Guest post by Alfredo De Massis and Emanuela Rondi

Family enterprises occupy a unique position in the business landscape. Their longevity and resilience are often built on a foundation of tradition, deeply embedded values, and a commitment to legacy. Yet, in today's rapidly evolving world, these same enterprises are under immense pressure to change and innovate. The ability to balance the weight of tradition with the necessity of change is crucial for family businesses seeking sustainable growth and competitive advantage. In this article, we distill some of the key insights and strategies to manage the tension between tradition and innovation in family enterprises.

Innovation in Family Enterprises

Tradition: The Anchor of Stability

Tradition in family enterprises is more than a nostalgic nod to the past; it's often the bedrock of their success. It manifests in the form of long-standing customer relationships, a commitment to quality, and a reputation built over generations. These elements provide family businesses with a unique identity and a competitive edge in markets where trust and authenticity matter. However, an over-reliance on tradition can stifle innovation. In a fast-paced business environment, clinging too tightly to the "way things have always been done" can result in missed opportunities and an inability to adapt to new challenges.

Innovation: The Driver of Relevance

Innovation, on the other hand, is the lifeblood of staying relevant in a competitive world. Whether it involves adopting new technologies, exploring untapped markets, or reimagining business models, innovation enables family enterprises to thrive in the face of disruption. Many family businesses have successfully embraced innovation without sacrificing their heritage. In the context of family enterprises, innovation often extends beyond products and services to include governance structures, succession planning, and leadership development. This broader perspective on innovation ensures that the business remains adaptable across generations.

Balancing Act: Strategies for Family Enterprises

Striking the right balance between tradition and change requires intentionality and strategic foresight. Here are some strategies for family enterprises to navigate this delicate equilibrium. In our research, we investigated the strategy of innovation through tradition (e.g., De Massis et al., 2016; Erdogan et al., 2018; Rondi et al., 2024). The innovation-through-tradition strategy in family businesses leverages the rich heritage and deeply ingrained values of the organization to drive modern advancements and foster sustainable growth. By intertwining the wisdom of past generations with forward-thinking ideas, family enterprises can create a unique competitive edge. This approach involves maintaining core traditions that define the business's identity - such as quality, craftsmanship, or customer trust - while embracing technological advancements or attributing new meanings.

It allows these businesses to remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment without compromising their authenticity. The balance of honoring legacy while fostering innovation strengthens brand loyalty, promotes adaptability, and ensures long-term continuity, making it a compelling strategy for family-run organizations. How can it be implemented?

Embrace a Dual Mindset. A dual mindset recognizes the importance of preserving core values while fostering a culture of innovation. Family business leaders can achieve this by distinguishing between the "core" and the "periphery." The core - values, mission, and legacy - remains steadfast, while the periphery - processes, products, and technologies - is open to experimentation and change. In this process, it is necessary to understand what aspect of past knowledge should be interiorized and what needs to be renewed. It is crucial to formalize and categorize relevant aspects of past knowledge as well as values and legacy in order to secure its tran...

Three girls from Mayo have launched a mobile app called HerdSync that provides a simple means to digitise farm records. The enterprise came about from a personal farming experience while participating in afterschool programming with the girls-in-STEM charity Teen-Turn.

Teenagers Katie Jennings (15) and Mary Lillibeth Curry-Glynn (16) from Knock and Aoibheann Mangan (18) from Hollymount developed the app HerdSync to record animal and land data from farms as well as to track day-to-day tasks and chores.

The idea for the business came to Katie while she was helping her father with cattle on the farm. When they were trying to record the animal tag numbers, the notebook fell and got wet and dirty. Katie decided there had to be a better way to record the details. The app's first iteration won Katie first place in the junior category at Technovation Ireland's Regional Pitch event. From there she entered into Teen-Turn's Incubator-to-Accelerator activities in 2023 to expand the team and build a business.

HerdSync is now part of Teen-Turn's Innovators programme, backed by BNY in 2024. Innovators support Teen-Turn student enterprises as they graduate to building and/or scaling their businesses. "BNY are proud supporters of Teen-Turn Innovators, which supports young women in the startup of their own companies to become employers themselves and contribute to resilient economic systems that better their communities," Paul Kilcullen, CEO of BNY Fund Services Ireland and Country Head.

