Winners of the annual Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition announced

A massive star nearing the end of its life, a moonrise above Bray Head, the Milky Way from a cave and the Northern Lights, are among the 2024 winning images in the 'Reach for the Stars' astrophotography competition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

Taking the winning prize in the 'Back on Earth - Landscape' category was an image of May's spectacular aurora borealis over Fanad Head Lighthouse in Donegal. The image, 'Fanad Head - Aurora 2024', was taken by Patryk Sadowski from Derry City.

Tom O'Donoghue, from Malahide in Dublin, was the winner of the 'Back on Earth - Landmark' category. The winning image 'Sentinel' captures the Baltimore Beacon standing watch as the Milky Way rises over the ocean.

Commenting on the winning images in the 'Back on Earth' categories, Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS and a member of the judging panel for 'Reach for the Stars', said:

"The photographer took advantage of the opportunity to shoot Fanad Head Lighthouse from a different perspective, and it paid off. Having seen lots of aurora shots this year, this one really stood out to us for the creativity and imagination. Tom O'Donoghue's 'Sentinel' shows how even the most familiar landmarks can still be captured in new ways. The judging panel loved how the Milky Way provided a stunning backdrop for the lone sentinel."

Martin McCormack, from Glasnevin, Dublin claimed first prize in the 'Out of this World - Deep Sky' category. The winning image 'The Jewels of the Swan' captures the Crescent Nebula, a 25 light-year-wide emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. Featured in the image is a star at the centre of the nebula shedding its outer layers into space resulting in a dense shell of scorching hot material giving the nebula its shape.

The winner in the 'Out of this World - Planetary' category with his image of the moon rising over Bray Head was Anthony Lynch from Stoneybatter, Dublin. Capturing this image involved a last-minute 200-yard dash down the beach for Anthony to ensure he had the shot lined up perfectly.

Anthony also scooped the top prize in the Public Choice category. His image 'Cave Man' which captured the Milky Way from a cave at Goat Island, Ardmore, received the most votes in the online public vote. This year over 5,000 people cast their votes online for their favourite image.

Prof. Gallagher continued, "Although the Crescent Nebula is a bright one, it can be notoriously difficult to capture. This photographer really put in the hours and studied their craft to create a beautiful image that is truly captivating. The moon rising over Bray Head is another example of a familiar landmark being captured in a new and creative way. We loved the simplicity of this image showcasing the journey the moon takes through our sky."

The inaugural 'Night Sky in Your Hand' category was won by Seanie Morris, from Blueball, Co.Offaly, with his image 'Sam and Lucy's first BIG aurora', which shows the silhouettes of his children against the backdrop of May's spectacular aurora display. The images in this category had to be taken on a smartphone and without telescopes, of an astronomical scene.

Judges' Feedback

The winners were selected by a judging panel following a meticulous review process of over 200 entries. In addition to Prof. Peter Gallagher, the judging panel included Brenda Fitzsimons, former Picture Editor, The Irish Times; Michael McCreary, President, Irish Astronomical Society; and Niamh Breathnach, Director, Alice Public Relations.

Commenting on the competition, Michael McCreary, President of the Irish Astronomical Society and member of the judging panel, said: "This is my second year to be involved in the judging process, and I continue to be amazed by what people are capturing in our night sky. The perseverance and attention to detail of all the entrants is evident in the images submitted to the competition this year - w...

PennEngineering has announced the expansion of its operations in Galway City, Ireland. This significant extension is set to create 70 new jobs over the next five years in support of the company's commitment to growth and community development.

The €14 million expansion project, which involves the construction of a new building, includes a state-of-the-art technology and training centre as well as testing laboratories and customer experience centre that will enhance PennEngineering's capacity to meet the increasing demand for its engineering fastening solutions. The new jobs created will span a variety of roles, including manufacturing, engineering, training and more, offering diverse opportunities for local talent.

The expansion project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland,

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, said: "I am pleased to welcome this announcement from PennEngineering, which will see the creation of 70 jobs as part of a major expansion project. Investments such as the one today continues to advance Galway's position, in particular, as a global hub. I am pleased to welcome this announcement and wish PennEngineering every success."

