimisation, detection of production failures and predictive maintenance. AI can, says Ricardo, help boost a company’s growth but it must be utilised in the right way. “It’s important that businesses look at ethical AI and the data and privacy issues that go hand in hand with it. In 2024, we all lived through an experimental phase of AI. In 2025, I think we’ll progress to a more businessfocused version of AI which will be all about cooperation and improving decision-making. We advise our clients to focus on being more responsible around AI and more sustainable. It’s a powerful tool that can prove useful to clients, but it must be leveraged responsibly.”
Low-code, a relatively new approach to software development that allows for faster delivery of applications through minimal hand-coding, is on the
up says Ricardo. “I think we’ll see more businesses implementing low-code platforms this year. We’ve been a partner of OutSystems – a pioneer in low-code – for over 15 years. The OutSystems platform allows us to offer our clients a solution that helps them achieve scalability, reduce risk and complexity. Essentially, it helps them innovate that bit easier.”
Technology is constantly evolving but there are some things that don’t change. Regardless of the latest tech trend, Noesis will continue to focus on efficiency, security, reliability and quality. “And that’s also what our clients want. They want to implement both legacy and the newest technologies to help them grow and thrive, but a focus on quality and service will always remain. There’s sometimes a tendency to focus on the future rather than the present. It’s so important to concentrate on the here and now, knowing that in 10 years, people will be asking for the same thing. Technology will always evolve – that’s why we have our centres of excellence – but the need for good service remains a constant. We’re an IT solutions provider that knows how to help clients make the most of their business and that’s not going to change.”
“There’s sometimes a tendency to focus on the future rather than the present. It’s so important to concentrate on the here and now, knowing that in 10 years, people will be asking for the same thing.”
“There is tremendous opportunity for growth when it comes to these services in Ireland and we are determined to lead this movement. That’s why our new Dundalk Centre of Excellence is a crucial part of our growth strategy.”
“Thinking strategically is what we do and it’s what we encourage our clients to do. If you look at what happened to businesses when Covid struck and the strategies they quickly developed, I think that forward momentum has stalled a little. We need to harness that progress again and that’s what we help our clients achieve.”
“It’s important that businesses look at ethical AI and the data and privacy issues that go hand in hand with it. In 2024, we all lived through an experimental phase of AI. In 2025, I think we’ll progress to a more business-focused version of AI which will be all about cooperation and improving decision-making.”
Joseph O’Connor caught up with FERGUS SHEIL, Director of the Irish National Opera, to talk about juggling arts and business, setting the tone for his team and inspiring the next generation of creatives
“Things could go wrong. Thankfully they haven’t, but it’s a nervewracking game.”
While artists and creative professionals aren’t known for their business acumen, they’re often the ones scrapping the hardest for funding. Musician, composer and conductor Fergus Sheil can testify.
As a successful Irish conductor carving out his career abroad, Sheil recognised that Ireland was one of only a few European countries without a national opera. Seeing first-hand what these organisations delivered for
artists, audiences and communities, he was determined to see one established at home. So much so that years later, in 2017, when the Arts Council announced it would fund a new opera company, Sheil and his colleagues had already laid the groundwork for a successful tender.
“What we did in the years before was play a very strategic chess game where we ticked a lot of boxes,” says Sheil. That included setting up small-scale opera companies, Wide Open Opera and Opera Theatre Company, bringing opera around
Ireland and commissioning some big-name writers and composers for productions. Their pitch was successful and the following year, the Irish National Opera was founded, with Sheil appointed Artistic Director. “We hit the ground running, producing seven operas in the first year, and we’ve kept going at a pretty good pace since then,” he says.
Irish National Opera is a registered charity with an independent board of directors and while the larger office engages between 200 and 300 people each year, it has 19 full-time staff. According to Sheil, the nucleus team’s expansion and contracting throughout the year gives the organisation the flexibility it needs to be financially sound and successful.
“I still think of the company as in its infancy,” he says. “We have no dedicated, purpose-built opera house in Ireland. So we still have a long but exciting road ahead.”
Sheil has produced over 80 different operas, including works by major composers from Vivaldi to Wagner, and over 40 works by living composers. His most recent was a successful run of Rigoletto at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Despite his highly decorated career, perhaps one of his biggest accomplishments has been successfully running a company parallel to producing high-quality opera performances. So, how has Sheil found the juggling act?
“It’s taken me a long time to – I don’t want to say get good at it but – get comfortable with it,” he says. “I remember in my early days when organising a project, you’d do everything yourself – contracting people, placing ads, doing all the marketing. I remember being in the middle of conducting a concert and thinking, ‘Oh, no, I didn’t bring the cheque book!’ It was very hard to divorce yourself from the creative side and be more practical.”
While Sheil still produces a couple of productions each year, which generally involve an intensive six weeks from rehearsal to performance, a big part of his role is budgeting for an organisation often planning 3-4 years in advance.
“It’s the same for any business, but knowing what you’re going to spend and sticking to it is really key,” he says. “There is a long history in Ireland and internationally of opera companies going bust, which was a big worry for me at the start. You plan two, three, or even four years out because major singers, directors and conductors get booked up. It means you’re committed to money years out and it’s a bit like a train leaving the station. It’s very difficult to call it back. So you have to be careful about what you plan and realistic about what you can afford.”
Sheil must be doing something right because, in its six plus years of operations, the Irish National Opera has never been in deficit. As an Arts Council-funded company and registered charity, the organisation plans to spend its entire yearly budget, which means little or no reserves, making operations all the more precarious.
“The pressure is on to put on a lot of opera,” says
Sheil. “It makes you feel very fragile. Things could go wrong. Thankfully they haven’t, but it’s a nervewracking game.”
“I still think of the company as in its infancy. We have no dedicated, purpose-built opera house in Ireland. So we still have a long but exciting road ahead.”
PEOPLE WITH PASSION
Sheil puts much of Irish National Opera’s success down to hiring people passionate about opera – whether they’re working in accounting, marketing or admin. “They really need to know, understand and get opera,” he says. “When people send in CVs, one of the things I’m looking to see is, yes, are they qualified, but is there another element to what they do that leads me to believe that they would love, be passionate and committed to the work.”
In terms of personal characteristics, Sheil looks for people who show respect towards others – something
Fergus shares three pieces of advice for those trying to make it in the arts, which can just as easily be applied to any line of business.
ALWAYS HAVE 10 IDEAS IN YOUR BACK
“Don't think there's one way of doing something. Don't approach your career in one way – know that there are many different paths. Don’t be afraid to go left a little because you might very well end up going back to where you were. Things won't go in a straight line. Be flexible and respond to every opportunity.”
TRY NOT TO BE THE SMARTEST
PERSON IN THE ROOM
“If you're collaborating with people who are smarter than you, you're going to learn and develop. The natural, easy thing to do is gravitate to friends on the same level. See if there's somebody a bit further up the career ladder than you and reach out to them. You’d be surprised how many are willing to collaborate.”
GO BIG AND AMBITIOUS
“In the arts, because of the limited funding available, we tend to make our ideas smaller so that they’re more achievable. I think the opposite. Go with your idea and make it bigger if you need to because it’s the idea that will get you the money. So, sometimes bigger and more ambitious is better. Keep your artistic integrity and your ideas really strong and see if you can get people to back you.”
he says the industry lacked in the past. “The arts can be quite a temperamental place with people who can be temperamental,” he says. “We try to work with people who are really respectful of others. That’s a change in opera compared to 20, 40 or 60 years ago, when it was more autocratic with leaders barking orders.”
Sheil says he and his team strive to be collegiate, respectful, passionate and ambitious. “If I embody those traits in my work – if I’m passionate and driven but respectful of others, it reflects a lot. It’s important when you’re in a leadership position, that the tone you set and how you conduct yourself inspires others and how they work.”
In 2023, Sheil was awarded an honorary Doctor in Letters from Trinity College Dublin, the university he first graduated from. Now, he’s come full circle, lecturing a module in career development in TCD’s music department. So, as a mentor, what qualities and values does Sheil instill in his students?
“Most of all, I try to give them some confidence and inspire them to believe that the ideas they have are possible to achieve,” he says. “That’s really why I’m doing it. I started out in Trinity myself and I had lots of opportunities that led to great things. The music department has fostered a lot of really interesting outside-the-box thinkers and makers of music. So I wanted to do my bit.”
Sheil’s module, ‘From Page to Stage’, encompasses everything from building projects and putting teams together to getting funding, attracting audiences and marketing. Sheil says he wants to help students understand that the mechanisms are there to get your idea on stage. “There is a whole system of funding in Ireland. Of course, we’d all love it if there was more, but there are opportunities open to people.”
According to Sheil, education in his classroom is not a one-way process. He says he learns lots from the young people he teaches, understanding their motivations and perspectives, which often differ from his.
“I think that’s important, right across the board – to work with people of a different generation to you,” he says. “So often you get locked into a group think, believing there is only one way of doing things and thinking about the world. So it’s great to be challenged like that. I find it stimulating and interesting. I don’t know if the work I do makes an impression on them, but I hope it might at some point in their lives.”
When we speak, Sheil is just out of a rehearsal for Rigoletto and full of optimism and excitement, not only about the next performance but also about opera more generally.
“The thing that buzzes me about opera is that it’s so unpredictable,” he says. “I haven’t counted the numbers, but there’s probably between 150 and 200 people involved in putting on this opera and it’s a combination of the talent of extraordinary people that will come together on that stage. That’s just such a rich experience.”
“Many HR managers tell us how much time they spent on personal issues before adopting Kara Connect.”
How did you get involved with Kara Connect?
I’m a cognitive psychologist by training and my career started in researching brain development in children, adolescents and adults. From there, I found myself in politics – something I never thought I’d do – but it’s such an important arena for change, especially in the Nordic systems where public support is essential. I was a councillor in Reykjavik, Iceland, for 12 years and also advised the Minister of Education. My focus was always on improving access for children who needed specialist help, whether for autism, speech problems or psychological and occupational therapy. I saw gaps in the system, particularly in how funding and support were structured and when I le politics, I decided to address those gaps through digital platforms. at’s when Kara Connect was born.
What does Kara Connect do?
Kara Connect has three main components. First, it’s a secure workstation for practitioners to conduct online meetings. We have about 3,000 practitioners using it across 60 di erent specialities, from speech therapists to psychologists. Secondly, we’ve created wellbeing hubs tailored to companies. ese hubs act as a gateway for employees to access help such as mental health support, communication skills training or menopause specialists. Each hub is customised to the company’s needs and employees can connect with professionals who speak their language and understand their culture. Some of our rst customers said whatever they need, it’s on the platform – they love that. And thirdly, HR managers can monitor the platform’s usage to understand what their workforce needs. Privacy is key – conversations between employees and practitioners are completely siloed. is ensures trust, which is vital for the platform’s success.
What inspired you to create the wellbeing hubs? e shi to digital services has fundamentally changed how people access care. Gone are the days of waiting in line for neighbourhood services; everything happens online now. is has made workplaces the rst place people look for help, especially when public systems have such long waiting times. We also noticed the unique challenges Gen Z has brought to the workforce. is generation is incredibly talented but faces higher levels of anxiety, largely due to social media. We’re seeing a lot of ‘quiet quitting.’ Employers are grappling with how to support them and that’s where our wellbeing hubs come in.
What has the response been like from companies?
“My focus was always on improving access for children who needed specialist help, whether for autism, speech problems or psychological and occupational therapy.”
what we o er. We’re not just another Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Our platform has a 20% engagement rate, which is double the industry standard. at’s because we focus on live, human support and most importantly, human connection –no videos, no AI. It’s all about real connections with practitioners.
What have been some of the highlights for you and the team?
It is incredibly rewarding to see the impact our platform has. On average, 55% of bookings on our platform are for mental health professionals, which tells us we’re addressing a real crisis and making a di erence. Another highlight is our team. We’re a small but incredibly aligned group of 24 people spread across Dublin, Reykjavik and a few other locations. Everyone is so passionate about what we’re doing – I’m really proud of what we’re building.
What’s next for Kara Connect?
Honestly, I was a bit nervous when we launched the wellbeing hubs. I wondered if employers would feel that providing this kind of support should be the health system’s responsibility. But the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Employers want to help their teams feel safe and supported. ey understand the value of preventative measures – not just for their employees’ wellbeing but also for their own peace of mind. Many HR managers tell us how much time they spent on personal issues before adopting Kara Connect. Now, they can o er their employees a clear pathway to help without taking on the responsibility themselves. at’s a win-win for everyone.
What challenges have you faced in leading the company?
e biggest challenge right now is navigating budget constraints. Companies are under pressure to cut costs, but they also see the growing need for mental health support in the workplace. It’s a delicate balance. Another challenge is educating people about
We’re focused on nurturing the practitioner side of the platform. I’d also love to dive deeper into research – understanding what interventions work best and demonstrating the value of investing in mental health support. We’re already seeing great results, but I’m eager to back those up with more data. On a broader level, we’re continuing to expand. Although the wellbeing hubs are relatively new, they’re already gaining traction. We want to create something people can trust where they can access help easily and privately.
What advice would you give to others looking to innovate in this space?
Don’t underestimate the importance of trust. It is really important and you need to build systems around that. Stick to your passion because this is an evolving space and it’s easy to get distracted.
karaconnect.com
“Businesses have a crucial role to play in contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. We look forward to working with the Minister, the Department and the 19 other SDG Champions over the next year to make impactful changes.”
Conor Healy,
CEO, Cork Chamber
A ROUND-UP OF ALL THE NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE CHAMBER NETWORK NATIONWIDE
The Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber has been awarded the Menopause Workplace Excellence Award 2024 for Best Small Business. This prestigious recognition, presented by The Menopause Hub Academy in partnership with Great Place to Work Ireland, highlights the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to foster menopausefriendly workplaces.
D&WW Chamber CEO Jenny Beresford said: “This award is a testament to our commitment to creating inclusive, supportive workplaces where women can thrive at every stage of life. Addressing menopause in the workplace is a crucial part of our strategy to ensure that all employees feel respected and valued. With an ageing population and a tightening labour market, it’s more important than ever to support everyone in staying engaged and contributing for as long as they can.”
Award-winning podcaster and lecturer Melissa Moore of The Retail Tea Break podcast was in Kilkenny, sharing tips and key strategies to attract customers and deliver exceptional customer experience. A guest of Kilkenny Chamber, Melissa is pictured (left) at Langton’s House Hotel with Kilkenny Chamber President, Anne Barber (left) and Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise at Kilkenny County Council, sponsors of the event.