The girls are currently trialling their app with early adopters but will make it widely available in early 2025. Recently distinguished for Achievement in Innovation from Enterprise Ireland during the Innovation Arena Finals at the National Ploughing Championships, HerdSync is already in daily use on farms in Connacht. Katie explains, "The idea is to empower farmers with informed herd management-to bring data science technology to them-, but without it being time-consuming or complicated, it's as easy as 'Digitise. Simplify. Amplify'!"

Teen-Turn, an Irish charity, addresses, in addition to gender equality in the workplace, economic inclusion for girls from areas where higher education is uncommon by providing hands-on practical experience and mentorship in STEM and entrepreneurship through extracurricular learning opportunities.

Teen-Turn Co-Founder, Joanne Dolan, praised the girls' work. "What Katie, Mary Lillibeth and Aoibheann have produced distinguishes itself from the current market in that it offers an easy-to-use, no frills farm management solution that maintains records in a tidy and centralised way."

The Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme is thrilled to announce the launch of its innovative 'Superhero Climate Change' educational resources. This comprehensive suite includes interactive presentations, teacher guides, lesson plans, and activities designed for thematic and cross-curricular learning in primary schools. These resources offer a unique opportunity for teachers and pupils to engage with the complex issue of climate change in a practical and enjoyable way.

Marine Institute CEO, Dr Rick Officer, praised the Explorers team for their efforts in creating these materials, stating: "This wide range of content helps to demystify global warming and the impacts of climate change, presenting them in a way that both teachers and children can easily understand and enjoy. The learning and engagement process also inspires creative solutions to tackle this global challenge."

Restoring and protecting the Earth's land, ocean, and biodiversity, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are priorities echoed in key messages from recent UN climate summits. These summits have called for international collaboration to galvanize world climate and environmental goals.

Dr Rick Officer further emphasised: "It is particularly timely that these resources highlight the importance of collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing in addressing climate change. By fostering a collective understanding of the Earth's climate system, we can work together to find effective solutions."

Lead author of the Explorers Climate Change Superhero resources, Cushla Dromgool-Regan, explained: "These resources go beyond simply teaching about climate change; they help to develop a range of skills. Teachers and children will enhance their citizen engagement, digital learning, well-being, creativity, and language skills, all while deepening their understanding of the critical issue of climate change."

Through creative and language-focused activities, such as drama, storytelling and writing, children are encouraged to explore the impacts of climate change on the ocean. By telling the stories of marine species, from plankton to whales, as well as polar bears, penguins, puffins, corals and fish, the pupils will learn about the impacts of ocean warming, ice-melting, sea-level rise, marine heatwaves, and ocean acidification.

Highlighting the importance of ocean science, Dr Caroline Cusack, Ocean Climate Scientist at the Marine Institute, congratulated the Explorers team, noting: "The module dedicated to ocean observations is fantastic. It showcases the critical role of marine scientists in gathering data using satellites, research vessels, and cutting-edge technology to monitor changes in the ocean. Sharing the work we do highlights the importance of marine research in protecting marine biodiversity and understanding the impacts of climate change."

Ms Dromgool-Regan extended her gratitude to the Marine Institute scientists, as well as climate and weather experts from Met Eireann and the Environmental Protection Agency, for their invaluable contributions. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of co-author Atlaya Peritz, the Explorers outreach team, and teachers who trialled the materials in classrooms. "Everyone's contributions has enriched these resources, making them engaging and impactful for teachers and children in the classroom. Together, we hope to inspire children to take positive actions and truly become Climate Change Superheroes."

The Climate Change Superheroes - Creating Solutions educational resources are now available to freely download from the website www.explorers.ie.

The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute. The Programme is managed by Camden Education Trust and Galway Atlantaquaria. The outreach is delivered by SeashoreKids, Oceanics Surf School, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, Galway Atlantaquaria, Sea Synergy, and Leave No Trace - Ireland. To book an outreach officer to visit your school, see explorer...

Jason Ward, EMEA North Vice-President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Ireland has unveiled his top five technology predictions for 2025, outlining how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies will redefine and transform the way Irish businesses operate.

The technology leader is forecasting how advancements in AI, data infrastructure, and emerging technologies like quantum computing and 6G will redefine business operations in 2025. Key predictions include the rise of AI agents, the fusion of AI with other new technologies, and the growing importance of upskilling to harness AI's potential.

