Ireland's transition to electrified mobility continues to strengthen, with two in five Irish consumers (40%) planning to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) in the next 24 months, according to new research from EY's Mobility Consumer Index (MCI).

The findings, which are based on over 500 Irish respondents in the global survey of 32 countries, reveal that environmental concerns (37%), lower running costs (31%), increased EV range (30%) and high fuel prices (27%) are the primary drivers behind Irish consumers' growing interest in electrification. However, barriers still persist, with more than one-third (36%) citing uncertainty around charging and running costs as a deterrent, while 31% point to a lack of charging infrastructure in their area.

The research comes at a time when Ireland's private car market is undergoing significant change. Recent CSO figures show that in 2025, electric and hybrid vehicles represented 57% of new registrations, an increase of 11 percentage points from 2024. The higher proportion of EVs in actual registrations compared to consumer intent may reflect several factors, including the influence of incentives and market conditions at the point of purchase that may shift consumer decisions beyond initial intentions.

Commenting on Ireland's evolving automotive market, Julia Ann Corkery, EY Ireland Transport Leader, said:

"What we're seeing in the Irish market is sustained and growing demand for electrified vehicles, with 40 per cent of prospective buyers indicating an intention to choose an electrified option. Building on last year's rebound in EV sales, the findings highlight strong consumer motivations around sustainability, lower running costs and improved vehicle performance, which continue to underpin Ireland's transition to cleaner mobility.

"Alongside these factors, broader market trends are also contributing to interest in EVs, including the increasing availability of more competitively priced EV models. We have seen clear movement across Europe toward lower-cost options entering the market, which is helping to make electrified vehicles more accessible.

"While consumers still have practical questions around charging and overall running costs, a lot of which relates to their specific housing circumstances and associated off-street parking, or not, these are typical considerations in any maturing market. Ongoing investment across the public, private and local authority landscape in Ireland is helping to build confidence, and as infrastructure and technology continue to progress, the fundamentals for EV adoption in Ireland remain very solid."

Car buying preferences align with market reality

Among the 40% of Irish respondents planning to purchase an electrified vehicle, preferences closely mirror current market composition:

— 15% intend to buy a full hybrid

— 15% plan to purchase a battery electric vehicle (BEV)

— 10% are considering a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

Meanwhile, 51% of prospective car buyers still plan to purchase an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, with the remainder undecided. This underlines that despite the momentum towards electrification, there is still some way to go in the transition.

Practical concerns dominate EV hesitancy

For those not planning to purchase an EV, cost-related factors feature prominently:

— 36% cite uncertainty surrounding charging and running costs

— 31% point to insufficient charging infrastructure nearby

— 30% are concerned about upfront purchase costs

— 30% worry about battery replacement expenses

"Whilst public confidence continues to build, charging infrastructure remains a practical concern for many buyers. The State, through Transport Infrastructure Ireland and ZEVI, has played a significant role in accelerating delivery, with three grant schemes rolled out between 2024 and 2025 to support investment in high-power charging, particularly along the national road network.

As EV penetration within the national fleet grows, we expect the private market to pl...

South East Technological University's (SETU) sixth annual Women in Technology event will bring together role models from industry and academia to challenge perceptions of technology and encourage more young women to consider careers in the sector.

The event at SETU Arena in Waterford, on Thursday, 12 March, aims to grow young women's understanding of technology and demonstrate the career paths open to them in computing.

Building on the success of last year's event, which welcomed over 1,000 female students from Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Waterford, this year's programme promises to be more engaging than ever.

Attendees will hear from inspirational keynote speakers who are leading the way in technology. These include Phil Healy, a two-time Irish Olympian who has successfully combined elite sport with a career as a Software Developer at Sun Life, and Likhitha Gaddi, a Software Engineer at Google.

Alongside the keynote talks, the event, sponsored by Sun Life, Google, Security Risk Advisors and Nearform, will feature exhibition stands from some of the region's largest technology companies. Students will have the opportunity to interact directly with professionals working in technology, engineering, ICT, and software development, gaining insight into real-world career pathways.

Amanda Freeman-Gater, Assistant Head of the Computing and Mathematics Department at SETU, believes that encouraging more women into technology is essential for the future of the sector.

"The technology industry needs more women studying the wide range of technological programmes available, including those at SETU," said Ms Freeman-Gater, "Graduates can go on to build careers in dynamic technical roles that offer flexibility and the chance to work collaboratively on innovative ideas, services, and products."