Shannon Chamber hosted its sixth annual Mid-West Lean Network conference in November in Dromoland Castle Hotel. The conference, which questioned if people are central to Lean, drew speakers from Advanced Technical Concepts (ATC), Panametrics Baker Hughes, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, Regeneron and Cook Medical, with the keynote address delivered by Lean expert, Noel Hennessy, Managing Director of Practical Lean Solutions. The conference also included a ‘Street Event’ where nine companies displayed lean projects they had undertaken during the year. The projects were assessed by conference attendees who selected the winner in two categories – SME and multinational or large indigenous – with Milford Care Centre and Cook Medical taking the honours. The conference was sponsored by Crystal Lean Solutions and supported by LBS Partners, WrxFlo, Ei Electronics, Analog Devices, ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet and Shannon Chamber Skillnet, with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland also supporting the Network’s wide range of activities.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was awarded the Workplace of the Year Award for its operations in Letterkenny at the recent Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards event. The awards, which took place in the Silver Tassie Hotel in Letterkenny, celebrated the achievements of businesses in the region. TCS won the Workplace of the Year award by demonstrating its commitment to creating a positive workplace for its employees, which is reflected in working practices and employee-centric policies that are in place at the company. These policies include understanding the diverse needs of their employees and prioritising employee well-being and success. TCS offers hybrid working for employees in Letterkenny, incentive policies and health and wellness initiatives.
Cork Chamber has been appointed by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champion for 2024-2025. By partnering with the DECC and other SDG Champions, Cork Chamber aims to amplify the impact of sustainable practices and inspire a broader commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “We are honoured to accept this appointment by DECC to champion the Sustainable Development Goals among the business and wider community. Sustainability is at the core of all Cork Chamber’s activities. Businesses have a crucial role to play in contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. We look forward to working with the Minister, the Department and the 19 other SDG Champions over the next year to make impactful changes”, said Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber.
Wexford County Council and County Wexford Chamber of Commerce have signed a new Heads of Agreement, paving the way for further strategic collaboration in promoting Co Wexford for investment, economic development and job creation. Wexford County Council’s economic strategy supports the creation of a dynamic economy that stimulates job creation, fosters an enterprise culture and support skills development. This three-year agreement with County Wexford Chamber of Commerce will support this strategy and align to the Chamber’s objectives in supporting and representing the business community in County Wexford. The Heads of Agreement will add value to the Council’s economic programme while supporting the Chamber in its delivery of its three-year Strategic Plan.
Wexford County Council has had a long tradition of supporting SMEs that deliver quality products in a competitive environment and have proven to be dynamic and innovative
Members, friends, and stakeholders of the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber recently enjoyed the ‘End of Summer Drinks Reception’ at The Old Bank Dungarvan. This event has become a highlight of our annual calendar, providing the perfect opportunity to forge new connections, strengthen existing ones, and expand professional networks.
proudly representing “The Model County”. Wexford County Council also supports new growth areas of the Green Economy, Digital Infrastructure and the Marine Sector.
The County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit, held at Newbay House, Wexford in November, was a remarkable success, bringing together business leaders and innovators from across the region. Hosted by MC and Executive Coach Orlaith Carmody, the event featured a keynote address by An Post CEO David McRedmond, who captivated the audience with his insights on business transformation and innovation. The summit provided attendees with actionable strategies for business growth and leadership development. “We had the privilege of hearing from David McRedmond, who shared valuable insights into the transformation he led at An Post,” said Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber. “Additionally, representatives from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland outlined the supports available for businesses and discussed the importance of foreign direct investment in driving the continued economic growth of County Wexford.”
Klearcom was named Overall Waterford Business of the Year at the Waterford Business Awards in November, by Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Jason Murphy, during a gala awards dinner at the Tower Hotel. The Waterford Business Awards, which are organised by Waterford Chamber, with support from Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and WLR, were hosted by Mary O’Neill and celebrated the successes and contributions of the shortlisted companies. Opening proceedings, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Jason Murphy said: “Just look around you, the atmosphere here is electric – this is our business community and while only some of you will lift the trophies tonight, you are in fact all winners. You are what makes Waterford so special, from east to west we have vibrant, innovative, hardworking businesses and we must work together to build a stronger Waterford for everyone.”
The 2024 Labour Party conference heard why unleashing Northern Ireland’s unlocked potential is key to accelerating economic growth and enabling the UK to reach its net zero targets. NI Chamber brought a delegation of business leaders to Liverpool to articulate the Westminster-based policy actions they believe will help Northern Ireland’s economy to grow. Representatives from Denroy, Eakin Healthcare, Kainos and NIE Networks addressed a fringe event hosted by NI Chamber in partnership with Queen’s University, Belfast. They were joined by NI Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP for an event which followed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s keynote address. It focused on a range of priorities including business competitiveness, international trade, net-zero and access to labour and skills.
Co Wexford Chamber supports launch of Wexford Impact Fund
County Wexford Chamber has partnered with Rethink Ireland on the launch of the Wexford Impact Fund, a transformative initiative dedicated to driving positive change and fostering innovation in the county. It is designed to support groundbreaking social enterprises and impactful community projects, making a real difference in the lives of people across Wexford. With GreenTech HQ as the fund’s first donor, the fund is now calling on visionary donors, especially individuals and Wexford businesses who share a passion for positive change, to join the Chamber on this exciting journey. By investing in this fund, donors will directly contribute to sustainable, impactful solutions that address the most pressing social challenges in the community.
For more information or to join as a valued donor, contact Padraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager, Rethink Ireland, email: padraic@rethinkireland.ie
County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet’s Tipperary’s Got Talent Learning & Development Conference took place in December 2024 at the Cashel Palace Hotel, attracting business leaders and professionals from across the region. The event focused on upskilling, reskilling and the importance of investing in talent to drive success and innovation in today’s competitive environment. the event featured insights from Dave Flynn of Skillnet Ireland, who highlighted the role of collaboration in addressing skills gaps. “Skills development is not just about staying competitive; it’s about creating sustainable opportunities for individuals and businesses in every community,” he said.
Michelle Aylward reinforced this message, saying: “At County Tipperary Chamber, we believe that upskilling and talent development are not optional; they are essential. Investing in your people is investing in the future of your business.” The conference concluded with an overview of County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet’s upcoming Skills for Success programme and the official launch of the 2025 Training Programmes. Covering topics from AI and leadership to practical skills like Excel and First Aid, the programmes are tailored to meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike.
The Kilkenny Business Awards, Kilkenny Chamber’s flagship event, brought together 600 people from the local business community to celebrate business excellence. Popular broadcaster Marty Whelan MC’d this sold-out event and announced the 23 winners, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, President’s Award and 20 category awards.
The Sustainable Business Impact Awards highlight excellence in sustainable development and social responsibility by businesses of all sizes across Ireland. Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, these awards celebrate innovative and impactful practices that align with Chambers Ireland’s commitment to sustainability. The application process for the 2025 Awards will officially launch soon – stay tuned for your chance to apply! These awards provide a platform to showcase your achievements, inspire others and contribute to Ireland’s sustainable future. To learn more about the awards or to explore previous entries, scan or click the links below:
View the 2024 edition through the annual awards magazine: https://issuu.com/ashvillemedia/docs/ sbia_2024_online_edition
Learn more about the event: https://chambers.ie/event/sustainablebusiness-impact-awards/
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this impactful initiative!
Shane Hughes, Policy and International Affairs Manager, on navigating the new EU mandate and promoting Ireland Inc
After a months-long process that began with the European elections earlier this year, the new-look European Commission has been finalised. Following a mandate marked by overregulation and suffocating legislative overreach, the focus has shifted towards competitiveness. The Draghi report – published in October – delivered a scathing assessment of a stagnating Single Market hampered by years of overregulation hindering economic progress.
This renewed emphasis on competitiveness was the overarching theme throughout the Chamber Network’s engagement with Brussels in 2024. Visits to the EU institutions are integral to amplifying our message and last November, representatives from across the Chamber Network engaged with EU leaders and policymakers to address the critical challenges facing Irish businesses.
Alongside competitiveness, energy, trade and skills remain core focus areas in terms of our international priorities. These framed our discussions in November, when we were facilitated by MEP Seán Kelly at the European Parliament, where the Chamber delegation engaged in focused discussions with our MEPs on these topics. We also met with former Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and Declan Costello from DG ECFIN, who provided insights into EU economic forecasts while delving into a positive analysis of the Irish economy looking forward to 2025.
On energy, the message is clear – Ireland is lagging behind European counterparts in facilitating renewables including offshore and onshore wind, biomethane and hydrogen infrastructure. To address
"Alongside competitiveness, energy, trade and skills remain core focus areas in terms of our international priorities."
this challenge, Marie Pouliquen from DG ENER outlined the next steps the State must take to meet its climate targets under the European Green Deal.
Artificial intelligence has emerged in recent years as a topic of interest within the Chamber Network. The delegation also met with Dr Martin Bailey – from the EU’s new AI Office – who presented on the transformative impact of AI in public services and emphasised how Ireland can benefit from designing the right policy to facilitate responsible use of AI in our cities.
To conclude the visit, the delegation was hosted by Ambassador Aingeal O'Donoghue at the Permanent
Representation of Ireland to the EU. Together we discussed the challenges facing businesses and the need to ensure that the files being progressed at EU level encourage innovation rather than stifling it.
As a result of our visit to Brussels, we promoted the strongest case possible for Ireland Inc and forged stronger relationships with colleagues at the institutions and the “Perm Rep”. Combined, these relationships will be instrumental in championing the priorities of Irish businesses as we look forward to 2025, including:
• A robust European strategy for climate and energy resilience
• A globally competitive Europe
• An enabling policy environment for businesses
• Investments in cities and regions
• Delivering the Single Market
• Bridging the skills gap to support growth and the twin transitions.
Drogheda & District Chamber CEO Hubert Murphy on creating channels for members to do business
How are you finding your new role as CEO at Drogheda & District Chamber?
I took on the role in June 2024 and it’s been a great experience. Working closely with the chamber council, we intend on further creating a landscape to allow Drogheda and district to thrive in the years to come. I believe in change, as standing still in life and business is never an option. I love engaging with members and seeing how we can deliver for them. That is what we are here for.
Can you tell me about your career so far?
I spent many years in the newspaper industry with INM and then Mediahuis. In 2021, I took on a new role as General Manager at Drogheda United FC in the League of Ireland. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community as well as developing national and international business contacts. To see the club win the FAI Cup in 2024 and qualify for Europe was special. It’s a huge boost to the town.
Do you think previously held roles will inform your new CEO position?
I see the chamber brand as one that can deliver great things for the Drogheda region. In the same way as the name of a local newspaper or local football team draws support, confidence and trust, the chamber does likewise. You bring a little bit of life experience to any role you do, be it paid or voluntary, and that adds to the team and the product. I believe consistent and solid branding is huge in business and a bit like a football team, we now carry the chamber logo on our jackets. Proper PR and selling the chamber is equally as important; that’s why we introduced the concept of ‘ribbon cuttings’ for new members. We need to celebrate every little achievement with them.
"There
is no better feeling for our team than to solve one member’s problem by introducing them to another member. The more we build the membership, the more contacts are made."
How is business in Drogheda?
Drogheda is like every other big town. It has ways to improve but by working as a collective for the greater good, so much can be achieved. We want to see a rejuvenated main street, we want to enhance the Purple Flag experience for those visiting the town and make it a major destination location for international businesses. The M1 corridor has great potential and being close to the airport, backed by a motorway and rail service, we are primed for major investment.
What are some of the challenges facing business?
Drogheda is the biggest town in Ireland and has the potential to be a city. That alone draws constant debate, from traffic, to education needs, crime, housing and other social elements. The thing that makes Drogheda stand apart is the potential of the place. We are building 7,500 new homes on the north side of the town, a new IDA park is going in, we have a new €1 billion sustainably powered enterprise campus planned, offshore windfarms are earmarked off the coast, a new multi million-euro port is planned, along with the completion of a new link road and the arrival of the DART. The chamber will be a willing partner in all of this.
How does Drogheda & District Chamber support its members?
I believe in two things – an attitude of Chamber First and making sure we treat
those that support us as family members. There is no better feeling for our team than to solve one member’s problem by introducing them to another member. The more we build the membership, the more contacts are made. We have a weekly newsletter that keeps us all informed and our regular coffee and chats mornings are so popular.
As CEO, what are your ambitions?
Drogheda is a regional growth centre and will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. But a bird can’t fly on one wing. The chamber is all about collaboration and building teams and inspiring others on the journey. We signed a Friendship and Solidarity Agreement with our friends in Lisburn Chamber of Commerce in October and we are planning on adding to our ‘family’ of contacts in England in 2025. We must create channels for our members to do business and also open the door to others to come to Drogheda and sample what we have here.
House of Waterford is delighted to introduce its latest exclusive offerings – the Mastercraft and Engraving Experiences
Rediscover Waterford through an immersive journey into the exceptional skill and craftsmanship behind our renowned crystal creations.
The Mastercraft Experience brings the artistry of Waterford’s Master Craftsmen to any location in Ireland. This private demonstration showcases the incredible expertise of our artisans, as a Master Craftsman demonstrates the intricate techniques of cutting or engraving. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to craft their own unique piece of Waterford crystal under the expert guidance of a Master.
For those visiting Waterford, the Engraving Experience offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of our manufacturing facility. Visitors will meet Master Craftsmen specialising in blowing, cutting, sculpting and engraving; gaining an intimate understanding of each discipline. After the tour, guests are invited to the front of our store, where they can personalise their own piece of Waterford with the help of a Master Artisan. The experience concludes with a celebratory toast of Moët & Chandon, marking the creation of their bespoke masterpiece. For more information on these experiences, please contact Tom Walsh at tom.walsh@fiskars.com or 087 1209143
"The Mastercraft Experience brings the artistry of Waterford’s Master Craftsmen to any location in Ireland."
Brazil continues to o er Irish businesses a wealth of opportunities across a range of sectors, writes Eoghan O'Briain
Brazil has one of the most diversi ed economies in the world with a broad range of industrial production, a vibrant technology sector and sophisticated nancial markets. With a population of 215 million, Brazil is the largest consumer market in Latin America. Rich in natural resources including oil, iron ore and vast agricultural lands, Brazil is one of the world’s largest food and agricultural exporters, behind only the EU and USA.
UN data on FDI ows show that Brazil is the h largest destination for global FDI with in ows of USD $65.9 billion in 2023, well above pre-pandemic levels.
President Lula’s administration launched a “New Industrial Policy” in 2024 that focuses investment on sectors such as agro-industrial chains, health, urban welfare, digitalisation, bioeconomy and the clean energy transition.
ere are diverse opportunities for Irish companies in Brazil. While the country might be best known for resources and energy companies such as Vale and Petrobras, it also has innovative retail, healthcare and ntech companies with strong pathways for accelerated growth.
Brazil is an important market for leading Irish multinationals and exporters such as Kerry Group, Glanbia, Dairygold, Smur t Kappa, Icon PLC, Fexco, Workhuman, Daon and Combili . Brazil is an early-adopter of many digital trends and increasingly recognised for the talent of its circa 475,000 so ware developers and vibrant start-up and venture capital scene. Websummit in Rio de Janeiro is the country’s largest technology event, with 34,000 attendees and over 1000 start-ups attending in 2024.