"2025 will be a pivotal year for technology, where AI moves from experimentation to execution and becomes an essential driver of business transformation," said Jason Ward, EMEA North Vice-President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Ireland. "The era of trial and error in AI has come to an end, with businesses of all sizes moving to adopt Generative AI to enhance productivity, efficiency and growth."

"To stay competitive in the AI era, businesses must have a clear strategy, modern infrastructure, and a commitment to upskilling their workforce. By anticipating emerging technology trends that will shape Ireland's economy, Dell can enable public and private sector organisations to adapt, innovate, and thrive in 2025 and beyond. Through our team of technologists and experts and unique capabilities, such as our Customers Solutions Centre Innovation Lab in Limerick, we're helping organisations in every sector to accelerate their AI journey and make it a success."

1. AI will deliver real business value, scaling from concept to reality

2024 was a year of AI discovery, but 2025 will be the year businesses realise tangible returns on investment. According to McKinsey, GenAI usage has doubled in just 10 months, where businesses in these stages are learning, testing and gaining insights into what AI can achieve.

Industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics will lead the way in deploying AI and scaling it to solve current challenges. If an organisation's AI strategy isn't clearly defined yet, make it a top priority in 2025. Tools are maturing at a rapid pace, and Irish businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind.

2. 2025 will see the rise of AI agents

2025 will also see the rise of AI agents, with abilities far beyond chatbots or virtual assistants. AI agents are software systems designed to plan, make decisions, and execute actions to achieve specific goals.

Unlike traditional chatbots we know today, these systems will execute tasks autonomously, offering dynamic and creative solutions. By resolving detailed customer inquiries and tailoring real-time marketing campaigns, AI agents will become integral tools of employees across the country. Gartner predicts that by 2028, these agents will manage one-third of all generative AI interactions. At Dell, we're exploring the use of intelligent agents to help teams sort through content and code artifacts and other knowledge bases with the view to sharing those learnings with organisations in Ireland.

3. Future of work will increasingly be shaped by AI PCs

In 2025, AI-powered PCs will enhance productivity for Irish businesses and shape the future of work. These devices, equipped with embedded AI, will handle tasks like drafting follow-ups, organising to-do lists, and summarising emails before the workday even begins. With 2025 likely to bring a big PC refresh, an AI accelerator, or NPU, will be found in nearly every device, meaning PCs will be capable of running AI workloads and apps.

By processing data locally, they offer faster performance, improved security, and greater cost efficiency - key benefits for many of Ireland's hybrid workplaces and remote teams. For businesses relying on older hardware, upgrading to smarter devices will be essential to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

4. New era of innovation will be unlocked as AI converges with other...

By Abbe Borg, see his previous story here.

Hedera's native token, HBAR, continues to capture attention in the cryptocurrency market, emerging as one of the more dynamic assets in late 2024. Trading at $0.27 as of December 18, the token has shown resilience despite a recent dip of 7.87% in the last 24 hours. Its monthly performance remains impressive, with a substantial 74.25% gain, reflecting renewed investor interest and technical improvements in its chart patterns.

HBAR a Crossroads in Market Activity

Market Dynamics

HBAR has broken free from a descending triangle - a bearish chart pattern that suppressed its price for months - into a bullish ascending channel marked by higher highs and higher lows. Analysts see this as a positive development, with $0.285 identified as the next resistance level. A breakout above this could set the stage for a rally toward $0.30. However, short-term consolidation within the $0.25-$0.27 range is likely as the market digests recent gains.

Trading volumes have surged, with a 24-hour volume of $1.88 billion, underscoring heightened interest. Technical indicators are showing mixed signals: the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 68, suggesting the token is nearing overbought territory, while the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) recently crossed above the 200-day EMA, forming a Golden Cross - historically a strong bullish signal.

Institutional Speculation: HBAR's Potential Political Ties

HBAR's trajectory isn't just about charts and numbers - it's also tied to ongoing speculation about its potential alignment with U.S. government initiatives. Hedera's previous collaborations, such as its work with the U.S. State Department, have fueled these rumors. While no formal announcements have been made, the possibility of governmental integration could redefine the token's role in blockchain-based public projects.

Laura Shin, a leading voice in crypto journalism, remarked, "HBAR's partnerships with institutional players set it apart in an often speculative market. Should the U.S. government rumors materialize, it could elevate the token's standing to an entirely new level."