While there has been a recent shortfall in the number of women entering technology fields, this was not always the case, she adds. "Ada Lovelace is widely recognised as the world's first computer programmer. We must now focus on developing the next generation of female tech talent to create a more balanced and inclusive workforce. Women make up half the world's population, so it is only logical they should make up half the workforce in technology."

SETU's Women in Technology event is open to second-level and third-level female students and teachers. The event will feature exhibitions, technology demonstrations, industry speakers, and information on SETU's wide range of third-level programmes, which provide pathways to exciting and rewarding careers in technology.

Schools that register for SETU's Women in Technology event at SETU | Women in Technology 2026 will be entered into a draw to win a free bus to the event, while attendees will also be in with a chance to win one of six laptops.

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By David Stephen who looks at the idea of Digital Insurance and how it could potentially help in Venezuela.

Venezuela could have been a testbed to achieve food security for Latin America, as well as new models in small business growth, assuming the recently concluded World Economic Forum was flexible enough to make those themes a priority.

There is a recent analysis in The New York Times, The Biggest Challenge in Venezuela? Forget the Oil, It's Stocking the Fridge., stating that, "But the U.S. military raid that removed Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, has plunged the South American nation into a chaotic new chapter of political and economic uncertainty, setting off a new wave of inflation and currency woes pushing basic grocery items out of the reach of many Venezuelans."

Food Security, could Digital Insurance help Venezuela?

"The economic turmoil is now threatening to deepen a yearslong humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, where more than 70 percent of people already live in poverty, according to a survey by a group of leading universities in the country."

"At the core of the sharp rise in food costs is Venezuela's dependence on the U.S. dollar, widely used in everyday transactions because it is typically less volatile than the country's own currency, the bolívar."

"Vendors often buy from suppliers in dollars, so they peg prices to the currency. And they typically charge higher prices if buyers want to pay in Venezuelan bolívar."

"Venezuela's minimum monthly wage, eroded by a decade of inflation and not adjusted in years, is now equivalent to roughly 50 cents. The government has tried to plug the gap, in part, by paying public-sector workers bonuses, though these have also diminished in value as the currency continues to wither."

Food Security Digital Insurance

To solve food security in Venezuela within 8 – 12 months, there can be a product called food security insurance across the country. The purpose of this insurance is to raise capital to subsidize a number of farming necessities in the nation.

For example, in Venezuela, like in other places, necessities for agriculture include irrigation, land, crops, farm machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, storages and transport to market.

Now, whatever makes food scarce, expensive or unavailable can be linked [hypothetically] with the price of two or more of these necessities. There are also regions in the country that some [subsidized necessities] might be easier as well as crops of staple foods that some [subsidized necessities] may have higher impact.

In Venezuela, important crops that make the basis for food variants include maize, beans, rice and plantain. Now, if some of the agricultural necessities to two or more of these crops are provided, how much will it boost supply and extremely lower retail price, such that no matter the lack in a family, they can still afford enough food?

The goal is to raise capital to subsidize necessities that would be applied to some crops to ensure they are oversupplied, hence extremely inexpensive. There can be national and regional agricultural necessity subsidy, as well as for crop options as well.

Venezuela already has Comités Locales de Abastecimiento y Producción [cheap food handouts, CLAP] and bonos [cash handouts]. So, it is possible to germinate the food security insurance as a pivot from both.

There are two ways to motivate demand for the insurance. The first is that those that buy will be eligible for a raffle to win certain food items. The second is that those that buy the insurance will qualify to purchase the subsidized food items when it is out.

This means that ultimately the insurance is a ticket to buy subsidized high-supply food. So, rather than food or cash handouts, with lots of uncertainty and volatility, it is possible to structure it with a digital insurance product, so that people have more to eat, wherever they are, for however less they have.

The technical and business models can be expansive, to ensure that it becomes...

Irish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly aware of the growing risk posed by AI-driven cyberattacks, though most are not using available and affordable defences, and many are now looking for practical, affordable ways to strengthen their digital defences, Vodafone Ireland said at the Small Firms Association's SFA Connect event in Naas, Co. Kildare.

Addressing over 450 business leaders at the event, Lynsey Sweeney, Head of SME Sales Strategy at Vodafone Business, shared research showing that 94% of SMEs feel unprepared for AI-powered cyber threats, while 28% believe a single ransomware attack could seriously threaten their business.