Enterprise Ireland’s o ce in South America is based in São Paulo, a city of 20 million which is Brazil’s nancial capital and primary hub for international business activity. It has a small team of advisors working closely with Irish companies seeking to enter the market and scale their business in Brazil and other South American markets. Enterprise Ireland’s team in São Paulo also has a network of trusted partners who can support Irish companies to win business.
ey collaborate closely with the wider Team Ireland, embassies and consulates to promote Irish interests in Brazil and across South America.
Some of the Irish companies already succeeding in the Brazilian market stand out as enterprises with ambition, market t and resources to navigate this vast and technologically dynamic market. ere are
significant opportunities for more Irish companies to establish and grow in Brazil, particularly in areas such as B2B software, fintech, agri-tech and life sciences.
One example of Irish companies that have already achieved notable success in the Brazilian market is Xtremepush, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and loyalty marketing specialist, that strengthened its global footprint in 2024 by opening a new office in São Paulo, housing four staff. This expansion will build its customer base and forge partnerships in Brazil, capitalising on the rapidly growing demand in the region as it prepares to launch its regulated market in January 2025.
Through its real-time customer data platform, Xtremepush provides clients with a suite of CRM optimisation and automation tools, combining AI-powered features like gamification and loyalty marketing. These solutions enable brands to deliver highly personalised messaging across multiple channels including web, email and SMS.
Tommy Kearns, CEO at Xtremepush, said: “Brazil presents enormous growth potential. We’ve successfully served clients in Brazil and other South American markets in recent years. However, recent regulatory changes have made it the right time for us to scale up in Brazil. With our experienced Country Manager, Álvaro Camargo, and team of four based in São Paulo, we’re excited to combine local expertise with our cutting-edge technology to deliver even greater results for clients.”
In the agri-tech sector, companies such as Bioatlantis, Tanco Autowrap, McHale and Bimeda have been successful in winning business in Brazil by demonstrating clear returns on investment for producers.
Eoghan O’Briain, Director South America, Enterprise Ireland
BioAtlantis is facilitating the world's transition to sustainable agriculture by reducing dependence on agrochemicals, using products derived from natural resources with superior efficacy. Its products are applied to fruit crops 3-5 days before stress periods, improving yield and plant performance. Given Brazil’s enormous role in global supply of a wide range of fruits, Bioatlantis has a very clear value proposition and has invested in building relationships with key growers and recently opened its own office in São Paulo to take advantage of growth opportunities.
The private healthcare sector in Brazil, with 51 million people covered, is another area that offers substantial opportunities to Irish exporters due to a very strong focus on patient satisfaction and outcomes. Irish companies specialising in areas such as patient pathways and data analysis can address these demands. Brazil's well-established medical device industry, a mix of local and multinational players, also offers opportunities for collaboration. Companies such as Aerogen, Prodieco, Serosep and Nuritas have been successfully expanding their business in Brazil.
Third-level education linkages between Ireland and Brazil continue to strengthen. Following a post-pandemic recovery in student mobility, Ireland remains a desirable study destination –predominantly for English languages courses and increasingly at higher education level. Currently, there are around 15,000 people studying in English language programmes across the country. Irish higher education institutions continue to build strong relationships in Brazil with local partner universities and agents. The number of Brazilian students currently studying in Irish HEIs is approximately 700.
Complex regulatory and tax frameworks often present initial challenges. However, Irish companies have proven that it is possible to overcome these barriers by building in-depth knowledge of local market trends, regulations and finding the right partners. Recent reforms have simplified processes and reduced bureaucracy, making it easier for foreign companies to enter and operate in Brazil.
Brazil's large and diversified economy continues to present major opportunities for Irish businesses and will be an increasingly important player in global supply chains. Enterprise Ireland will continue to support world-class Irish companies to deliver trade and business growth with Brazil and the wider region in South America.
For more information on doing business with Brazil, contact: enterprise-ireland.com/en/contact-us/braziloffice or the Brazilian Embassy in Ireland at secom. dublin@itamaraty.gov.br
"Enterprise Ireland’s office in South America is based in São Paulo, a city of 20 million which is Brazil’s financial capital and primary hub for international business activity."
Renewables are at the heart of ESB’s drive to reach net zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040 and battery storage plays a key role in that ambition
ESB’s ‘Net Zero by 2040’ strategy sets out an ambitious target of increasing our renewable generation portfolio to 5GW by 2030. Renewable wind and solar power have a significant role to play in reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions, but they are not always available – they are intermittent. What happens when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine? How can electricity demand be met when renewable sources aren’t fully available?
One answer lies in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). “There are times when renewable sources provide surplus electricity, such as when it’s a very windy or sunny day. By developing electricity storage capacity, we can keep a reserve of this surplus electricity, ready to be released back to the grid instantly at times of low renewable energy generation to ensure a consistent electricity supply,” explains Clare Duffy, ESB’s Dispatchable Generation and Storage Manager.
ESB has been ramping up investment in BESS facilities across the country to support their drive for net zero. Their first large-scale installation (19MW) at their generating station in Aghada, Cork, went live in 2022, followed by two 30MW installations in Inchicore and Ringsend in Dublin in 2023. In early 2024, a 75MW facility went live at Dublin’s Poolbeg Energy Hub. Most recently, a second phase of BESS went live at Aghada, Cork in November 2024 which has added a further 150MW of fast-acting storage to Ireland’s electricity network. With the
ESB
launch of the latest system in Aghada, Cork, ESB’s total BESS capacity now stands at over 300MW – enough to power around 200,000 homes, making their portfolio one of the largest in Europe.
BESS is one component in Ireland’s future electricity system. “At ESB, we
"By
developing electricity storage capacity, we can keep a reserve of this surplus electricity, ready to be released back to the grid instantly."
believe that there are three key elements: renewables, energy storage and traditional backup generation to ensure a secure net-zero energy system in Ireland,” says Duffy. “This integrated approach will also reduce Ireland’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and allow us to produce homegrown energy from our own natural resources, thus increasing Ireland’s security of supply.” Globally, the energy storage sector is experiencing an intensification of innovation, research and development in new technologies as its role becomes pivotal in providing back-up support in high renewable energy systems. ESB is engaged closely with research institutes, international equipment manufacturers and academia to keep abreast of the new technology developments in energy storage and conduct technology trials to ensure that we’re ready to deploy innovative solutions when the market is ready.
To date, ESB has invested €300 million in battery technology but this is just the beginning of the journey: they plan to have multiples of their current battery storage, together with hydrogen storage, in place by 2040. Several of the BESS facilities currently in development are part of ‘hybrid’ projects, which will see storage projects developed alongside existing solar and wind farm projects that already have a grid connection – therefore making efficient use of the grid. In addition to these battery projects, ESB are also investing in back up generation projects, including a new generating station which is under construction at their Poolbeg Energy Hub, Dublin, alongside the 75MW battery project. ESB has invested in turbines which will run on natural gas initially before being modified to run on decarbonised fuels once the fuels become more readily available. The co-location of multiple technologies, which all have a significant role to play in Ireland’s transition to a decarbonised future, is the blueprint of energy project development nowadays and ESB’s Poolbeg Energy Hub is a prime example.
Duffy concludes: “By facilitating the integration of renewable energy on the grid to support Ireland’s journey to net zero, battery storage will play a critical role on the path to decarbonising our energy system and maintaining security of supply.”
In advance of the General Election, Chambers Ireland published a Manifesto for Business, which defines the Chamber network’s high-level priorities for the next Government, writes Aoife Quinn
The Manifesto is built on two key pillars. The first pillar recognises that Ireland has a number of strategic strengths and competitive advantages which, if not protected and promoted, will have damaging consequences for our future prosperity and economic development. The second pillar focuses on the areas that will need significant attention if we are to spark growth and propel Ireland’s economic prospects, securing our place as a leader in global innovation.
Key priorities include:
• Ensuring Ireland remains a top destination for FDI, while creating opportunities for homegrown businesses to thrive
• Promoting Ireland’s key strengths to international audiences, reinforcing our position as a world-class hub for innovation, tourism and talent
• Investing in our higher education system to ensure Ireland continues to offer a highly educated, skilled and adaptable workforce to meet the needs of modern industries
• Investing in renewable energy to not only meet climate goals but to become a leader in this sector and realise the potential economic opportunities.
Key priorities include:
• Developing and, crucially, delivering key national infrastructure including housing, grid, water, transport, ports and aviation infrastructure
• Reducing the operational costs for businesses through taxation and regulatory reform
• Ensuring a sustainable and resilient future by taking climate action, investing in skills development, defending our critical national infrastructure and promoting business innovation
• Focusing on balanced regional development to create thriving local economies
• Enhancing trade links and global market access through greater collaboration with strategic international partners. Businesses of all sizes, from multinationals to SMEs and large corporations to small family-run enterprises, are the backbone of towns and cities across the country and contribute economically and socially to the local
communities they serve and operate in. Chambers Ireland have sought to engage with all political parties and candidates in the lead-up to the election, during the campaign period and post-election as the new Government has been formed and talks on the Programme for Government have evolved. Our priority has been to highlight the issues that matter most to businesses and the future of Ireland’s economy. It is not just about protecting today’s success; it’s about improving the conditions that enable growth of indigenous businesses and ensuring Ireland is positioned to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.
Aoife Quinn is is Policy and Government Affairs Manager at Chambers Ireland
"Chambers Ireland have sought to engage with all political parties and candidates in the lead-up to the election, during the campaign period and post-election as the new Government has been formed and talks on the Programme for Government have evolved."
When it comes to CBAM, businesses must understand their responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition writes
Abbie Brennan
What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism?
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU initiative addressing carbon policy disparities between EU and non-EU countries. It targets carbon-intensive goods like cement, steel and aluminium, imposing a tax on imports from countries with
2023-2025
weaker carbon regulations. CBAM encourages stricter climate policies globally while keeping EU businesses competitive. It impacts mainly large businesses in manufacturing, energy and heavy industry, as well as SMEs involved in importing carbon-intensive goods, aligning them with the EU's climate goals.
• This transition phase allows businesses to familiarise themselves with CBAM requirements with minimal disruption. Importers of carbonintensive goods must report embedded emissions, but no certificates are required yet. Importers can choose from three reporting methods, with flexibility on the emissions data submitted. The transition also coincides with the EU’s phase-out of free allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), encouraging more sustainable practices.
• From January 1, 2025, the EU’s official reporting methodology will become mandatory. The CBAM Registry will streamline data reporting and protect sensitive business information. No certificates will be required at this stage.
• CBAM will be fully implemented. Importers will need to become ‘authorised CBAM declarants’ to import goods, report embedded emissions and surrender certificates. The cost of these certificates will be based on the average auction price of EU ETS allowances, expressed in €/ tonne of CO2 emitted.
While CBAM itself doesn’t offer direct financial support, several EU and national programs are available to help businesses invest in sustainable technologies and innovations. The EU's Just Transition Fund (€17.5 billion) and Horizon Europe (€95.5 billion) provide significant financial resources to support businesses in sectors most impacted. National funding options, such as those through the National Enterprise Hub, are also available to help businesses adapt to CBAM compliance and invest in cleaner technologies. These financial initiatives can mitigate the costs of compliance and encourage innovation, enabling businesses to meet the EU's climate goals while reducing the financial burden of adopting new processes and technologies.
CBAM presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. While it requires adapting to new reporting and compliance regulations, it also encourages investment in sustainable technologies. Businesses must understand their responsibilities, including reporting emissions and obtaining authorised CBAM declarant status by 2026. With deadlines approaching, businesses should prepare now to stay competitive and leverage available financial support for a smooth transition.
Abbie Brennan is a Policy Analyst at Chambers Ireland
Europe’s largest business sentiment survey shows that despite increased regulatory burdens, Irish businesses remain optimistic
The Eurochambres Economic Survey, which is based on insights from 42,000 businesses across 27 countries, shows that persistent skills shortages, high labour costs and a growing regulatory burden are the main threats to Europe’s already fragile competitive edge. However, despite the unprecedented challenges that Irish businesses have faced in recent years, Brexit and Covid being the two that immediately spring to mind, businesses at home remain optimistic. “They are certainly more optimistic than their European peers. Optimism is vital when you’re running a business; you’re less likely to grow and thrive if your outlook is negative. Over the past number of years, Irish firms have overcome a myriad of challenges, weathered the storm and just gotten on with business. There is also much to be optimistic about – we have more people in the workforce than we’ve ever had, we have a healthy GDP and our level of skills and education has vastly improved in the last few decades,” said Chambers Ireland Chief Executive, Ian Talbot. Although it’s not cited in the report, housing is
"There must be a focus on encouraging Irish businesses to invest, employ, innovate and pursue opportunities within the single market and globally.”
another key challenge. “We know from our dealings with colleagues across Europe that housing is a major difficulty for most countries in the EU. It may not be mentioned in the survey, but it’s an issue that creates challenges across the board.”
Ever-increasing regulations are impacting on the competitiveness of the single market. They also require businesses to devote more time to ‘digital paperwork’ rather than focusing on innovation and growth. According to the survey findings, most newly imposed administrative costs are associated with environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulations under the European Green Deal, which will impose almost €2 billion in additional burdens on both businesses and citizens. In addition, reporting requirements under the EU's sustainability reporting and due diligence framework are proving a particularly onerous source of administrative burden for businesses. Small firms that often lack the resources to costeffectively deal with regulatory compliance are often hit hardest. “Over the past 15 months, the implications of regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDD) have really hit home for Irish firms. These regulations will impact companies of all sizes, not just larger firms as was originally thought. Alongside larger firms, anyone engaged in the supply chain of a larger company must also provide relevant information too.”
On a local level, Enhanced Reporting Requirements (ERR) – new rules requiring employers to report tax-free employee benefits in real-time – have placed an additional burden on employers. “These regulations are having a very real impact on businesses. The ‘regulate first, deal with the consequences later’ approach to policymaking must stop now. The European Commission has stated it is looking to reduce regulatory burdens, but progress on that has been slow. There must be a focus on encouraging Irish businesses to invest, employ, innovate and pursue opportunities within the single market and globally.”
The survey found that expectations for employment in 2025 are down, with specific sectors such as transport, agriculture and manufacturing finding it particular difficult to recruit and retain staff. Energy-intensive industries have been significantly affected by supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs in recent years, resulting in continued financial burdens and employment stagnation. The survey adds that structural challenges related to a lack of skilled workforce complicate the employment outlook for EU businesses, while rising labour costs further limit companies’ willingness to hire. Under current conditions, European businesses are expected to be less inclined to bear the costs of labour in the upcoming year.
Upskilling is critical, not just when it comes to retaining staff, but in keeping apace with developments in technology. “We must constantly evolve people’s skills sets. The likes of AI has great potential, but people will need a significant amount of extra training to help them use it effectively.”