"We are thrilled to expand our operations in Galway," said Mary Ann Fleming, President of PennEngineering Europe.

"This investment reflects our confidence in the potential for growth in the region and our commitment to contributing to the local economy. We look forward to welcoming new members to our team and continuing to innovate in the world of fastening technology. Our on-site manufacturing also continues to expand with the introduction of new products, continuing our 85-year history of product innovation in self-clinch fasteners.

Supporting training and development of our people and job creation are priorities for us, and this expansion is key to this initiative. As part of this growth announcement, we welcome the board of PennEngineering on site for their Bi-Annual meeting and wish them well as they strategise for the future of our global company."

"Our long-standing partnership with Ireland and the IDA spans over 20 years, and their support has been invaluable in fostering the growth and development of our business in Europe." According to Pete George CEO of PennEngineering.

The expansion is expected to be completed by January 2025. PennEngineering plans to begin the recruitment process immediately, with job openings to be posted on the company's website and local job boards.

Mary Buckley, Executive Director of IDA Ireland, said: "PennEngineering has been in Galway since 2001, and this announcement today highlights their ongoing commitment to the West Region. The operation is already a recognised centre of excellence within the global organisation, and this 4000m expansion and 70 jobs further enhance its strategic capabilities in Galway. I wish the PennEngineering team continued success."

For more information about the expansion and job opportunities, please visit www.pemnet.com/eu/.

Meet HMD Skyline: Designed for Creation

Human Mobile Devices is putting the 'human' back into phone design with its new smartphone: HMD Skyline.

With a 108MP hybrid OIS triple rear camera with capture fusion and a 50MP selfie camera with eye-tracking autofocus, your shots are about to take off.

Setting a new standard in stunning smartphone repairable design, HMD Skyline strips back to design brilliance with Gen2 repairability for even easier repairs at your friendly service centre.

Human Mobile Devices introduces Detox Mode on HMD Skyline, a feature available from August that's designed to help users when they want to step away from that always-on feeling by deactivating a bespoke selection of apps or contacts.

Celebrity photographer Rosanna Elettra, test drives HMD Skyline, and the results are stunning.

Human Mobile Devices proves once again that great design doesn't have to cost a lot

Tech innovator, Human Mobile Devices (HMD), spearheaded the dumbphone trend by reimagining feature phone classics for the modern day as consumers sought to limit their screen time for their own mental wellbeing. The European phone manufacturer then called time on hard-to-maintain and fix technology by introducing smartphones that can easily be repaired.

Now, the tech disruptor brings you the affordable HMD Skyline, which marries detox and repairability as well as a camera packed full of tricks - including a 108MP hybrid OIS triple rear camera. With the all-new Capture Fusion, 4 x Zoom and Portrait Mode for stunning 50mm shots with natural bokeh effect.

Detox Mode is available from August and brings a dumbphone function to a smartphone - it is designed to help users when they want to step away from that always on feeling by deactivating a bespoke selection of apps or contacts.

HMD Skyline also debuts a new era for smartphone design called Gen2 Repairability; your friendly service centre can simply pop off the back cover, remove some screws, and get that screen replaced nice and quickly.

In testament to its super-powerful photo capabilities, Human Mobile Devices has turned to Gen Z superstar snapper Rosanna Elettra to test drive the new HMD Skyline, capturing ten striking images shot and edited entirely on HMD Skyline following a group of Gen Z fashionistas on a night out.

Celebrity photographer Rosanna Elettra took the HMD Skyline for a test drive, she commented: "I've had the joy of capturing acclaimed artists like Rhianna, Central Lee, Aitch and Cara Delevingne. HMD Skyline is Gen Z's dream device, so I wanted to show the phone in its natural habitat, in scenes dripping in Gen Z culture. I'm used to shooting celebrities, but I loved turning the camera on Human Mobile Device's latest launch and taking its super impressive camera for a test drive.

The shots - all taken on the phone - are super cool, stylish and have main character energy - just like Skyline."