"SMEs understand the risks; what they need are solutions that are simple, effective and fit their reality," said Sweeney. "Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complex or costly. With the right support, small steps can make a big difference in protecting a business."

Despite strong awareness of cyber risks, adoption of basic protections remains low. Only 21% of SMEs currently use multifactor authentication, while more than half store sensitive data without encryption, leaving many exposed to issues that can be addressed quickly and affordably.

Sweeney said that while digital transformation can feel daunting for smaller organisations, progress is often achieved through practical improvements rather than large-scale change.

"For SMEs, we fully understand that time and certainty matter," she said. "Technology should remove pressure, not add to it. Choosing the right tools, whether that's strengthening security or automating routine tasks, can free up time and help businesses focus on growth."

"Digital transformation isn't about doing everything at once. The most successful SMEs focus on the right next step. Start small, build confidence and scale over time. Vodafone Business reports that Businesses that embrace digital tools can achieve up to 26% higher revenue growth – and that's a real competitive advantage."

"This is where the right partner makes a difference," Sweeney added. "Measures like multifactor authentication, encrypted backups, regular updates and staff training are proven, accessible ways to reduce risk, and they don't require in-house IT teams."

With over six in ten Irish businesses as customers, Vodafone Ireland is investing €100 million per year in its network to expand and enhance services nationwide, ensuring businesses have secure, resilient connectivity they can rely on.

The company, which serves over 2.4 million customers and holds the largest share of Ireland's mobile market, continues to see solid growth across its small business mobile and business broadband customer bases.

During her address, Sweeney outlined four foundations for digital efficiency for SMEs: automating everyday processes, building a secure digital foundation, using technology to deliver more personalised customer experiences, and empowering teams through upskilling.

Vodafone Business continues to support Irish SMEs with practical connectivity and digital solutions designed to improve efficiency, strengthen security and support long-term growth.

Over 2,000 people work with Vodafone Ireland across its Dublin headquarters and 80 retail stores nationwide. This year, Vodafone will move to its new headquarters on St Stephen's Green as the company marks 25 years in Ireland.

The company has recently made significant investments in innovation as the first telco to launch Real Time Text, and through the recent trial of a new mission-critical communications service with Government.

See more stories here.

The Spider Awards, Ireland's longest-running and most prestigious digital awards ceremony, is proud to announce the shortlist for its 29th annual event. Taking place on Friday, 13th March 2026, the black-tie gala will once again bring together the brightestminds from across Ireland's digital, creative and technology sectors. The ceremony will be held in the iconic Round Room at The Mansion House, with approximately 500 attendees expected on the night.

Established in 1996, the Spider Awards are dedicated to recognising companies and individuals who are driving innovation, creativity and excellence across the digital industry. As Ireland's longest-running digital awards programme, The Spiders continue to set the benchmark for celebrating outstanding digital achievement.

The 2026 awards have seen a record-breaking number of entries, with a 30% increase on 2025 entries, underlining the continued growth, ambition and quality within Ireland's digital sector. This year's highest-entered categories include Best in Social Media Award, Best Consumer Campaign Award, Best in Storytelling Award, and Digital for Good Award, reflecting the industry's focus on creativity, impact and purpose-driven digital work.

A major highlight for 2026 is the introduction of a new category, the Digital Rising Star Award, celebrating emerging talent and the next generation of digital leaders shaping Ireland's future.

Below is the full shortlist for The Spider Awards 2026:

AI-Powered Marketing Excellence Award

BidReview.ai

Bord Gáis Energy (Dublin 2)

GlowMetrics- Stage Entertainment

GRANITE (Dublin 2)- Nike X Elverys

GRANITE (Dublin 2)- – Panoramic SEO

Havas Media Ireland- KIA Ireland

Udaras na Gaeltachta Ardnagappary, Co. Donegal)

Best App Award

Communicraft

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – Feeltect

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – Supermac's App

Henderson Foodservice- Barista Bar

Irish Life

StoryToys

SuperValu

Tapadoo- Payzone

Virgin Media Ireland

Best Brand Award

3B1 (Victorian Quarter, Cork ) – McWilliam Bags

Escalate (Dublin 2)- – Sysco – Local Storytelling, Global Impact.