Policy recommendations
• Boost financing and simplify regulations
– Strengthen financial support and regulatory frameworks to drive investment, foster business growth and control labour costs
• Cut red tape – Honour the 35% reporting reduction target for SMEs and eliminate barriers to a smoother, stronger single market
• Build a skilled workforce – Attract top talent, support lifelong learning and provide EU-wide funding for upskilling to meet tomorrow’s challenges
• Accelerate digital transformation
– Promote digital solutions and AI adoption to streamline costs and drive productivity gains
• Power the future – Invest in modern, renewable energy infrastructure for affordable and reliable access to clean energy
• Enable market integration – Capitalise on the single market potential and pursue favourable conditions for international trade.
Donegal County Council Local Authority of the Year
Donegal County Council was named Local Authority of the Year 2024 at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards
onegal County Council was named Local Authority of the Year at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, which took place on the 21st November 2024. e 21st annual awards ceremony was held in association with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, sponsored by Orsted, showcasing and celebrating the best of Local Government in Ireland.
Margaret Considine, President of Chambers Ireland, commended the winners, stating: “Local Authorities continue to make substantial e orts across multiple areas of Irish society with
wide-ranging positive impacts for local communities and the local economy; the Local Government Awards serve as the platform to highlight the irreplaceable value that results.
“Congratulations to Local Authority of the Year, Donegal County Council, the category winners, the shortlisted organisations and to the people behind all of these excellent projects. Donegal County Council is the well-deserved winner of the overall Local Authority of the Year Award, having shown engagement across the di erent facets of the Donegal community and with the development and sustainability of Donegal’s localities and environment, to achieve this accolade.”
“Congratulations to Local Authority of the Year, Donegal County Council, the category winners, the shortlisted organisations, and to the people behind all of these excellent projects.”
“The event not only recognised the exceptional work of Local Authorities but also served as a platform to inspire continued excellence in local governance.”
Chambers Ireland President Margaret Considine added: “For their commitment to serving their community and also raising their area’s pro le nationally as a stand-out destination, Donegal County Council deserve to be commended and have earned their Award title of Local Authority of the Year.”
TJ Hunter, Senior Director of Development & Operations Ireland at Ørsted, also praised the winners, saying: “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Donegal County Council on being named Local Authority of the Year for 2024. A massive well done to all of the sta and executive of Donegal County Council on this wonderful achievement.”
e ceremony featured the presentation of 16 awards, including the prestigious Local Authority of the Year title. Sponsors of individual awards included European Recycling Platform (ERP), e O ce of the Planning Regulator, Healthy Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Submit.com, IPB Insurance and EirGrid.
Winners received specially commissioned crystal awards designed by Waterford Crystal, adding a touch of elegance to the evening. e event not only recognised the exceptional work of Local Authorities but also served as a platform to inspire continued excellence in local governance.
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CHAMBERS IRELAND A YEAR IN REVIEW + CHAMBER DIRECTORY: FULL NETWORK LISTING + CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP: THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Editor: Denise Maguire
Art Director: Lenny Rooney
Editorial Assistant: Daniel Traynor (Chambers Ireland)
Editorial Contributors: James Kiernan
Daniel Traynor
Fiona Candon Ian Talbot (Chambers Ireland)
Production Manager: Jane Matthews
Production Executive: Nicole Ennis
Managing Director: Gerry Tynan
Sales Director/Chairman: Diarmaid Lennon
Published by:
Ashville Media Group, Unit 55 Park West Road, Park West Industrial Park, D12 X9F9
Tel: +353 1 432 2200
Email: info@ashville.com Web: www.ashville.com
On behalf of: Chambers Ireland, 11 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 FY84 Tel: +353 1 400 4300 Email: info@chambers.ie Web: www.chambers.ie
All articles © Ashville Media Group 2024. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinion and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of Ashville Media or Chambers Ireland. ISSN 20093934
55 The voice of business
Implementation and delivery of policies that are critical to the growth and sustainability of our economies and communities is what matters in 2025
62 Chamber Network The Year in Pictures
59
SBI Awards
Ballina Chamber took home the award for Chamber of the Year at the 2024 event 68
A look back at 2024 with some snapshots of Chambers Ireland’s work in representing members, both nationally and internationally
Arthur Cox took home top honours at this year’s Sustainable Business Impact Awards
66
Chamber Awards
CHAMBER NEWS]
Chambers Ireland sponsors
Chamber Membership
Chambers Ireland Directory
Welcome to the InBusiness Yearbook where we invite you to take a look back over the last year across Chambers Ireland and the chamber network.
As we moved into 2024, our network of 37 member chambers from every major city, town and region on the island identi ed key policy priorities for the year ahead. ese priorities fundamentally shaped our policy output and engagement with stakeholders for the months ahead.
e elections featured prominently as the number one priority. With the Local, European and General Elections all taking place over the course of the year, it’s time to re ect on the challenges, opportunities and collective ambitions that de ned 2024. For Chambers Ireland, this was a year of intense advocacy, collaboration and forward thinking. We worked tirelessly to ensure the voice of businesses was heard and represented at every level of Government.
roughout the year, we engaged with stakeholders to produce manifestos tailored to each election. ese manifestos were underpinned by a shared vision for progress and built around key themes critical to the growth and sustainability of our economy and communities. e principal matters addressed were:
THE NEED TO DEVELOP AND DELIVER ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
From housing, transport, water, energy and port infrastructure, we sought to highlight the urgent need for acceleration in our ambition and capacity to deliver those projects that address existing de cits and will future-proof our economy for the challenges ahead.
REDUCING THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS
Rising costs continue to strain businesses of all sizes. rough our advocacy, we called for targeted interventions to reduce costs, streamline the regulatory burden and enhance support for micro, small and medium sized enterprises.
TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE NEED TO DELIVER ON OUR RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL
Sustainability is at the heart of the Chamber network and we are committed to championing the Sustainable Development Goals in all of our
output. We actively promote initiatives that align economic growth with environmental responsibility. From incentivising renewable energy projects, to supporting businesses in their transition to netzero operations, our recommendations sought to position Ireland as a leader in the green economy.
FOSTERING THRIVING TOWNS AND CITIES
Urban and rural areas alike must be vibrant, inclusive and competitive. Our proposals highlighted the need for investments in public spaces and local services to attract talent and foster innovation.
e past year’s electoral cycle was a powerful reminder of the impact that engaged and forwardthinking collaboration and leadership can have. As we re ect on 2024, we celebrate the progress made while remaining resolute in addressing the challenges ahead. Together, we can build a future that is prosperous, sustainable and inclusive for both businesses and communities alike.
With the elections now complete our energies moving into 2025 will be to encourage the new Local, National and European elected representatives to deliver on our priorities. e formation of a new Government and the negotiation of its associated Programme for Government will be an important milestone, but implementation and delivery are what really matters.
Ian Talbot Chief Executive
Margaret Considine President
Chambers Ireland wishes to thank its sponsors for their continued support.
Chambers Ireland works to advance Irish businesses at home and abroad by empowering, lobbying, representing, growing and delivering for our network.
A glance at Chambers Ireland’s main areas of activity:
REPRESENTING IRISH BUSINESS INTERESTS
As a lobbying organisation, we represent Irish business interests at local, rezgional and national level to the Irish Government, while also exerting influence through our presence on key policymaking boards and councils.
SUPPORTING BUSINESS AND STRENGTHENING THE NETWORK
Chambers Ireland supports SMEs and larger businesses in Ireland through the Chamber Network. We provide information and advice to businesses on a range of topics and issues.
INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE
Chambers Ireland is an active member of both EUROCHAMBRES and the International Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses at EU, panEuropean and international level. Chambers Ireland engagement on these important business platforms ensures greater visibility and competitiveness for Irish business on a global stage.
Our primary aim is to advance business competitiveness across the country through developing the best environment to do business at all levels, while facilitating the growth of our Chamber Network. Our Network consists of local and regional affiliated Chambers, for which Chambers Ireland acts as one voice at national level on behalf of this Network.
By engaging with business members through our Chamber Network and by encouraging better business practices for long-term development at local, regional and national level, Chambers Ireland works to advance Irish businesses both at home and abroad.
Chambers Ireland monitors the relevant policy issues that businesses care about and are affected by, and represents the views of our business members to Government. Through research, lobbying and representation on influential policy-making boards and councils of importance to the Irish Government – including the National Competitiveness Council, the National Corporate Social Responsibility Stakeholder Forum and the Retail Forum – Chambers Ireland is a respected voice in the business community. Our membership and participation on these fora is strengthened by our engagement with Chambers Ireland’s own policy taskforces, our Public Affairs forum and Chief Executives forum.
In addition to these various levels of domestic influence, Chambers Ireland also engages at a European and international level, as a member of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the largest business representative organisation worldwide, and as a member of EUROCHAMBRES, the association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
As a member of the ICC, Chambers Ireland acts as the Irish national committee of the ICC, which allows us to advocate the interests of our members to the intergovernmental organisations that legislate on international trade. The work of the ICC includes promoting the importance for open trade, business self-regulation, fighting corruption, dispute resolution and more.
Chambers Ireland is also one of the national Chambers of commerce members of EUROCHAMBRES, the voice of the business community at EU level, representing over 20 million businesses across Europe. EUROCHAMBRES aims to improve the conditions of the Single Market to facilitate trade within and beyond the EU, through engagement with the EU institutions and coordinating projects to benefit businesses across all countries of the European Union.
Being a member of a Chamber means your business can gain benefits across a number of areas from advice and networking opportunities to increased visibility and credibility.
BY joining your local Chamber, you’ll receive members-only benefits, exclusive advertising, networking opportunities and increased publicity for your organisation, along with representation at a national level through Chambers Ireland.
With 40 accredited Chambers around Ireland, businesses in the Chamber Network are widely represented across the country. The Chamber Network is Ireland’s largest business representative organisation, working to promote the enhanced economic and social development of communities in order to make them a better place to work, live and do business.
Local economic development is one of the Chamber Network’s core policy priorities. Chambers work to remedy the challenges that face businesses in cities, towns and rural areas of Ireland. The strength of the local economy is vital for the success of any business, and Chambers work to encourage and promote local economic development for their communities, and deliver significant results for their members.
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF KEY AREAS WHERE CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP CAN BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS, INCLUDING: SUPPORT Chambers provide their members with support in a variety of ways. This includes but is not limited to business development and access to knowledge, skills and training on a wide range of topics. Chambers can also act as an advisor to businesses in their network, whether they are early stages start-ups or established enterprises.
Chambers around Ireland represent their members locally, and on a national level by being a member of the Chamber Network. Chambers Ireland lobbies the Irish Government on national issues on behalf of the Chamber Network regarding issues that affect businesses across Ireland. Chambers Ireland is an active member of EUROCHAMBRES and the International Chamber of Commerce. Through these organisations, the Chamber network is also represented at a European and international level.
Members of Chambers are invited to many networking events. This opens up opportunities for members to do business with other companies in their Chamber’s network. It has been recorded that 60% of members do business at Chamber events through meeting with other members and their contacts. You can connect and engage with a broader audience and expand your network through your local Chamber.
Chambers around Ireland represent their members at meetings with local authorities and politicians and during events throughout the year. Have your say in local government through the Chamber advocacy efforts. Chambers lobby their Local Authorities on many issues that need to be addressed for their members.
Chambers also become an information centre to businesses that may or may not be members. Chambers will always recommend Chamber members to businesses that fit the requirements.
Stand out and generate awareness within your local community. Being a member makes you part of an active business group within your community.
Gain a competitive edge over non-members with exclusive training opportunities on current topics. Chambers organise training across a variety of subjects.
Chamber members can participate in members only groups for updates.
Chamber members are invited to the many events that their local Chamber organises throughout the year. Chambers host a wide variety of successful events, including workshops, informative seminars, award ceremonies and more.
Chambers believe that people do business with people they know. By joining your local Chamber, you are making new business connections with contacts you can trust.
Enhance your reputation and increase awareness through membership. Chamber members have the benefit of the Chamber President, CEO, Board and staff promoting their business. At networking events, Chamber personnel always keep their members in mind when they are speaking to other business owners, whether they are national or international companies.
Chambers offer their members a number of different products and services. Exclusive services that Chambers provide to their members include discounted business services from member to member, and access to a membership directory.
and Industry
Further details of each a iliated Chamber can be found between pages 73 to 74
Lobbying Returns in 2023
At a glittering ceremony in Dublin on 25 September 2024, Arthur Cox LLP was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Business Impact award at the Chambers Ireland's Sustainable Business Impact (SBI) Awards. ese distinguished awards, now in their 21st year, recognise exemplary practices in sustainable business development across Ireland.
Arthur Cox LLP, along with winners in 14 other categories, showcased an unwavering commitment to corporate sustainability. eir initiatives underscore the importance of integrating sustainable practices into business operations, signi cantly impacting their workforce, environment and local communities.
e 2024 SBI Awards, sponsored by BAM Ireland, highlight best practice in sustainable development and social responsibility across
companies of all sizes throughout Ireland. Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director of BAM Ireland, expressed his pride, remarking, "We are thrilled to sponsor the Sustainable Business Impact Awards once again and extend our congratulations to all participants and winners, especially Arthur Cox LLP. e impressive submissions this year demonstrate a persistent commitment to sustainability, with innovation and dedication reaching new heights annually."
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, echoed these sentiments while commending Arthur Cox LLP for their overarching win. "Congratulations to Arthur Cox LLP and all category winners. eir commitment to embedding sustainability into their core operations not only reduces their environmental footprint, but sets a benchmark for businesses nationwide. eir achievements exemplify leadership in sustainable and responsible business practices."
"We are thrilled to sponsor the Sustainable Business Impact Awards once again and extend our congratulations to all participants and winners, especially Arthur Cox LLP."
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Katherine Sheils, Sponsorship Lead, KPMG; Karina Howley, Head of Corporate Citizenship, KPMG; Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Mykola Skvortsov, Associate, Arthur Cox; Carolann Minnock, Of Counsel and Head of Pro Bono, Arthur Cox; Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland
"Congratulations to Arthur Cox LLP and all category winners. Their commitment to embedding sustainability into their core operations not only reduces their environmental footprint but sets a benchmark for businesses nationwide."