Lars Silberbauer, Global CMO of Human Mobile Devices, said; "Human Mobile Devices is human by design…and that's what we've done with HMD Skyline, put consumers first. There are so many great functions on this phone to call out. The camera is a creator's dream, a step-changing detox mode too. And it looks absolutely beautiful."

Celebrity photographer, Rosanna Elettra, said: "HMD Skyline is Gen Z's dream device, so I wanted to show the phone in its natural habitat, in scenes dripping in Gen Z culture. I'm used to shooting celebrities, but I loved turning the camera on Human Mobile Device's latest launch and taking its super impressive camera for a test drive. The shots - all taken on the phone - are super cool, stylish and have main character energy - just like Skyline."

Your shots are about to take off: snap, selfie-check, and socialise (in ultrawide)

Skyline has been built with a progressive GenZ audience firmly in mind so the camera capabilities are stand-out and seemingly endless. The 50MP front camera comes with autofocus and eye-tracking to ensure the sharpest of selfies, and with Sk...

Coillte, Ireland's semi-state forestry company and leading provider of outdoor recreation has announced an exciting new pilot programme in partnership with Irish start-up HiiKER, creators of an innovative hiking app. This initiative will offer a new and innovative way for local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts to experience Coillte forests by offering walkers and hikers real-time forest and walking trail insights before and during their visits.

Launching this summer, the pilot programme will introduce advanced features to HiiKER's "Parks and Recreation" functionality. New enhancements include trail distances, accessibility reports and difficulty levels. Users will also benefit from real-time updates on trail busyness, parking availability, food options and toilet facilities.

The HiiKer app will, for the first time, give visitors a real sense of the various activities available in Coillte's forests and improve the overall visitor experience.

This new technology will be piloted in seven Coillte forests across the country including: Cruagh Woods, Ticknock, and Tibradden Woods in Dublin, as well as Donadea Forest Park in Kildare, Portumna Forest Park in Galway, Farran Forest Park in Cork and Dromore Forest in Kerry. Visitors to these forests will be the first to experience the enhanced capabilities offered by HiiKER.

HiiKER, is an Irish start up founded by Paul Finlay in Co. Meath. The app has helped over 1 million hikers to plan and navigate their hiking adventures all around the world. The app curates the best hikes on the planet, along with important points of interest to help users to plan the perfect hike. Most importantly, it works with the most notable map developers and cartographers to bring a wealth of verified route information to the public.

Coillte and HiiKER will pilot the technology over a six-month period, utilising Coillte's extensive expertise. The collaboration will yield valuable insights into forest and trail usage, allowing Coillte to make data-driven decisions to further enhance the visitor experience for all.

Daithi de Forge, Head of Recreation at Coillte, said, "Coillte forests attract an average of 18 million visits annually, and we are delighted to partner with HiiKER on this pilot, which aims to enhance the walking and hiking experience across several of our beautiful forests. This innovative programme supports our commitment to enhancing the recreational, social, and well-being benefits of our forests and making them more accessible and enjoyable for all.

"By integrating Coillte's extensive knowledge of the natural environment with HiiKER's cutting-edge technology, we aim to provide visitors with an enriched, informed and seamless experience when they visit our forests.

Paul Finlay, HiiKER CEO added, "We are excited to join forces with Coillte to launch this innovative pilot programme that will transform the way people explore Ireland's forests. Our new HiiKER Parks and Recreation functionality and Coillte's extensive database of recreational maps and data, enables the public to explore Coillte forests like never before. We're encouraging everyone to download the app for free and start exploring these forests today."

Download HiiKER from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store and search for one of the pilot forests.

Leading hiring platform IrishJobs has published the results of its Jobs Index for Q2 2024 revealing signs of a positive trajectory in the jobs market amid steadier rates of vacancy generation.

The data for the second quarter shows that the total number of job vacancies remain unchanged quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q) over the past three months, the first time that quarterly vacancies have not fallen since Q2 2022. This quarterly performance indicates positive momentum in the job market, with 19 sectors - primarily across the domestic economy - posting quarterly vacancy gains.

Jobs growth continues to moderate at an annual rate following a hiring surge in recent years, with a 25% decrease in job vacancies Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) recorded in Q2.