GRANITE (Dublin 2)- EHL Experiences

GRANITE(Dublin 2 – NDC

GRANITE(Dublin 2) – Supermac's

Henderson Wholesale

Kooba (Dublin 2) – AccessPoint

MKO

RedClick Insurance Ireland

Ringers Creative- Dublin Port

Best Collaboration Award

Codex Office Solutions- AsIAm

Each&Other- Launch Path: AI

Havas Media Ireland- UPMC Ireland

Kooba (Dublin 2) – Nexus Inclusion

Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland- Centra

Oxfam Ireland- An Post

Social Media Elite (Mullingar) – KASH Beauty

Western Development Commission (Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon)- Northern Periphery & Artic Project

Western Development Commission (Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon)- TG4

Best Consumer Campaign Award

Escalate (Dublin 2)- Granby Ltd

Escalate(Dublin 2)- Pat The Baker

Forsman & Bodenfors- Fáilte Ireland

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – Certa

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – Nike X Elverys – Spotify

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – The Chancery Hotel

Henderson Wholesale

Sweartaker- Centra

The Very Group

Best in Storytelling Award

Chadwicks & The Podcast Studios- Chadwicks Group

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – NDC

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – Supermac's

Havas Media Ireland- Havas Play

Idea- Dublin Port

Mediahuis Ireland- Laya

Piquant(Limerick City) – Residential Tenancies Board

Sweartaker- Centra

University of Limerick- Santa the Student

Zordan Media Limited- Diggers

Best in E-Commerce Award

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – Blarney Woolen Mills X GRANITE

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – The Independent Pharmacy

Hello Humans

Irish Life

ITM Digital (Naas, Co Kildare) – Kildare Brewing

Musgrave MarketPlace

SuperValu

Total Digital- Garrett Metal Detectors

Vodafone Ireland

Best in Social Media Award

An Post- Battle of the Book Clubs

Bord Gáis Energy (Dublin 2)- – Bord Gáis Energy Changes the Game in Sports

Chadwicks & TBWA- Chadwicks

Good as Gold (Rathnew, Co Wicklow) – Variety Jones

GRANITE(Dublin 2)- – Supermac's

Idea- Dublin Port

ISPCC- Childline by ISPCC

Out of Orange- SnooZip

Piquant (Limerick city) Gill Education

Squint Creative (Craig...

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

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

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

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

Performance update:

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

100% of all surveying and design work is complete;

100% of the network either built or currently under construction;

451,433 premises passed, representing a 33% year-on-year increase;

164,708 premises connected, representing a 43% year-on-year increase.

63,064km of fibre cable laid, enough to circumnavigate the Earth 1.5 times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NBI is now fully focused on the final stages of construction and accelerating conn...

UGREEN has expanded its range of products that come with 3-pin plugs, suitable for the Irish and UK markets, with the launch of its 200W GaN Desktop Charger. The sleek, 8-port charger comes with 6 x USB-C ports and 2 x USB-A ports, capable of a combined 200W output.

What's in the Box

The 200W GaN Desktop Charger comes with a power lead with the correct plug for Ireland, along with a handy stand for mounting the charger upright if it suits your desk or setup better.

Specs

200W Ultra-Powerful Desktop Charger: 200W high output, charges up to 8 devices simultaneously, integrated solution for daily/work use

8-IN-1 Multi-Device Charge: 6 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports, with a stand for an organised desk, compact and robust

PD 100W Fast Charging: USB-C1/C2/C3 support 100W solo charging (MacBook Pro 16" 41% in 30 mins) & PPS 45W for Samsung

Professional Protection: GaNInfinity tech + multi-layer safeguards, anti-overheating/overcharging/short circuit

Universal Compatibility: Supports multiple fast-charging protocols, works with laptops, phones, earbuds, game consoles, etc.

UGREEN 200W GaN Desktop Charger Day-to-Day Use

The first thing you notice with the 200W GaN Desktop Charger is just how sleek the device is, given the power it can output. It really takes up no space on your desk, yet it is capable of charging 3 laptops, a tablet, 2 smartphones, a smartwatch and wireless earphones all at the same time!

In a busy office environment or busy home, this is an excellent device to have on hand. It is particularly useful for charging laptops and battery banks at the same time quickly before you hit the road, both of which can take advantage of the 100 watts that three of the USB-C ports can output.

What amazes me with these devices in a home setting is how quickly kids manage to fill up all of the ports with tablets, smartphones, PS5 and Xbox controllers and still manage to plug out someone else's device to charge their own!

All of the modern charging standards are covered, including manufacturer-specific ones such as Samsung's 45-watt protocol.