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Eamonn Foley, Environment, Health and Safety Manager, Astellas Ireland Company; Grace Stack, Environmental, Health and Safety O icer, Astellas Ireland Company; Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Isobel Doherty, People Propositions Lead, Three Ireland; Jill Johnson, CSR Manager, Three Ireland; Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Tara O'Reilly, Corporate A airs, Amgen; ABE teacher, Carolyn Cavey, Biology and Science Teacher, St David’s Holy Faith, Greystones, Co Wicklow; Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland
The 2024 Sustainable Business Impact
Communication (LIC)
KPMG – KPMG Women in Sport
Community Programme (MNC)
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Shane Mackey, Brand Marketing Manager, Bord na Móna Recycling; Lauralouise Reay, Marketing Graduate, Bord na Móna Recycling; Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland
Partnership with Charity (LIC)
Arthur Cox LLP – Providing critical legal support to displaced Ukrainian people
Amgen – The Amgen Biotech Experience at University College Dublin
Health & Wellbeing
Three Ireland – Supporting mental wellbeing at Three Ireland
Partnership with Charity (MNC)
Boots Ireland – Boots in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society
Environment & Biodiversity (LIC)
ABP Ireland – ABP Research & Demonstration Farm
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (LIC)
Bank of Ireland –Neuroinclusion Strategy
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (MNC)
Boots Ireland – You Belong at Boots
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Martha Ryan, Director of Human Resources and ESG Lead; Louise O'Brien, ESG Manager, Boots Ireland; Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland
Environment & Biodiversity (MNC)
Astellas Kerry Plant –“Changing Tomorrow” –Our Journey to Sustainability
Volunteering & Pro Bono Services
Gas Networks Ireland
– Gas Networks Ireland Volunteer Initiatives
Partnership with a Social Enterprise
John Paul Construction –Refurbishment of Inner City Enterprises’ new Enterprise Hub
Sustainable Impact by a Small Business Bionua – Bionua’s
Sustainable Solutions for a Global Di erence
Sustainable Impact by a Medium Business Easydry – Easydry’s 100% Compostable Biodegradable Towels
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Business Impact
Arthur Cox
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Stephen Connolly, Agricultural Sustainability Manager, ABP; Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland
Community Programme (LIC)
Bord na Mona Recycling
– Bord na Mona Recycling Upcycling Competition
*LIC= Large Indigenous Company
*MNC= Multinational Company
CHAMBERS IRELAND 2025 THE YEAR IN PICTURES
InBUSINESS looks back over the last 12 months with some snapshots of Chamber Ireland’s work in representing members, both nationally and internationally
Addressing almost 1,100 business leaders at the annual President’s Banquet in ICC Belfast, NI Chamber President Cat McCusker called on businesses, policymakers and the third sector to work collaboratively and creatively to create a globally competitive and sustainable economy. She advocated for the adoption of AI in public sector transformation and stressed why getting Northern Ireland ‘back on track’ with its climate change targets could unlock a wall of green capital and investment. The theme for the evening was ‘Beyond Imagination’ and the Chamber President used the occasion to challenge business and political leaders in the room to “reflect on how we can each use our imaginations constructively to identify opportunities that others may overlook, challenge the status quo and raise our collective ambition.”
Minister of State Mary Butler TD (centre) launched Ireland’s first “Menopause in the Workplace Support Pack for Employers”, created by the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, alongside (l-r) Jenny Beresford, CEO of D&WW Chamber; Emilene Sta ord from Merry’s Gastropub, sponsor of the Pack; and Oren Byrne, President of D&WW Chamber.
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AND COUNTY WEXFORD CHAMBER SIGN HEADS OF AGREEMENT
Wexford County Council and County Wexford Chamber of Commerce have signed a new Heads of Agreement, paving the way for further strategic collaboration in promoting Co Wexford for investment, economic development and job creation. Wexford County Council’s economic strategy supports the creation of a dynamic economy that stimulates job creation, fosters an enterprise culture and supports skills development. This three-year agreement with County Wexford Chamber of Commerce will support this strategy and align to the Chamber’s objectives in supporting and representing the business community in County Wexford. The Heads of Agreement will add value to the Council’s economic programme while supporting the Chamber in its delivery of its threeyear Strategic Plan. Wexford County Council has had a long tradition of supporting SMEs that deliver quality products in a competitive environment and have proven to be dynamic and innovative, proudly representing “The Model County”. Wexford County Council also supports new growth areas of the green economy, digital infrastructure and the marine sector.
“From east to west we have vibrant, innovative, hardworking businesses and we must work together to build a stronger Waterford for everyone.”
Klearcom was named the Overall Waterford Business of the Year at the Waterford Business Awards in November by Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Jason Murphy, during a gala awards dinner at the Tower Hotel. The Waterford Business Awards, which are organised by Waterford Chamber with support from Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and WLR, were hosted by Mary O’Neill and celebrated the successes and contributions of the shortlisted companies. Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Jason Murphy, said: “Just look around you, the atmosphere here is electric – this is our business community and while only some of you will lift the trophies tonight, you are in fact all winners. You are what makes Waterford so special, from east to west we have vibrant, innovative, hardworking businesses and we must work together to build a stronger Waterford for everyone.” Category winners on the night included Nolke Opticians & Hearing for Best Retail Experience; Business of the Year (up to 20 employees) went to OfficeMaster; Fitzgerald Power took home the award for Business of the Year (up to 100 employees), while Eastgate Engineering were named Business of the Year (100+ employees).
Shannon Chamber hosted its second annual Mid-West Sustainability Week in September. The week, which was sponsored by ESB, focused on four areas of sustainability – water, waste, energy and biodiversity. Ten events, a mix of in-person and online, were delivered over the course of the week. A day-long conference, held in Westpark Innovation Campus, brought the week to a close. The conference also included a street event, where companies showcased projects that they have undertaken to help reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
CHAMBERS IRELAND
NEW PRESIDENT AT CHAMBERS IRELAND
Margaret Considine, CEO and Founder of EQuita Consulting Ltd and former President of South Dublin Chamber, was elected President of Chambers Ireland in September 2024. Fiona Candon, Director of First Western Training Ltd and former President of Sligo Chamber, had served in the role since 2022. Margaret said: “I am delighted to take up the position of President of Chambers Ireland. It is both an immense privilege and an enormous opportunity to lead such a diverse and dynamic business representative organisation that can trace its history back over 100 years. In the coming term, my focus will be on building upon the solid foundation laid by my predecessors and ensuring that our collective voice is heard on the key issues that matter most to our members. Given the numerous economic challenges and opportunities on the horizon, along with an impending new Government, it is crucial that we act decisively to support our members and champion their interests. I am committed to supporting policies that foster business growth, sustainability and innovation, ensuring that Chambers Ireland remains a strong and influential voice in shaping the future of our nation’s economy.”
At the Pre-Budget Lobby in September 2024, Chambers Ireland presented its Pre-Budget submission under five Sustainable Development Goal headings. Chambers Ireland and its a iliated Chambers have signed up to promote these five SDG:
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action
KILKENNY’S FAB-FOUR LAUNCH NEW #SHOPLOCAL INITIATIVE
Kilkenny Chamber and Kilkenny County Council partnered on a new initiative to lock in more spending across the county. Taking strides for local businesses, the introduction of the digital and physical Kilkenny Gift Card will simplify and boost its #shoplocal campaign.
In advance of the General Election, Chambers Ireland published a Manifesto for Business, which defines the Chamber network’s high-level priorities for the next Government. The Manifesto is built on two key pillars. The first pillar recognises that Ireland has a number of strategic strengths and competitive advantages which, if not protected and promoted, will have damaging consequences for our future prosperity and economic development. The second pillar focuses on the areas that will need significant attention if we are to spark growth and propel Ireland’s economic prospects, securing our place as a leader in global innovation.
Ballina Chamber awarded 2024 Chamber of the Year
“The Chamber Awards are always such a special occasion where we can come together as a network, champion the achievements of one another and be inspired by the innovation and ideas on display."
Chambers Ireland hosted the sixth annual Chamber Awards on Thursday 6th of June at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare. Sponsored by Zurich, the Chamber Awards provide a platform to acknowledge the exceptional work of the Chamber network throughout the country. They
offer all Chambers an opportunity to showcase their achievements across various categories, including innovative projects, successful events and creative collaborations between companies and local authorities.
The awards were presented by Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland and Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich. The awards were hosted by Ivan Yates.
This year, there were 44 projects shortlisted across eight award categories, showcasing innovative communications campaigns, successful events, sustainable development initiatives and creative collaborations between companies, local authorities and wider communities.
As well as the eight categories, there was a Special Recognition for Excellence Award for Letterkenny Chamber, commending their exceptional achievements and dedicated
activity over the past year.
The evening then culminated in the final award of the evening for Chamber of the Year, which was presented to Mags Downey Martin, CEO of Ballina Chamber. Ballina Chamber was recognised for its consistent activity, innovative ideas and positive engagement with both its membership and the wider community in Ballina over the past year.
Car Free Day Local Authority Engagement
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; Naoimh Frawley, Director of People, Operations & Governance; and Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland
Galway Chamber
Galway Scaling Internationally
Best International Project
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; Marylin Gaughan Reddan, Director Galway Chamber; Noreen Conway, CEO and Director of Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Deirdre Mac Loughlin, Interim CEO, Galway Chamber; Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland
Creating
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; Norah Ryan, Board member of County Carlow Chamber; Rowena Dooley, President of County Carlow Chamber; Nicola Doran, CEO County Carlow Chamber; Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland
Transformation of the Northern Ireland Planning System
Lobbying & Policy Campaign
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; John J F Davison, Director, Head of Strategic Communications (UK & Ireland), Turley; Stuart Anderson, Head of Public Affairs, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; Mary Moyles, President of Ballina Chamber; Mags Downey Martin, CEO of Ballina Chamber of Commerce; Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland
Tralee Chamber Alliance
Tralee Chamber Working with Businesses to Deliver Meaningful Biodiversity and Climate Action Sustainability & Biodiversity
Colm Nagle, Kerry County Council; Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; Stephen Stack, President of Tralee Chamber; Martha Farrell, Secretary of Tralee Chamber; Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland; Colm Nagle, Chairperson of Tralee Tidy Towns
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; Pat Morris; Eimear Brophy, Further Education and Training Manager, Enterprise Engagement, at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board; Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland
The Dublin Business Collective Podcast Digital Campaigns
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; Mary Rose Burke, CEO, Dublin Chamber; Máire Fay, Head of Sustainability, Education and Development, Dublin Chamber; and Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland
Chambers across the country have put in a momentous effort throughout the year. This year, Chambers Ireland has put together a booklet describing all the shortlisted projects in detail. Scan this QR code to see the winners and the other great shortlisted projects.
Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich Ireland; Marie Shields, Business Development Executive; Ann-Louise McClintock, Community Employment Supervisor, Letterkenny Chamber; Toni Forrester, CEO, Letterkenny Chamber; Claire McDonough, Managing Director, La Maison; Fiona Candon, President of Chambers Ireland
“The Chamber Awards also offer an important opportunity to catch-up with friends and colleagues from across the country. The strength of the Chamber network lies in the collaborative spirit and community engagement, where we can come together as one collective voice to represent the needs of Irish businesses.” Chambers Ireland President Fiona Candon
ARKLOW & DISTRICT CHAMBER
Office 9, Arklow Business Enterprise Centre, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Y14 X803
Tel: +353 (0)402 26909
Email: chamber@arklow.ie Web: www.arklow.ie
ATHLONE CHAMBER
Unit 12, Inis Oir, Golden Island, Athlone, N37 F7X6
Tel: 090 6420931
Email: info@athlonechamber.ie Web: www.athlonechamber.ie
BALLINA CHAMBER
44 Pearse Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 R62W
Tel: +353 (0)96 72800
Email: chamber@ballina.ie
Web: www.ballina.ie/ ballina-chamber-of-commerce-ireland
BALLYHAUNIS CHAMBER
Unit 1, The Enterprise Centre, Clare Road, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, F35 HC66
Tel: +353 (0)94 963 0311
Email: ballyhaunischamber@gmail.com Web: www.ballyhaunischamber.ie
BANTRY CHAMBER
C/O Neill Clarke Auctioneers, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry, Co. Cork, P75 TN96
Tel: +353 (0)27 52860
Email: neillbantry@gmail.com
BRAY & DISTRICT CHAMBER
10 Prince of Wales Terrace, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 A4X0
Tel: +353 (0)1 282 8248
Email: info@braychamber.ie Web: www.braychamber.ie
COBH & HARBOUR CHAMBER
Arch Building, Casement Square, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 HP29
Tel: +353 (0)21 481 3612
Email: info@cobhharbourchamber.ie
Web: www.cobhharbourchamber.ie
COOTEHILL CHAMBER
White Star Complex, Market Street, Cootehill, Co. Cavan, H16 X034
Tel: +353 (0)49 555 2306
Email: cootehillchamber64@gmail.com
CORK CHAMBER
Fitzgerald House, 20 Summerhill North, Co. Cork, T23 TD90
Tel: +353 (0)21 450 9044
Email: info@corkchamber.ie
Web: www.corkchamber.ie
COUNTY CARLOW CHAMBER
Carlow Gateway Business Centre, Athy Road, Co. Carlow, R93 C7P6
Tel: +353 (0)59 913 2337
Email: ceo@carlowchamber.com
Web: www.carlowchamber.com
COUNTY KILDARE CHAMBER
Sallins Road, Naas Town Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 KV4H
Tel: +353 (0)45 894074
Email: info@countykildarechamber.ie Web: www.countykildarechamber.ie
COUNTY MEATH CHAMBER
Chambers Buildings, Church Hill, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 YKR4
Tel: +353 (0)46 904 6060
Email: info@countymeathchamber.ie
Web: www.countymeathchamber.ie
COUNTY TIPPERARY CHAMBER