IT Sector

The IT sector was also one of the largest sources of job vacancies (5.24%) in the economy in Q2. While the IT sector has undergone a period of rebalancing following a hiring surge, the latest vacancy data indicates a bottoming out of this process in Ireland, with the sector experiencing a modest -2% Q-o-Q decline in vacancies over the past three months.

Data on the most frequently posted job openings by employers reveal that automation engineers were the most in-demand role in the sector over the past three months. Software engineers and security engineers were among the other roles that experienced the highest levels of demand.

Domestic versus international sectors

The 19 sectors that recorded Q-o-Q increases in vacancy rates in Q2 were primarily domestic sectors. This positive growth in vacancy generation encompassed a wide range of domestic economic activity, including sectors such as Catering (16%), Skilled Trades (10%), Health (5%), Retail (7%), Property (1%) and Logistics (1%). This positive performance is likely underpinned by rising wages and the strong overall labour market, as well as an easing of inflationary pressures.

In contrast, a decrease in vacancy generation across indigenous exporters and Irish-based multinationals reveals weaker performance across internationally traded sectors. There were Q-o-Q vacancy decreases in export-led sectors such as Manufacturing (-9%) and Science (-8%). Data suggests that subdued global economic conditions continue to temper hiring activity in these internationally traded sectors.

Sectoral trends

The breakdown of vacancy data across sectors also indicates greater stability in the jobs market. 19 sectors posted Q-o-Q vacancy increases, indicating many sectors are moving towards more proactive vacancy generation.

Catering (12%) was the sector that accounted for the largest number of available vacancies over the past three months. Health (9%), Management (7%) and Customer Services (6%) made up the top four areas that provided the largest number of vacancies.

Construction & skilled trades sector

While the construction sector posted a decline in Q-o-Q vacancies (-4%), it remains one of the largest sources of job vacancies in the economy and accounted for 4.76% of all job postings in Q2. With a surge in the level of homebuilding in Ireland, there remains a significant demand for skilled labour in the sector and related roles to meet housing targets. Quantity Surveyors were the most in-demand role in the sector for the second successive quarter.

There was also a significant increase in demand for Construction Project Managers.

The interrelated skilled trades sector posted one of the largest quarterly increases (10%) in job vacancies, reflecting the wide breadth of skills needed to develop new housing and infrastructure projects. General Operatives, Maintenance Technicians and Electricians were among the roles that experienced the highest levels of demand in the sector over the past three months. There was a notable rise in the number of employers seeking Carpenters.

Health Sector

The Q2 Jobs Index reveals an increase in Q-o-Q vacancies (5%) in the health sector. The recent suspension of an HSE recruitment embargo is likely to further increase...

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Maker Faire Rome - The European Edition a Project from Ireland that will be on display in Rome from the 25 th to the 27 th of October during the twelfth edition of the largest Faire about DIY innovations

Unlock the Hidden Worlds with DIY Science and Technology

Imagine peering into the unseen realms around us, unveiling the intricate beauty of life and the universe through creative, hands-on exploration. This is precisely what JellyLab X AnatomyHacks is all about. A groundbreaking collaboration between JellyLab, a team of innovative research scientists from University College Dublin, Ireland, and AnatomyHacks, a pioneering company known for its interactive medical educational models.

Together, they are on a mission to bring the magic of discovery to everyone, using DIY tools and tricks that make even the most familiar things appear in astonishing new ways.

AnatomyHacks Exploring the World Within and Around Us

JellyLab X AnatomyHacks is more than just a project; it's a journey into the hidden worlds that surround us. Through this collaboration, they showcase DIY approaches to scientific exploration that can be easily adopted by enthusiasts and educators alike. Whether it's building microscopes from Lego and 3D printers or creating interactive ways to visualize sound and embryonic growth,JellyLab X AnatomyHacks is revolutionizing how we see and understand our world.

A Fusion of Science, Craft, and Technology

At the heart of this initiative are four key topics: Crafts, Educational Technology, Health, and Science. By integrating these elements, JellyLab X AnatomyHacks bridges the gap between complex scientific concepts and accessible, hands-on learning experiences. This fusion allows individuals to explore the microscopic wonders of biology, understand the mechanisms of our bodies, and even perceive how our brains process information from our eyes.