The 200W GaN Desktop Charger is a seriously powerful device, and having 8 ports available is super convenient. It also offers peace of mind when charging so many devices to know there is a whole host of safety features built in, checking temperature, for short circuit, over temp, over current and over voltage.

Conclusion

UGREEN continues to expand its range of chargers available here with the launch of the 200W GaN Desktop Charger. The charger has tons of power available and 8 ports, which can adapt to basically any device you plug into it.

The 200W GaN Desktop Charger is available from Amazon now, on offer for €75.99:

https://www.amazon.ie/UGREEN-200W-6C2A-Fast-Charger/dp/B0DL5FT193

More about Irish Tech News

Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to discuss.

Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at [email protected] now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.

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Smart toothbrushes have gone from novelty gadgets to genuinely sophisticated pieces of technology. They now feature Bluetooth connectivity, AI-powered brushing guidance, pressure sensors and apps that track brushing technique with alarming precision. Top-of-the-range smart toothbrushes can cost around €400, which is roughly the same price as a decent smartphone.

The question is: does spending that kind of money on a smart toothbrush actually make sense?

The pros and cons of smart dental tech

Expensive gadgets that promise to revolutionise mundane tasks are often met with scepticism. Dental tech, however, occupies slightly different territory. Oral health has genuine long-term consequences, and most people are objectively poor at brushing their teeth properly.

What you're actually paying for with smart dental tech

Premium electric toothbrushes aren't just vibrating sticks with fancy packaging. The technology inside has become genuinely sophisticated. High-end models like Philips Sonicare 9900 DiamondClean Prestige use sonic or ultrasonic vibrations at frequencies that manually brushing simply cannot match. We're talking 30,000+ brush movements per minute creating fluid dynamics that clean between teeth and along the gum line.

The smart features include pressure sensors that stop you scrubbing too hard and damaging enamel, timers that ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes, and position tracking that tells you which areas you're neglecting. The apps connect to your phone via Bluetooth, providing real-time feedback and building a picture of your brushing habits over time.

The pressure sensor alone justifies the cost

Here's something most people don't realise: brushing too hard causes more damage than not brushing enough. Aggressive brushing wears down enamel, causes gum recession, and leads to sensitivity issues that are expensive and unpleasant to fix. A single crown or veneer in Ireland will cost you far more than even the most premium electric toothbrush.

Pressure sensors solve this problem elegantly. The brush automatically reduces power or stops entirely when you're pressing too hard, training you to use proper technique. After a few weeks, you naturally adjust your brushing style. It's the kind of feature that seems minor until you realise it's preventing hundreds or thousands of euros in future dental work.

The Irish dental cost factor

Irish dental care is notoriously expensive compared to much of Europe. A routine hygienist appointment costs €60-80, fillings start around €80-100 and anything more serious quickly runs into hundreds. The HSE covers very limited dental care for adults, meaning most of us are paying out of pocket for everything.

In this context, investing in prevention makes financial sense. If a €400 toothbrush helps you avoid even one filling or root canal over its lifetime, it's paid for itself. Most premium electric toothbrushes last 5-10 years with proper care, meaning the daily cost works out to less than 20 cents – cheaper than your morning coffee.

Where to find smart electric toothbrushes without the markup

Electric toothbrushes carry ridiculous markups in some retailers. Pharmacies and department stores often charge full RRP, and even online retailers frequently inflate prices. Although you can find comprehensive smart dental tech on Notino at significantly better prices than traditional outlets.

This matters because the barrier to entry is often price rather than effectiveness. If you can get a quality sonic toothbrush for €100-150 rather than €300+, the value proposition becomes much clearer. You don't necessarily need the absolute top-tier model to see benefits – mid-range options from reputable brands like Oral-B or Philips offer most of the important features at more accessible price points.

The app experience varies wildly

Bluetooth connectivity and companion apps are standard on premium models now, but the quality varies enormously. Some apps are genuinely useful, providing action...

Bank of Ireland contactless payments surged to record levels during the final quarter (Q4) of 2025, according to an analysis of customer transactions.

Q4 2025 eCommerce contactless card transactions (digital wallets, Apple Pay/Google Pay) increased by 10% when compared to Q4 2024, whilst contactless 'tap and go' payment levels rose by 4%.

Over 2 million contactless 'tap and go' payments took place on 23 December, a new all-time peak for these payments as people rushed to complete their Christmas shopping, whilst over 1.1m eCommerce contactless card transactions were recorded on 28 November – another single day record for Bank of Ireland customers.