Questum Acceleration Centre, Ballingarrane Science & Technology Park, Clonmel, Co.Tipperary, E91 V239
Tel: +353 (0)52 612 6500
Email: marketing@countytipperarychamber.com
Web: www.countytipperarychamber.com
COUNTY WEXFORD CHAMBER
Chamber Offices, Hill Street, Wexford, Y35 WR99
Tel: +353 (0)53 912 2226
Email: info@wexfordchamber.ie Web: www.wexfordchamber.ie
DROGHEDA & DISTRICT CHAMBER
Broughton House, Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 CF57
Tel: +353 (0)41 983 3544
Email: enquiries@droghedachamber.com Web: www.droghedachamber.ie
DUBLIN CHAMBER
7 Clare Street, Dublin 2, D02 F902
Tel: +353 (0)1 644 7200
Email: info@dublinchamber.ie Web: www.dubchamber.ie
DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN CHAMBER
Avoca House, 8 Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 T8K1
Tel: +353 (0)1 284 5066
Email: info@dlrchamber.ie Web: www.dlrchamber.ie
DUNDALK CHAMBER
Unit 4, Partnership Court, Park Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 N8FY
Tel: +353 (0)42 933 6343
Email: info@dundalk.ie Web: www.dundalk.ie
DUNGARVAN & WEST WATERFORD CHAMBER
Dungarvan Enterprise Centre, Main St., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 FX45
Tel: +353 (0)58 45054
Email: info@dungarvanchamber.ie Web: www.dungarvanchamber.ie
ENNIS CHAMBER
54 O’Connell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 V3KD
Tel: +353 (0)65 684 2988
Email: info@ennischamber.ie Web: www.ennischamber.ie
FINGAL CHAMBER
2 The Green, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, K67 E2H3
Tel: +353 (0)1 890 0977
Email: info@fingalchamber.ie Web: www.fingalchamber.ie
GALWAY CHAMBER
Commerce House, Merchants Road, Galway City, Co. Galway, H91 C8K1
Tel: +353 (0)91 563536
Email: info@galwaychamber.com Web: www.galwaychamber.com
KILKENNY CHAMBER
11 Patrick Street, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, R95 VNP4
Tel: +353 (0)56 775 2767
Email: admin@kilkennychamber.ie Web: www.kilkennychamber.ie
LAOIS CHAMBER
James Fintan Lalor Ave., Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 EHP9
Tel: +353 (0)85 256 6522
Email: info@laoischamber.ie Web: www.laoischamber.ie
LETTERKENNY CHAMBER
Grand Central Complex, Canal Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 EK7Y
Tel: +353 (0)74 912 4866
Email: info@letterkennychamber.com Web: www.letterkennychamber.com
LIMERICK CHAMBER
96 O’Connell Street, Limerick City, Co. Limerick, V94 YYP6
Tel: +353 (0)61 415180
Email: info@limerickchamber.ie Web: www.limerickchamber.ie
LONGFORD CHAMBER
Harbour House, Market Square, Longford, Co. Longford, N39 N2N2
Tel: +353 (0)87 6604010
Email: info@longfordchamber.ie Web: www.longfordchamber.ie
MALLOW CHAMBER
C/O CoWork, Landscape Terrace, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 T383
Tel: +353 (0)89 230 8828
Email: info@mallowchamber.ie Web: www.mallowchamber.ie
MULLINGAR CHAMBER
Market House, Pearse Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 FD8C
Tel: +353 (0)44 934 4044
Email: info@mullingarchamber.ie
Web: www.mullingarchamber.ie
NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
40 Linenhall Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT2 8BA
Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 4113
Email: mail@northernirelandchamber.com
Web: www.northernirelandchamber.com
SHANNON CHAMBER
Suite 14, Shannon Airport House, Shannon Free Zone, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 E370
Tel: +353 (0)61 475 854
Email: admin@shannonchamber.ie Web: www.shannonchamber.ie
SLIGO CHAMBER
16 Quay Street, Sligo, F91 X923
Tel: +353 (0)71 916 1274
Email: info@sligochamber.ie Web: www.sligochamber.ie
SOUTH DUBLIN CHAMBER
Tallaght Business Centre, Whitestown Business Park, Tallaght, D24 K59A
Tel: +353 (0)1 462 2107
Email: business@sdchamber.ie
Web: www.sdchamber.ie
TRALEE CHAMBER
HQ2, Dominick St., Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 C799
Tel: +353 (0)66 712 1472
Email: info@tralee.ie Web: www.tralee.ie
TULLAMORE & DISTRICT CHAMBER
Unit 2A, Second Level, Bridge Centre, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Tel: +353 (0)57 932 3698
Email: info@tullamorechamber.com
Web: www.tullamorechamber.com
WATERFORD CHAMBER
2 Great George’s Street, Co. Waterford, X91 AH9K
Tel: +353 (0)51 872639
Email: info@waterfordchamber.ie Web: www.waterfordchamber.com
WESTPORT CHAMBER
The Leeson Enterprise Centre, Altamont Street, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 ET85
Tel: +353 (0)98 27375
Email: info@westportireland.com
Web: www.westportchamber.ie
CHAMBERS IRELAND
11 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 FY84
Tel: +353 (0)1 400 4300
Email : info@chambers.ie Web: www.chambers.ie
AN POST
General Post Office, O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2
Tel: +353 (0)1 705 7000 Email: customer.services @anpost.ie Web: www.anpost.ie
GAS NETWORKS IRELAND
Headquarters Gasworks Road Cork, T12 RX96
Tel: 021 453 4000 Web: www.gasnetworks.ie
ZURICH
Zurich House, Ballsbridge Park, Dublin 4, D04 E5N4 Tel: 1890 400 300
Email: customerhelp@zurich.ie Web: www.zurichinsurance.ie
10 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, D02 R126
Tel: +353 (0)1 660 0311 Web: www.aib.ie
Two Gateway, East Wall Rd., East Wall, Dublin 3, D03 A995
Tel: +353 (0)1 676 5831
Email: info@esb.ie Web: www.esb.ie
UISCE ÉIREANN
Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot St, Dublin 1, D01 NP86
Tel: +353 (0)1 707 2827 www.water.ie
ABBOTT IRELAND
Block G, Cherrywood Business Park, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18, D18 T3Y1
ADVERTISING STANDARDS AUTHORITY FOR IRELAND
7 Herbert St, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, D02 K838
Tel: (01) 613 7040
Email: standards@asai.ie Web: www.asai.ie
BANK OF IRELAND
40 Mespil Road, Dublin 4, D04 C2N4
Tel: + 353 1 661 5933 Web: www.bankofireland.com
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORSIRISH BRANCH
The Distillery Building, 145 - 151 Church Street, Dublin 7
Tel: +353 (0)1 707 9739
Tel: +353 (0)1 469 1500 Web: www.abbott.ie
Email: info@ciarb.ie Web: www.arbitration.ie
ARAB-IRISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
34 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2, D02 P620
Tel: (0)1 662 4451
Email: info@aicc.ie Web: www.aicc.ie
BRIGHT HR SOFTWARE LIMITED
Block W, Eastpoint Business Park, D03 Y564
Tel: 1800 279 841 www.brighthr.com/ie
COASTLINE SOLUTIONS
8A Appian Way, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 C9N3
Tel: + 353 (0)1 235 2166
Email: info@coastlinesolutions.com Web: www.coastlinesolutions.com
DIAGEO IRELAND
St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 AX97
Tel: +353 (0)1 453 6700
Email: consumerinfo @diageoirl-info.com Web: www.diageo.ie
EIRGRID
The Oval, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 FW28
Tel: +353 (0)1 677 1700
Email: info@eirgrid.com Web: www.eirgrid.com
EMBASSY OF BRAZIL
Block 8 - Harcourt Centre Charlotte Way, Dublin 2, D02 K580
Tel: +353 1 4756000
E-mail: brasemb.dublin@itamaraty.gov.br Web: dublin.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/
Old Central Terminal Building, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, K67 XY76 DUBLIN AIRPORT AUTHORITY PLC
Tel: +353 (0)1 814 1111
Email: customerrelations@dublinairport.com Web: www.daa.ie
Saint Kevin’s, Dunderrow, Co. Cork, P17 NY71
Tel: +353 (0) 1 661 4377 Web: www.lilly.ie
ENTERPRISE IRELAND
The Plaza, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3, D03 E5R6
Tel: +353 (0)1 727 2000
Email: client.service@enterprise-ireland.com Web: www.enterprise-ireland.com
8 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2, D02 W426 Tel: +353 (0)1 662 5815 EUROPEAN MOVEMENT IRELAND
Email: info@europeanmovement.ie Web: europeanmovement.ie
11 Fitzwilliam Pl, Dublin 2, D02 X529 Web: www.finegrainproperty.com
KPMG JOHN SISK & SON
1 Stokes Place, St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, D02 DE03
Tel: +353 (0)1 410 1000 Email: webmaster@kpmg.ie Web: www.kpmg.ie
NATIONAL BROADBAND IRELAND
3009 Lake Dr, Citywest, Dublin 24, D24 H6RR
Tel: +353 (0)1 818 624 624
Email: contactus@nbi.ie Web: www.nbi.ie
Wilton Works, Naas Road, Dublin 22
Tel: +353 (0)1 409 1500 Email: info@sisk.ie Web: www.johnsiskandson.com
PENINSULA BUSINESS SERVICES
East Point Business Park, Alfie Byrne Rd, East Wall Dublin 3, D03 Y564
Tel: 1890 252 923
Email: info@peninsula-ie.com Web: www.peninsula-ie.com
St Kevin’s, 3 Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2
Tel: +353 (0)1 808 2100
Email: info@seai.ie Web: www.seai.ie
South County Business Park, Red Oak South, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 W688 Tel: 1850 812 220
Email: customerservice @sseairtricity.com Web: www.sse.com/Ireland
THE LAW SOCIETY OF IRELAND
Blackhall Place, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, D07 VY24
Tel: + 353 (0)1 672 4800
Email: general@lawsociety.ie Web: www.lawsociety.ie
5th Floor, Q House, 76 Furze Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 E268
Tel: +353 (0)1 207 9630
Email: info@skillnetireland.ie Web: www.skillnetireland.ie
158-159 Church Street Dublin 7, D07 YX89
Tel: +353 (0)1 817 5000
Email: thebarofireland @lawlibrary.ie Web: www.lawlibrary.ie
WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Dillon House Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon F45 WY26
Tel: +353 (0)94 986 1441
Email: info@wdc.ie Web: www.westerndevelopment.ie
The RDS is not just an exclusive Dublin base for business and pleasure, it is a community of members empowering change in Irish society.
Become a member today and become part of a community that support programmes across the arts, agriculture, equestrianism, enterprise and STEM education.
Other benefits of Membership are:
Access to rugby hospitality prior to all Leinster games and international home games
Complimentary five-day General Admission to the Dublin Horse Show
Complimentary car parking in Ballsbridge for you when using the Members’ facilities or attending events (excluding Dublin Horse Show)
Elegant Meeting Rooms with superb catering and free Wi-Fi
Access to over 50 international Members’ Clubs through our reciprocal partnerships
For further information contact join@rds.ie or 01-2407280
Reward your employees and get 2025 o to a great start
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s important to review 2024 and see where you can start making improvements with your employee rewards programme. Did you know, as part of the recent budget announcements, as a business owner, you can now gi an employee up to €1,500 tax-free?
Terry Spence, Director of Sales at One4all Rewards states: “A signi cant development for business owners comes into e ect on January 1st through bene t-in-kind (BIK), which might just be the answer to bolstering employee morale and loyalty.” You can now gi an employee up to €1,500 tax-free, thanks to the increase in the BIK limit to €1,500. is change allows businesses to reward their employees with up to €1,500 per annum in One4all Gi Cards, exempt from tax, PRSI, and USC charges, potentially saving up to €1,980.68* per employee. e maximum reward of €1,500 can be split across ve payments in one nancial year. is is the perfect scheme to utilise as part of your 2025 rewards programme. e exibility of splitting this bene t across ve payments in the calendar year opens the door to so many more rewarding opportunities. Terry says: “Recognising colleagues throughout the year is crucial for creating a positive work environment.” Here are a few occasions worthy of acknowledgment that your business can start to incorporate into your rewards and recognition programme:
Employee Milestones: Celebrate years of dedicated service and personal achievements, reinforcing loyalty and commitment.
Meeting or Surpassing Targets: Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments, fostering a culture of excellence and productivity.
Team Motivation or General Recognition: Inspire collaboration and camaraderie through acknowledging collective e orts and positive contributions.
“RECOGNISING COLLEAGUES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IS CRUCIAL FOR CREATING A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT”
Birthdays: Make individuals feel valued and appreciated on their special day, strengthening workplace relationships.
Maternity/Paternity Leave: Show support and gratitude for life-changing events, emphasising work-life balance.
Long-Service: Honor dedication and loyalty, recognising the enduring contributions of long-term employees. Retirement: Bid farewell with gratitude and appreciation, celebrating a career’s worth of acwhievements and memories.
e popular One4all Gi Card is a perfect reward and can be loaded from €15 to €150 and its digital counterpart can be tailored with a personalised video message from you on behalf of your business or customised with a photo of your company logo, easily sent by text or email. For higher value loads over €150, the One4all Chip & PIN Gi Card is a great option. Payments can be made contactless and the card comes in a physical or a digital reloadable format. EU Directives to protect Irish consumers means anonymous gi cards with a load value of over €150 currently require a simple photo veri cation process to help protect Irish consumers against online fraud. Employees who have already received a Chip & PIN Gi Card bene t
from previous photo veri cation, meaning the ID process is still valid for a period of up to four years from initial veri cation.
Something One4all are proud of is when you choose One4all Gi Cards, you’re not just rewarding your employees, you’re also supporting Irish retail. e closed-loop gi card system ensures that the funds can only be spent in Ireland through Irish retailers which helps boost the local economy and is great for Irish jobs. Terry says: “When you reward with a One4all Gi Card this year, you’re giving the gi of choice with access to thousands of outlets nationwide and participating online retailers. You can select from big brands, as well as options for travel, dining, and experiences delivering amazing value.”
For more information, email rewards@ one4all.ie or visit www.one4allrewards.ie to place your order today
*Figure of €1,980.68 is based on giving €1,500 net to an employee on the 40% tax band paying full PRSI and USC
NBI’s Peter Hendrick discusses how Ireland’s National Broadband Plan is creating a blueprint for other nations to follow
Jobs don’t come much bigger than being responsible for delivering the country’s most significant investment in rural Ireland since electrification.
But as the man at the helm of National Broadband Ireland, Peter Hendrick speaks confidently and sincerely about the progress of Ireland’s National Broadband Plan and the transformational impact it’s expected to have.
Sitting down with InBUSINESS to talk through the project, it’s clear Hendrick’s confidence is backed up by years of experience, as he discusses the intimate details of the rollout with as much enthusiasm as the big picture vision.
With major milestones achieved in NBI’s rollout of the National Broadband Plan during 2024, including over 320,000 premises passed by the new fibre network and over 100,000 connected customers, Hendrick explains how Ireland is now creating the blueprint for the rest of the world to follow.
THE NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN HAS BEEN CREDITED AS BEING ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS FIBRE ROLLOUTS IN THE WORLD. WHAT’S IT LIKE HEADING UP A PROJECT OF THIS SIZE AND SCALE?
To be honest, we all feel like it’s a humbling mission. NBI is playing a major role in transforming Ireland into one of the world’s most connected countries, and we believe universal access to ultra-fast fibre broadband can create limitless opportunities for citizens and businesses alike. At NBI, our job is to deliver on the Government’s policy to make sure nobody is left behind, no matter how rural or remote. That’s an incredibly inspiring policy and five years into the rollout we’re now seeing the tangible impact of how it’s changing people’s lives for the better, from access to better education, to healthcare, to jobs, social inclusion, and entertainment, the list goes on. As CEO, I’m proud that we’ve been able to attract some of the most talented people in the country to work on this project and every day I see their passion for it.
THE NBP HAS BEEN LIKENED TO RURAL ELECTRIFICATION. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT COMPARISON?
I think there are many similarities. It’s hard to believe now, but at the time of rural electrification it caused controversy because many residents weren’t immediately looking to take advantage of electrical applications. Of course, we now realise that we couldn’t live without it, and I feel that’s quickly becoming the situation with fast, reliable broadband. Fast-forward five, 10 or 20 years, and the demand for data will grow exponentially.