Technical Outlook

Support Levels: $0.25 remains a critical support level. A dip below this could push HBAR down to test $0.21.

Resistance Levels: The $0.285-$0.30 range is key. Breaching this ceiling could trigger significant upward momentum.

Indicators: High trading volumes suggest strong market participation, but RSI nearing overbought levels may indicate a potential cooldown.

Outlook for Investors

The coming weeks will be pivotal for HBAR. While technical signals point to further growth potential, external factors such as market-wide volatility and regulatory developments could swing its price dramatically. The $0.285 resistance level will be crucial in determining whether the token can maintain its upward trajectory.

More about Abbe Borg Crypto Journalist & Gamer

Abbe Borg, known as "DieHardBirdie" for his decades-long talent for mimicking bird whistles, has appeared in documentaries, talk shows, and gaming fan sites. A published writer at https://www.oneesports.gg/

author/diehardbirdie/ and a passionate crypto enthusiast, you can connect with him at www.linkedin.com/in/abbe

borg-69744b205/ or www.x.com/

diehardbirdie.

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Like most kids growing up in Ottawa during the late 80s, I was captivated by the mysteries of the skies. Whether it was watching The Christmas Martian that bizarre French Canadian film with an alien who looked like it raided a bargain bin for its costume or devouring every UFO book I could get my hands on, I was hooked. Those crisp winter nights, bundled against the cold and staring at the stars, turned my curiosity into a lifelong fascination with the unexplained. Now, as I watch reports of massive six-foot drones appearing nightly over New Jersey since late November 2024, those childhood mysteries feel more relevant than ever.

The situation has evolved from curiosity to crisis. Through 2023 and 2024, a series of congressional hearings thrust UAPs once simply called UFOs into mainstream discourse. But why the name change? Is it a bid to rebrand the phenomenon, shedding its tabloid associations for a more scientific veneer? Or perhaps it's an attempt to obscure the familiarity of the term, sidestepping decades of public skepticism and intrigue. Whatever the reason, these recent drone sightings over New Jersey's Picatinny Arsenal and other sensitive sites have sparked unprecedented action. The FAA's implementation of temporary flight restrictions across 23 New Jersey cities until January 17th, followed by similar bans in 29 New York locations, shows how seriously officials are taking these incidents. We're not just telling stories around campfires anymore we're watching nations scramble to understand phenomena that challenge our fundamental assumptions about what's possible in our skies.

How Nations Chase the Unknown

Japan's 2020 Defense Ministry guidelines for UAP reporting marked a turning point. As Dr. Gallaudet's testimony confirms, their coordination with U.S. forces in the Pacific demonstrates how seriously they're taking these incidents. What started as scattered reports has evolved into formal protocols for tracking and investigating unexplained phenomena in some of the world's busiest airspace.

France stands unique with GEIPAN, their space agency's dedicated UAP research unit. While other nations played catch-up, French researchers methodically built what's likely the most comprehensive public database of atmospheric anomalies. They're not hunting aliens they're documenting patterns and seeking natural explanations for the truly puzzling cases.

Brazil's transparency offers a compelling model. Their Air Force's declassification of 1980s UFO files included the documented "Night of the UFOs" on May 19, 1986 a case where multiple aircraft over São Paulo encountered objects that disrupted air traffic. While questions remain unanswered, Brazil's willingness to release primary sources sets a standard other nations could follow.

China and Russia view UAPs through the prism of technological and military rivalry. While both nations maintain official research programs, details remain classified, making international cooperation nearly impossible. Their approach reflects broader concerns about technological superiority and national security implications of these phenomena.

Science Steps Up: Breaking New Ground

October 2023 marked a watershed moment when NASA released its first public report on UAPs. The space agency's findings, while not confirming extraterrestrial origins, legitimized scientific study of these phenomena. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson's briefing emphasized the need for better data collection methods, acknowledging that current space and atmospheric monitoring systems might miss crucial details.

The 16-member NASA panel, led by astrophysicist David Spergel, called for rigorous scientific methods in UAP research. Their recommendation for multi-sensor approaches combining optical, infrared, and radar data - could help distinguish between natural phenomena, human-made objects, and truly unexplained occurrences. Harvard University's Galileo Project and other academic initiatives are now pioneering open scientific r...

Guest post by Abbe Borg, see more stories by him here.