Along with a major focus on improving digital payments capabilities, Bank of Ireland introduced SEPA Instant last year, allowing personal and business customers to make a euro payment within ten seconds, 24 hours a day, to any European bank. Verification of Payee (VoP) and Fraud Payment Interrupt (FPI) were also introduced, providing an additional layer to further strengthen payment security and enhancing the Bank's ongoing commitment to customer fraud prevention.

Ongoing investment in digital platforms has enabled faster lending for small business and agri customers – they can apply for a loan and access funds in as little as 24 hours. And the use of AI has helped protect customers from fraud – scam detection technology using AI and machine learning assessed c.1 billion card transactions for potential fraud and prevented €9.7 million in losses in 2025.

Further technology improvements will launch in 2026, including Zippay (mobile-to-mobile payments), and the Bank's new mobile banking app.

Ciarán Coyle, Chief Operating Officer, Bank of Ireland said: "We made considerable progress in delivering technology enhancements throughout 2025, providing greater stability and resilience and a smoother, more secure customer experience. We will continue this focus and momentum, with the rollout of our new mobile app, and other improvements including the launch of Zippay mobile-to-mobile payments.

"Later this year we will launch our new strategy, where we will outline further investments in our digital platforms, providing colleagues with the best technology to serve our customers brilliantly."

See more stories here.

More about Irish Tech News

Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news

If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to discuss.

Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at [email protected] now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.

You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Sara Daw is Group CEO of The CFO Centre and The Liberti Group, and the author of Strategy and Leadership as Service – How the Access Economy Meets the C-Suite, which explores the fractional leadership trend and the impact on employees.

The remote vs in-office workplace debate continues to burden leaders. Return-to-office mandates are on the rise, with the idea that they will boost engagement, productivity and collaboration. But do they?

Worryingly, the opposite can be true. A recent Gartner survey found that among high-performing employees, their intent to stay was 16% lower with strict RTO mandates. Conversely, Gallup's latest State of the Global Workplace report reveals that remote workers are the most likely to be engaged at work (31%).

Employees Work' Matters Less Than 'How They Work'

While it is important for each company to decide what work arrangements work best for them – whether remote, hybrid, or in office full-time – this misses the overarching point. Instead of arguing over the 'where' of work, leaders should be focusing more on the 'how'.

This is where "psychological ownership" comes in – our ability to feel that our job belongs to us. When employees feel psychologically tied to their roles, the more likely they are to be engaged and perform at their best. So how can leaders develop psychological ownership in their staff, regardless of where they work from?

The Three Roots of Psychological Ownership

There are three roots that underpin a sense of psychological ownership – efficacy, self-identity and having a place:

1. Efficacy – leaders, employees and their team members must understand each other's needs and feel confident that the relationship is working to meet desired goals.

2. Self-identity – work isn't just about completing tasks; it's about expressing individual skills, values and purpose. Employees need to feel that their role fits their identity and reflects who they are.

3. Having a place – individuals fundamentally want to belong. When teams work together, individuals feel part of a group of like-minded people with a shared mission, strengthening their commitment and engagement.

These three roots are particularly important for a blended workforce, with employees split between working in-office and from home. So, what steps can leaders take to nurture these roots of psychological ownership in their staff?

Create Control

When staff have a say over their work, they achieve a sense of control in their role. This helps them to feel ownership of their tasks, boosting their motivation, engagement and performance. To increase feelings of control in employees, leaders should:

Clarify the purpose and goals of staff's work but let them choose the best way to achieve them.

Encourage staff to share their knowledge and insights with others – this strengthens their feeling of control by demonstrating their competence and confidence.

Foster open communication channels by determining when individuals are and aren't available

Build Intimacy

Intimacy is a key ingredient for creating a positive and fulfilling work environment, particularly in a blended workforce. Intimacy leads to a stronger sense of belonging with colleagues, increases collaboration and conflict resolution, and deepens our appreciation of our role, its purpose and its impact. Leaders can build intimacy with and between employees by:

Scheduling regular one-to-one meetings and informal catch-ups to check in on each other's well-being, goals, and challenges

Be empathetic, actively listen and ask open-ended questions to show interest and understanding

Arrange social events and activities that promote getting to know each other outside of work

Build trust via transparency, sticking to commitments, and being consistent.

Encourage self-investment

How much employees invest themselves personally in their work influences their sense of ownership over their jobs. Investment can take many forms – time, skills, ideas, physical and psychological, and intellectual ener...