There are also similarities between the complexities of the rollouts. At NBI, our rollout spans 96% of the country’s land mass and will use enough fibre to circle the world four times over. In all, we’ll serve over 1.1 million people and it’s easy to see the impact the network will have on all aspects of modern life today and for many generations to come.
DOES
LANDSCAPE COMPARE TO OTHER NATIONS?
In almost all developed countries, particularly across Europe, we see a similar picture where rural communities have been left behind, creating a rural urban digital divide. Ireland’s National Broadband Plan is increasingly being recognised as a blueprint for other nations to follow and that was evidenced earlier this year when we hosted policymakers from 26 other European nations, who came to our offices to see first-hand how they can start to mirror our success. Large-scale, multi-billiondollar infrastructure projects are notoriously challenging, and NBI sits in the elite 0.5% of projects that can say they’re on time, on budget and delivering against the original policy objectives. In this context, it’s no wonder that other nations are looking to Ireland to learn from this experience.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE RECIPE FOR THIS SUCCESSFUL BLUEPRINT?
One of the early decisions that was made during our bid for the NBP is that our technology of choice was delivering fibre directly to every home, farm, school or business. That decision has now been validated by other major broadband rollouts across Europe all following suit, as it’s really the best way to ensure the network is fit for future generations and to guarantee a reliability of service that people have come to expect.
Another key component is that NBI is a wholesale operator. This means we make the network available to every broadband provider in the country and today we have 72 selling services on the NBI network. For end-consumers or businesses, this means they have real choice about the products and services they can select. Finally, across our business, we’ve geared all of our resources towards creating world-class customer experiences, and I think this has led to NBI becoming recognised as a blueprint for others to follow.
Visit www.nbi.ie to check whether your home or business is included in the National Broadband Plan and register to receive Eircode specific updates on the rollout
AT NBI, OUR ROLLOUT SPANS 96% OF THE COUNTRY’S LAND MASS AND WILL USE ENOUGH FIBRE TO CIRCLE THE WORLD FOUR TIMES OVER
DHL Express has been named the best company to work for in Europe, according to the Great Place to Work and Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe 2024™ list. This sustained achievement is recognition of DHL Express’ unwavering commitment to ensuring its employees have the best workplace experience possible.
Mike Parra, CEO DHL Express Europe, says: “I am filled with pride that we have maintained our status as the number one best workplace in Europe. This award truly epitomises what we live and breathe every single day in our organisation –putting our people first. We listen, we share, we build trust and we take action to be a bit better every single day both for our employees and for our customers. It’s humbling that this award represents the voice of our people and we will continue to focus our efforts on being a truly great workplace for every member of our team across Europe.”
DHL Express is renowned for its people centric culture, with a constantly evolving employee offering available to its 45,000 employees across Europe. From its certified learning curriculum which sees every single member of staff embark
on a journey to become a Certified International Specialist, to its regional wellbeing and football event which brings together 4000 employees from all over Europe, to its ‘For All’ approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging – ensuring every employee feels seen and heard.
“People really are at the heart of everything we do at DHL Express, they are the first pillar in our business strategy. Our workforce is incredibly diverse
recognition that focuses on how employees feel about their workplace. Great Place To Work evaluates confidential feedback from employees, matching against HR data from participating companies. Only companies with consistently high survey responses across the 60 statements that comprise the Trust Index™ Survey are honoured with placement on the list.
Michael Bush, Global CEO Great Place to Work said: “Congratulations to DHL Express on retaining their title as the
“PEOPLE REALLY ARE AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO AT DHL EXPRESS, THEY ARE THE FIRST PILLAR IN OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY”
and varied, including in terms of the daily roles and responsibilities that exist within our organisation and we focus on recognising and accommodating that. I am delighted that we have maintained the number one position for yet another year as it signifies that we’re taking the right steps to continue to be a great employer for our people,” says Alastair McCambridge, SVP HR, DHL Express Europe.
The 100 Best Companies list is the only
#1 company on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe list for the fourth year in a row. This is an incredible achievement and testament to the relentless commitment to doing the right thing by their people,” says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work.
“Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, DHL Express has continued to find ways to offer support for their people, developing a foundation of trust that is crucial for business success.”
Future-proof your business with FET programmes from the Skills to Advance initiative
Local businesses all over Ireland can take advantage of highly subsided, fully accredited training to help future-proof their organisations. Further Education and Training (FET) programmes, developed under the Skills to Advance initiative, o er employees and employers targeted, exible upskilling opportunities, all at little or no cost.
While employment is at a record high in Ireland and new industries are emerging, there is clear evidence of the need for signi cant upskilling and reskilling across the workforce. New national and EU policies, advances in technology, and employment growth are all changing the job role requirements of already-established professions. For example, the 2024 National Skills Bulletin found that many accounting and nance professionals are having to upskill to meet the changes in their job pro le, brought on by things like environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting requirements.
e Skills to Advance initiative was launched by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training authority, in 2018. e initiative assists employers to develop new skills in their teams, improve processes and cost savings, and increase their competitiveness through highly subsidised training. All FET micro-quali cations available through Skills to Advance programmes are designed collaboratively by SOLAS, the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) around Ireland, and industry partners to ensure employees receive the most targeted, relevant upskilling.
Skills to Advance courses are delivered locally by your ETB. Course content is delivered in online, in-person, and blended learning formats, with tutor support and online digital resources to enhance the learning experience. Programme delivery is designed to be exible and is scheduled to t around the operating needs of the business. ere is a varied range of courses available, from healthcare and hospitality to digital skills, sustainability, and more.
Included in the Skills to Advance o ering are new FET micro-quali cations - bite-sized, accredited programmes that deliver targeted training in rapidly transforming skill areas. To deliver on value and accessibility, FET micro-
quali cation courses are highly subsidised, delivered exibly, and short in duration - amounting to around 50 hours of tutor and self-directed learning combined.
FET micro-quali cation are available now in priority skill areas, such as digital business skills, green/sustainability skills, business innovation, market development, robotics and more. New programmes are currently in development to target other emerging skill areas such as Arti cial Intelligence (AI) and Corporate Sustainability reporting. ese FET micro-quali cations and more will launch in 2025. ey will be available through the network of local ETBs nationwide.
Since 2019, over 89,000 training opportunities have been availed of under Skills to Advance, with around one-third of by these employees already with a quali cation. ese programmes are a fantastic opportunity to upskill and reskill for career development within companies, as well as empowering business owners and employees with the skills needed to create more agile, competitive, and pro table companies.
Contact your local ETB today to nd out what Skills to Advance courses are available in your area or nd out more about the initiative at www. skillstoadvance.ie
As the year’s opening chapter, January’s significance can’t be overstated. It sets the narrative for the months ahead. A poorly managed January sickness surge can derail productivity plans and team morale. So, it’s crucial businesses implement robust absence management systems from day one.
As businesses gear up for 2025, everyone wants to see big numbers in January. Though one rising number is not helping businesses, or their employees succeed. What is it?
The annual sickness surge in January is here. And a tough January could mean an even tougher 2025.
However, rising staff absence is not the only metric business owners should be concerned about. So, what other staff trends should you watch out for in January?
Effective absence management starts with a healthy sick leave culture that protects staff. Without it, absence will continue to rise, along with a growing new problem, presenteeism—where employees work while ill. This is particularly prevalent in Ireland, affecting 27% of businesses (only 21% in England) and spanning all sectors and company sizes.
Presenteeism causes illnesses to spread among staff and reduces productivity during one of the most critical times of the year. It also leaves employees feeling pressured to work while sick, causing more stress, and potentially leading to long-term health issues.
The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. With some simple, proactive actions, your people and business can have a healthier 2025.
In simple terms, you need to give people the environment and tools they need to thrive, by:
1. Fostering a supportive culture where asking for help is seen as a strength
2. Planning for sick leave by cross-training employees and documenting processes
3. Communicating clear sick leave policies and encouraging transparency
4. Offering flexible work options to support remote or reduced hours
5. Implementing wellness initiatives to promote overall health and reduce absenteeism and presenteeism
This will help you create a culture where staff don’t take unnecessary risks with their (or other’s) health. In turn, this makes staff and more productive. It’s a win-win scenario.
Want to master sickness management in 2025? With BrightHR, you don’t need a crystal ball to plan ahead! See how taking the stress out of logging absences, recording sick notes, and seeing who’s available can create a healthier culture.
€20m rejuvenation unveiled for Carlow Town; ambitious Boyne Valley tourism strategy launched; and Dublin City Council opens flagship Clontarf to City Centre Project.
Limerick City and County Council and Draw Out launch Wildlife Walls project; Waterford City and County Council adopts progressive 2025 Budget; and Clare County Council provides 33 new homes in Scarri and Sixmilebridge.
Mayo County Council opens new €8m IQ Ballina; Leitrim gets €15.3m PEACEPLUS funding and €3.3m for Shannonside Recreational Campus; and €3.6m funding is approved for Sligo County Council.
Belfast Region City Deal decade-long programme of investment already delivering results; Cavan County Council is awarded Smarter Travel Mark; and over €13.5m funding is awarded to Creeslough Community Regeneration Project.
Sport Ireland has launched a national framework to support local authorities in developing and implementing local sports plans, with €200,000 secured through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to do this. This initiative, a key action of the Government’s National Sports Policy 2018–2027 and the recently published
Sports Action Plan 2024–2027, aims to increase participation in sport and physical activity, ensuring that every community in Ireland has access to the lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle.
“This is an important milestone in ensuring that sport is accessible to all communities in the country,” says Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May (pictured above,
centre front row). “Sport Ireland’s aim is to create a unified approach to the development of sport, and local authorities are uniquely positioned to lead this work with the support of Sport Ireland, while fostering collaboration between all key stakeholders including clubs, schools, community groups, and our network of Local Sports Partnerships.”
Plans have been unveiled for a proposed €20m rejuvenation of Carlow Town, which is designed to create a viable, attractive and vibrant town centre within the next few years. The Your Carlow proposals have been designed with modern urban public realm living and supporting business in mind.
Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the URDF programme, a series of public realm improvements outlined for Carlow will create attractive areas in a mix of streets and spaces designed to invite people to meet and mingle.
Taking place in the key areas of Potato Market, Shamrock Plaza, Tullow Street, Kennedy Avenue and Barrack Street, each destination will have a signature purpose – from outdoor dining for cafés and restaurants to hang-out spaces and sensory play equipment for people of all ages.
“These improvements will reflect the present and future needs of the local community and enterprises with quality
furniture, sustainable infrastructure and interconnected spaces to facilitate a living and growing town centre,” says Carlow Chief Executive Coilín O’Reilly.
Your Carlow is the first element of Project Carlow 2024 which gave a strategic framework for the future of the town with a series of suggested improvements.
Over 2,500 businesses in Co Meath received €7.48m in grant funding under the Government’s Increased Cost of Business scheme, designed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to help SMEs with the increased costs associated with running a business and administered by the Local Authorities; 74,716 businesses received the grant nationally, with €241.68m paid to businesses overall.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD launched Boyne Valley’s new, ambitious seven-year tourism strategy at an event held in Emerald Park. The strategy aims to position the Boyne Valley as one of the leading experiential destinations in the world, attracting high-value visitors who leave the region feeling inspired. Based on comprehensive input from stakeholders at county, regional and national levels, as well as in-depth research, the strategy presents a clear and well-defined roadmap for all tourism stakeholders to follow. This includes input from over 400 customers and visitors, agencies and industry experts, ensuring the strategy reflects a wide range of perspectives and insights.
“The Boyne Valley Tourism Strategy has a clear vision that will develop, strengthen and grow our already vibrant tourism industry in Counties Meath and Louth,” says Minister McEntee. “I am looking forward to working with both councils on helping to implement this strategy going forward and to clearly put the Boyne Valley region on the world map as a leading experiential destination.”
The strategy outlines 16 recommendations and seven strategic objectives. The new strategy also identified six new projects capable of contributing to the transformation of tourism in Meath and Louth. Projects include the Boyne Valley National Park, Boyne Valley Food Development, Coastal Tourism Development, Accommodation Growth, Development of Greenways, and Heritage Assets.
Fingal’s newest community centre in Meakstown has been officially opened by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh. The €8m facility was entirely funded by Fingal County Council and its opening is the culmination of a 10-year project by the council and local community to deliver a community hub for the area. The facility is part of the wider development of Lanesborough Park, which will deliver outdoor play and fitness spaces for the community. Pictured from left: Cllr Robert O’Donoghue, Cllr JK Omwumereh, Cllr Mary McCamley, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Brian McDonagh, Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly, County Architect Fionnuala May and Director of Housing and Community Development Paul Carroll.
€6.6M funding awarded to Fingal sports clubs
Sports clubs across Fingal have been awarded €6.6m in grants under the Community Sport Facilities Fund – 3% of an overall €230m injected into clubs across the country. The €230m allocation follows a previously announced allocation of €26m for sports equipment, which brings the total investment in community sport and recreation in 2024 to €256m.
[ COUNTY DUBLIN ]
Dublin City Council announced the official opening of the highly anticipated Clontarf to City Centre (C2CC) Active Travel Project connecting the Royal Canal Greenway to the East Coast Trail and part of the Tolka Valley Greenway, providing a safe, pleasant and continuous segregated walking and cycling route from Howth to the city centre. This high-quality walk-wheelcycle initiative is part of the ongoing transformation of the city’s transportation network. It delivers state-of-the-art infrastructure, encouraging a more sustainable, connected and efficient city for residents, commuters and visitors. The C2CC Project extends 2.7km from the Clontarf Road/Alfie Byrne Road junction along North Strand Road to Amiens Street at Connolly Station. This route is part of the Dublin City Council Active Travel Network, a key initiative designed to support Dublin’s growing need for greener transport through improved walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport facilities.
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Limerick City and County Council, in collaboration with Draw Out – a Limerick urban-art initiative that uses creative resources to reinvent urban spaces both visually and functionally – have announced the launch of the Wildlife Walls project. This initiative aims to enhance Limerick’s portfolio of street art with high-impact, true-to-life depictions of local wildlife. The project is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
The first two murals, set to be completed by the end of 2024, will feature a seed-eating siskin with striking plumage on Clery’s
[ COUNTY WATERFORD ]
Furniture Clare Street and a fox with its unmistakable russet-red fur, pointed ears and bushy tail at the corner of Athlunkard Street and Island Road.
“The Wildlife Walls project aims to raise awareness of Limerick’s biodiversity,” says Sinead McDonnell, Biodiversity Officer, Limerick City and County Council. “The images of the siskin and fox will animate the public consultation period of the Limerick Draft Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030, which runs until 7th January 2025.”
Wildlife Walls is a three-year collaboration that will see further additions in 2025 and 2026.
Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne announced the allocation of €650,000 for Patrickswell GAA Club and €7.5m for Limerick’s velodrome project under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund. Following their joint application, TUS and Cycling Ireland have been allocated €7.5m for the construction of a new multi-purpose sports arena on the site of the TUS Coonagh Campus. The City North Arena will include Ireland’s first indoor velodrome outside of Dublin. The cost of the project is an estimated €15.4m.
Waterford City and County Council adopted its Budget for 2025, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing essential services, addressing inflationary pressures and ensuring the long-term financial stability of the council.
The Budget, with a total expenditure of approximately €194m, represents a 5.5% increase compared to 2024. The Budget provides for increased funding across key service areas including: Housing: with funding for maintenance and upgrade of the council’s 6,500 social homes increased by almost 50%; Roads: with an additional €500,000 provided
for local roads maintenance; Tourism and Economic Development: with an additional €500,000 for cultural and tourism initiatives, including implementation of the Waterford Destination Experience Development Plan, and an additional €200,000 to promote Waterford as a business destination; Environmental Services: with an additional €215,000 provided for street cleaning; and Recreation and Amenity: with increased funding for libraries and festivals.
For the first time, the Budget also includes €256,000 for the General Municipal Allocation, giving discretion to the Elected Members
in each Municipal District to fund local projects and community-based initiatives. The Budget also provides for the continuation of the Commercial Rates Energy Discount Scheme, now known as the ‘Business Pledge’ for a cleaner, greener Waterford. Eligible businesses will continue to receive a 9% discount on their commercial rates. Over 1,000 businesses have participated in the scheme this year. Waterford is the only local authority in the country operating such an initiative, demonstrating its commitment to transforming Waterford as the most sustainable place in Ireland to do business.
Two new social housing developments in Co Clare, with a total approved budget of €11.2m, were officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of Co Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan. The developments in Scarriff and Sixmilebridge provide 33 new homes through direct build schemes and are funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The new homes comprise of a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom dwellings. The units feature a high-specification finish with an emphasis on energy efficiency. The developments are being delivered as part of Housing for All, the government’s plan for housing to 2030.
The Droichead Nua development in Scarriff is made up of 18 social housing units and has been provided through a direct build scheme by Clare County Council. This development had an approved budget of over €6.2m. The Baile Uí Loideáin development in Sixmilebridge provides a further 15 social housing units
for the county through a second direct build scheme by the local authority. This development had an approved budget of almost €5m.
Officially opening both housing developments, Cllr O’Callaghan said, “Today marks a significant milestone for
County Clare, in particular the communities of Sixmilebridge and Scarriff, as we officially open these social housing developments, providing high-quality, sustainable homes for residents. These new homes are a foundation for stability and growth, ensuring that families and individuals can thrive in our community.”
Leabharlann Oileán Chléire has been officially reopened by Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell. The library, originally founded in 1978 in The Halla Glas, South Harbour, has played a pivotal role in island life for decades. Now, after relocating several times over the years and closing in August 2023, the library has reopened in a bright, modern facility in North Harbour, as part of the Comharchumann Chléire Teo premises, alongside the island’s Digital Hub.
[ COUNTY MAYO ]
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital Transformation and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD officially opened IQ Ballina. The innovation quarter, located in the former military barracks in the heart of the town, which cost over €8m to develop, is owned by Mayo County Council and was funded by Mayo County Council along with the Urban Regeneration Development Fund, from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The project has seen the former military barracks transformed from derelict storage space into a modern entrepreneurial hub with 20,000 square feet of dedicated offices, co-working space, meeting rooms and civic space. The dayto-day running of IQ Ballina will be managed through a collaboration between Mayo County Council and Moy Valley Resources.
IQ Ballina has the capacity for up to 200 jobs on site once full tenant occupancy has been secured, with Mayo County Council working alongside Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to market the facility to potential tenants.
“I’m honoured to perform the official opening of IQ Ballina,” said Dara Calleary TD. “It is a fantastic day for Ballina and the entire county. This brand-new state-of-the-art facility will not only create much-needed employment opportunities, but also lays the foundation for future business growth. It has breathed new life into a historic core of Ballina and will facilitate the writing of a new history. I am very excited to see the positive impact that IQ Ballina will have on the town’s economy and people for years to come.”
Minister Catherine Martin and Minister Thomas Byrne announced €173m in grants for 35 projects across Ireland under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), with €7.5m announced for the Mayo Sports Campus with plans for an athletics track, sprint track, throwing area, cage and jumping facilities, grass pitch, all-weather pitches, changing room facilities and floodlighting.
[ COUNTY LEITRIM ]
Leitrim County Council in partnership with the Shannonside Recreational Campus (SRC) have secured €3.3m in funding from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) for an eight-lane 400m athletics track and internal grass pitch and the completion of a full-size 4g pitch with floodlights and dressing rooms.
The provision of adequate sporting and recreational facilities in the county was identified as a key priority by Leitrim County Council who have been fully supportive of the SRC project. The provision of a full-size athletic track is part of a larger vision of the
SRC team to build a regional sports and recreational campus located just outside Carrick-on-Shannon to serve the needs of the entire community in the upper Shannon region. This need is highlighted by the level of support in the funding application from regional and national sporting bodies, local and county sporting organisations and schools from across the county. The SRC vision has received a tremendous boost with the announcement of the LSSIF funding and in securing €15.3m under the PEACEPLUS programme.
The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has awarded funding of €3,603,788 to Sligo County Council. The Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the SEUPB. The funding will support a wide range of diverse projects aimed at addressing local challenges and promoting peace and prosperity across Co Sligo and involving cross-border participation from now until the end of 2027.
The Sligo PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community Peace Action Plan was developed after extensive consultation using the co-design process to address needs within the Sligo County Council area. This resulted in the development of 15 projects across three themes and will comprise of four capital investment projects, eight capacity-building initiatives and three cultural and social inclusion programmes. These projects support peaceful and thriving communities and seek to enhance community integration and cohesion within the three themes of Community Regeneration and Transformation; Thriving and Peaceful Communities; and Celebrating Cultural Diversity.
“This significant funding will enable us to deliver a range of diverse and meaningful projects that address local challenges, promote peace, and foster prosperity across County Sligo,” says Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree.
“With projects spanning capital investments, capacitybuilding, and cultural initiatives, this funding represents a vital opportunity to build a brighter future for Sligo, and we are excited to see the positive outcomes over the coming years,” adds Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Martin Lydon.
A contract for the construction of 25 new homes at Carney, Co Sligo was signed in County Hall, Riverside. The new development consists of a range of homes: ten one-bed dwellings, five two-bed, eight three-bed, one four-bed, and one five-bed dwelling together with a village green area, the refurbishment of Harte’s Well and the provision of all associated site works and services.
€15.3M
PEACEPLUS programme funding approved for Leitrim
Funding up to €15,342,366 has been announced by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) for Leitrim County Council and the Shannonside Recreational Campus through the PEACEPLUS Programme theme 1.4 Re-Imaging Communities, a project supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the SEUPB. The funding is for the development of the Shannonside Peace Arena, a multi-sports pavilion and full-size athletics track catering for the sporting and recreational needs of all clubs and communities throughout Leitrim and the region.
The development was designed by Hamilton Young Architects and will be constructed by Kilcawley Construction. The new homes are expected to be delivered in Q1 2026. The development is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under the Housing for All Programme, delivered by Sligo County Council’s Housing Capital Section.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree welcomed the new development saying, “This new development at Carney demonstrates the Council’s commitment to providing quality social housing as part of Sligo’s Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022–2026.”
funding awarded to Creeslough Community Regeneration
The Creeslough Community Regeneration Project has been awarded funding of €12,168,842 from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund with match funding of €1,352,093 being provided by Donegal County Council. The project, which has a total value of €13,520,935, will deliver vital community infrastructure and facilities on an existing community site in the village centre, including a new central hub for community life that will support Creeslough on a journey towards a vibrant, healthy, well serviced, socially inclusive, and sustainable community. This project forms an integrated part of the Village Plan for the renewal and regeneration of the village, which was launched in March 2024.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Niamh Kennedy turned the sod on a new development at the Common Lifford, marking the beginning of the construction of enabling infrastructure that will allow for the future development of a new social housing scheme with 60 units, new playing fields that will enhance local recreational facilities, sites for economic development creating new job opportunities and new community health facilities. Pictured with the Cathaoirleach is Chief Executive of Donegal County Council John G. McLaughlin and Chair of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District Cllr Gary Doherty. Photo: Clive Wasson.
[ COUNTY ANTRIM ]
Almost three years on from the signing of the first ever City & Growth Deal for Northern Ireland, Belfast Region City Deal partners visited Stormont to share how the decade-long programme of investment is already delivering results, creating jobs, and leveraging further private sector investment.
With one project already operational, two in construction phase, eight projects at design phase, four with planning approvals, and three skills assessments completed, the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment is firmly in delivery phase.
“The funding from City and Growth Deals and the Complementary Fund will see the Belfast region benefit from
revitalised public spaces, innovation hubs with additional office spaces and improved transportation links,” says Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald. “In addition, a continued focus on inclusivity and social value will help make the wider region a better place to live and work and I look forward to seeing all the projects continue to develop.”
Cavan County Council has been awarded the Smarter Travel Mark, recognising its ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable and active travel among staff and visitors. The Smarter Travel Mark is a prestigious three-tier certification that recognises and celebrates organisations that support active and sustainable travel options, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and a more engaged workforce.
Cavan County Council’s award is at Bronze level. The TFI Smarter Travel Programme is a national voluntary behaviour change programme managed by the National Transport Authority. Securing Smarter Travel certification provides national recognition of an organisation’s commitment to active and sustainable travel, promotes integrating physical activity into staff and student commuting, enhances an organisation’s reputation as an employer that supports active and sustainable travel and helps benchmark its active and sustainable travel practices.
“Cavan County Council is proud to be one of only a small number of Local Authorities to achieve this mark of recognition of our efforts in promoting sustainable and active travel,” says Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr TP O’Reilly. “This is an action contained in our Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, which outlines the county’s strategy for reducing emissions and promoting sustainability across all sectors.”
Mr Ollie Fallon of the National Transport Authority explained, “achieving the Smarter Travel Mark demonstrates that Cavan
County Council prioritises the importance and value of sustainable travel initiatives and the associated environmental benefits. Application for the Smarter Travel Mark is open to workplaces and campuses of any size from the private or public sectors.”
Cavan County Council has implemented several initiatives and taken part in behaviour change campaigns, such as ‘Ready, Set, Cycle’ and ‘Walktober’, all aimed at encouraging sustainable commuting.
1,161
[ COUNTY MONAGHAN ] businesses in Monaghan have received €3,165,021.46 in Increased Cost of
Monaghan County Council has announced that 1,161 businesses in the county have received €3,165,021.46 in grant funding under the government’s Increased Cost of Business scheme. The grant was designed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to help SMEs with the increased costs associated with running a business and was administered by the Local Authorities.
Cavan County Council Arts Office has secured €155,000 in funding to deliver a new EU culture, health and wellbeing programme in partnership with 14 organisations from 13 countries, with an additional €38,750 provided by Cavan County Council.
The ‘CultureAndHealth’ platform will see the 15 partner organisations from across Europe harness the proven benefits of artistic and cultural interventions to enhance mental health, prevent illnesses and build resilience. Cavan Arts will be Ireland’s representative on the project, with partners also representing Finland, Austria, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Slovenia,
Italy, Romania, Latvia, Belgium, and Poland. The initiative responds to pressing gaps in Europe, including limited integration of culture into health and social policies, a lack of professional support and networks for artists working in interprofessional settings, and the need for sustainable funding and fair working conditions for cultural practitioners. The project will provide grant support for artists to implement projects or participate in international residencies, capacity building and training with over 1,500 live and 800 online training opportunities, digital resources, and showcasing events including four international conferences.
Begin 2025 with John Green’s thought-provoking Everything is Tuberculosis, delve into gripping Irish debut novels Nesting and Fun and Games, explore Bill Gates’ formative years in Source Code and revisit Klara and the Sun before its cinematic debut
by John Green, OUT FEB 2025
John Green, the number one bestselling author of The Fault In Our Stars, The Anthropocene Reviewed and a passionate advocate for global healthcare reform, tells a deeply human story illuminating the fight against the world’s deadliest infectious disease. In 2019, John Green met Henry Reider, a young tuberculosis patient at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone. John became fast friends with Henry, a boy with spindly legs and a big, goofy smile. In the years since that first visit to Lakka, Green has become a vocal advocate for increased access to treatment and wider awareness of the healthcare inequities that allow this curable, preventable infec tious disease to also be the deadliest, killing over a million people every year. In Everything Is Tuberculosis, John tells Henry’s story, woven through with the scientific and social histories of how tuberculosis has shaped our world – and how our choices will shape the future of tuberculosis.
Audio books to make the most of the M50 backlog
SOURCE CODE OUT FEB 2025
BY BILL GATES, READ BY WIL WHEATON
Source Code describes with unprecedented candour Bill Gates’ life from his childhood in Seattle to dropping out of Harvard aged 20 in 1975. Shortly afterwards he wrote, with Paul Allen, the programme which became the foundation of Microsoft and eventually for the entire software industry, changing the way the world works and lives. Gates writes about the centrality of family to his life – his encouraging grandmother and ambitious parents, about struggles to fit in, his rebelliousness and the impact the death of his closest friend had on him. We see his extraordinary mind developing as a teenager, his excitement about the rapidly emerging technology of computing and the earliest signs of his phenomenal business acumen. Source Code is a warm, wise and revealing self-portrait of one of the most influential people of our age.
By Roisin O’Donnell
OUT JAN 2025
On a bright spring afternoon in Dublin, Ciara Fay makes a split-second decision that will change everything. Grabbing an armful of clothes from the washing line, Ciara straps her two young daughters into her car and drives away. Head spinning, all she knows for certain is that home is no longer safe. This was meant to be an escape. But with dwindling savings, no job and her family across the sea, Ciara finds herself adrift, facing a broken housing system and the voice of her own demons. Because leaving is one thing, but staying away is another. Tense, beautiful and underpinned by an unassailable love, hope and resilience, this is the story of one woman’s bid to start over.
FUN AND GAMES
By John Patrick McHugh
OUT APRIL 2025
John Patrick McHugh delivers a stunning, darkly comic and deeply moving debut novel. Fun and Games follows seventeen-yearold John Masterson as he comes of age on the west coast of Ireland. It’s his last summer on the small island where he has grown up and he should be enjoying the weeks until his exam results come through. Instead, he’s working mind-numbing shifts at the local hotel and trying to keep his head down after his mother’s nude sext to another man was leaked to the whole island. Fun and Games is full of feeling, both harsh and tender.
KLARA AND THE SUN
By Kazuo Ishiguro
The eighth novel by the Booker and Nobel prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara and the Sun (2021), will become a film in 2025. Telling the story of Josie (Mia Tharia) and Klara (Jenna Ortega), the former’s Artificial Friend, the film will question where we draw the line between human and machine.
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