In a shocking turn of events, a man using the pseudonym "James Vertisan" has stepped into the limelight, claiming to be none other than Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin. This revelation comes two years after Vertisan's life took a dramatic turn following a violent burglary. In 2022, he survived being stabbed nine times by an intruder, an incident that left him hospitalized for months and grappling with a long recovery process. Now, Vertisan is capturing global attention, sparking a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and intrigue.

Has the real Satoshi Nakamoto Emerged?

Shortly after being discharged from the hospital, Vertisan's tumultuous streak continued when he was involved in a high-speed sports car accident. The timing and circumstances of these events have fueled speculation that his misfortunes may not be entirely coincidental. Could these incidents be linked to his alleged role as Bitcoin's elusive founder? Or are they unrelated tragedies in the life of a man now stepping into the spotlight?

Adding to the mystery is Vertisan's enigmatic company, Vertisan.org, a project shrouded in secrecy and dormant for years. In his most recent statement, Vertisan hinted that the long-dormant project might finally launch, aligning its debut with his audacious claim of being Satoshi Nakamoto. Critics have quickly labeled this as a potential marketing strategy aimed at gaining attention for his brand. However, supporters argue that Vertisan's calm and confident demeanor during a YouTube interview released on December 17, 2024, suggests otherwise.

The interview has become a lightning rod for debate. In it, Vertisan appeared composed and articulate, addressing his claims with a level of detail that left some viewers captivated. While skeptics dismiss his story as a clever ploy, others point to his undeniable technical expertise and deep understanding of Bitcoin's origins as compelling evidence. He fielded questions about cryptography, blockchain development, and the white paper that laid the foundation for Bitcoin with remarkable fluency. These factors have led many to wonder: could Vertisan truly be the man who revolutionized global finance?

Beyond the technical discourse, Vertisan also touched on his personal life, adding human dimensions to the mythos of Satoshi Nakamoto. He briefly mentioned his time as a professional poker player, hinting at a strategic mind capable of the foresight and risk-taking required to develop Bitcoin. Intriguingly, he suggested that poker helped him understand game theory and behavioral economics, both of which influenced his design of the decentralized cryptocurrency.

Critics remain steadfast, questioning the timing and the lack of verifiable proof. Bitcoin enthusiasts and analysts have called for Vertisan to provide cryptographic evidence, such as signing a message with one of Satoshi's known private keys. So far, Vertisan has refrained from doing so, citing legal and personal safety concerns. This reluctance has only deepened the divide between believers and skeptics.

If Vertisan's claims are true, his emergence would mark a seismic moment in the cryptocurrency world. The implications for Bitcoin's future, its community, and global financial systems could be profound. However, if his claims are proven false, this could go down as one of the most elaborate hoaxes in the history of cryptocurrency.

For now, the world waits with bated breath. Vertisan's story is a compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of Bitcoin, and whether he's a visionary or a charlatan remains to be seen. As more details emerge, one thing is certain: James Vertisan has reignited the global fascination with the enigma of Satoshi Nakamoto.

Stay tuned for an exclusive follow-up interview where Vertisan's poker career, strategic insights, and future plans will be discussed. If you have insights or questions you'd like addressed, contact me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/...

Eighteen start-up companies supported by Enterprise Ireland were approved for investment funding totalling €3.55million in November 2024.

The investment secured by these companies includes equity investment up to the value of €400K as part of Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up programme. It also includes funding up to the value of €100k from the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF).

In total, 11 start-ups were approved for investment as part of the HPSU programme, and seven were approved for receipt of the PSSF.

Start-ups approved for investment in November include:

• Voicetune AI

• Blip Payments Limited

• CRAOI Theory Limited

• VALUEAI Limited

• Biota MRV

• Unitmode

• FacePos Limited

• Waggi Connected Pets Limited

• Isovasc Medical Limited

• Menopause Hub Academy

• Sunstone Technologies Limited

• Stormlands Mining Limited

• Ride Today Limited

• TrojanTrack Limited

• Quiz Wizards Limited

Enterprise Ireland supports high-potential start-ups on their journey to international growth, offering an ecosystem of funding and support for expansion into global markets. A HPSU is considered a fast-growing export led company, typically with the potential to deliver at least 10 jobs and €1m in sales within three years of investment.

The Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) supports the critical early-stage needs of a new start-up to the value of €100,000 in the form of a convertible loan note and is open to innovative start-ups in all sectors, with a focus on manufacturing, life sciences, food and renewables sectors.

Voicetune AI, one of the companies approved for funding began their journey as research and developed into a spin-out company through Enterprise Ireland's targeted Commercialisation Fund. This fund supports third-level researchers to develop their technology into innovative and commercially viable products, services and companies.

Jennifer Melia, Executive Director at Enterprise Ireland, said:

"The innovation and ambition emerging from Ireland's start-up pool has never been higher than it is today. The evidence is clear in the calibre of talent and capability demonstrated by the client companies who were recently approved funding. Many of the HPSU'S we have approved so far this year have gone on to close with additional funding secured and matched by established and highly regarded VC's and angel investors.

This instils a high level of confidence in the success of the start-up eco-system in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland will continue to help drive the success of the most forward-thinking Irish companies, enabling start-ups to thrive and influence the future of global business - cementing Ireland's reputation as a prime hub for innovation."

Enterprise Ireland supports ambitious Irish companies to achieve greater scale through fostering and developing entrepreneurship. €24 million equity investment was committed by Enterprise Ireland to start-up companies in 2023.

FuturEnergy Ireland has submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for Scart Mountain Wind Farm. The renewable energy project is located approximately 4km northeast of Cappoquin in Co. Waterford.

The wind farm planning application, which includes 15 turbines, a 110kV substation and ancillary works, was made by Futurenergy Scart Mountain DAC on behalf of FuturEnergy Ireland, a joint venture company formed by Coillte and ESB. The company is also submitting a planning application for the grid connection route for the Scart Mountain project in the coming weeks, which comprises 16km of cabling to the existing Dungarvan substation.

Scart Mountain Wind Farm would support the local economy by contributing annual rates and providing a Community Benefit Fund. If consented and constructed as designed, the project would contribute a minimum of €540,000 per annum to a Community Benefit Fund for 15 years and a further €270,000 per annum for the operational lifetime of the wind farm. The 'lifetime' fund is an exclusive FuturEnergy Ireland initiative that brings the total contribution to the local area to approximately €12 million during the operational period.

Annual local authority rates contributions are estimated at more than €0.5m per annum, while the construction period would support up to 100 jobs with two or three long-term technical employees required.

Scart Mountain Wind Farm has the potential to combat climate change by contributing towards the national target of producing 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. If approved and constructed as proposed, it would save between 61,350 tonnes and 77,694 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Ireland spends €1 million an hour buying fossil fuels from other countries. This enormous sum of money is urgently needed in other areas such as housing and healthcare, education and employment. Projects such as Scart Mountain Wind Farm have the capacity to strengthen our energy independence and security of supply by providing clean, homegrown electricity, which will also lower fuel bills.

Emer Campbell, Project Manager at FuturEnergy Ireland, says: "This planning application marks an important milestone in our commitment to delivering renewable energy solutions that support Ireland's transition to a more sustainable future.

"If you consider that a single rotation of one turbine would power a typical home for 12 to 16 hours, Scart Mountain Wind Farm has the potential to contribute significantly to national renewable energy targets. The project would also create local opportunities through a substantial community benefit fund, local rates payments and employment."

Planning documents will be available to view at http://www.scartmountainplanning.ie, on An Bord Pleanála's website at www.pleanala.ie and in the office of Waterford County Council. The deadline for submissions has been extended by nine days to allow for the Christmas period.

For more information about this project, please visit www.scartmountainwindfarm.ie. This website also provides access to a Virtual Exhibition, which includes detailed project information and photomontages that show the proposed turbines.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is today launching its consultation on Ireland's proposed management framework of the '.ie' country code top level domain (ccTLD).

The objective of this consultation is to establish terms and conditions for the domain name manager for Ireland's .ie domain registry, setting out the key requirements and principles that must be adopted by the managers of a crucial piece of telecommunications infrastructure.

The Department recognises that effective engagement from all stakeholders - including civil society, academia, the technical community, and the private sector - is required to ensure that the Internet remains a beneficial and open technology for all members of society.

The closing date for submissions is 5.30 pm on Friday, 14 February 2025.

To view the paper for the consultation and details on how to submit a response, please go to gov.ie - Consultation on Ireland's country code top-level domain (ccTLD) management (www.gov.ie).