Meet the Minds Behind the Magic

Mark Pickering, Niamh Burke, and Tom Flanagan are the brilliant minds driving JellyLab X AnatomyHacks. With a collective background in science communication, educational design, and maker event experience, they have honed their skills out of necessity. When existing tools couldn't solve their scientific or educational challenges, they took matters into their own hands and created the tools themselves. This inventive spirit is what fuels JellyLab X AnatomyHacks.

Mark Pickering

Twitter: @PickeringLab

Niamh Burke

Twitter: @Niamh_deBurca

Tom Flanagan

Twitter: @TFlanaganLab

Together, they aim to bring their tools and tricks for exploring our world to the rest of Europe, empowering others to see the unseen.

The Tools and Tricks of Exploration

JellyLab X AnatomyHacks isn't just about looking at the world differently; it's about equipping you with the knowledge and tools to do so. Here are some of the fascinating DIY approaches they offer:

Lego Microscopes: Discover the microscopic world with a microscope you can build yourself using Lego and 3D-printed components. It's a fun and educational project that brings the invisible into view.

Interactive Sound Visualization: Ever wondered what your voice looks like? With JellyLab X AnatomyHacks, you can create interactive displays that make sound waves visible, offering a unique way to study acoustics and communication.

Embryonic Development Models: Explore the stages of human embryonic growth with detailed, 3D-printed models. These interactive tools provide a tangible way to understand the complexities of development from conception to birth.

Neurosensory Exploration: Delve into how our brains collect and process information from our eyes. With innovative, hands-on experiments, you'll gain insight into the fascinating world of neuroscience.

Join the Movement

JellyLab X AnatomyHacks is calling all makers, educators, and science enthusiasts to join them in this exciting journey. By sharing their knowledge and tools, they aim to inspire a new generation of explorers who can see the unseen and uncover the mysteries of ou...

Organisations across Ireland have shown improvements of up to 10 per cent in fostering diverse and inclusive workplace cultures in the last two years, with the public sector making the most progress, showing an average sector improvement of 9.4 per cent. However, organisations need to do more to improve their workplaces for certain groups, including disabled people, people of different race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or ethnic origin, and people of different ages.

That's according to a new Inclusion Score metric that quantifies the sense of belonging and culture of inclusion within an organisation being launched by the Irish Centre for Diversity, a nationwide body headquartered in Waterford that works with public and private organisations in Ireland to help them embed diverse and inclusive workplace cultures.

An organisation's Inclusion Score is calculated based on diversity and inclusion (D&I) benchmarking data gathered by the Irish Centre for Diversity. The details have been compiled from more than 130 organisations across Ireland that between them employ more than 120,000 people across both the public and private sectors. The data is updated every 12 months.

According to the latest findings from the Irish Centre for Diversity, the national average Inclusion Score is 78 per cent, with the insurance sector having the highest average of 81.7 per cent. Other sectors showing high Inclusion Scores include IT and technology, with 80.8 per cent, and construction and engineering, with an average of 79.5 per cent. The average Inclusion Score for the public sector is 71.1 per cent.

The latest findings also reveal the top three groups that workers think their organisation needs to focus further on as being disabled people (17.8 per cent); people of different race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or ethnic origin (16.1 per cent); and people of different ages (11.3 per cent).

The Inclusion Score enables organisations to compare their D&I performance both at a national level and against peers in similar sectors, such as the public sector, professional services, construction and engineering, and insurance and finance, among others.

It also gives them the opportunity to monitor their own D&I performance and progress, providing data and insights to report to governing boards for corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD) needs and for sharing with other stakeholders.

Tracking and Improving D&I Progress

To track and improve an organisation's D&I progress, the Irish Centre for Diversity delivers an initial survey followed by an action plan with recommendations for improvements. A second survey is conducted 24 months later to monitor progress, with Irish Centre for Diversity records showing 100 per cent of organisations improving.

Improvement pathways can include D&I training, and according to the D&I benchmarking data, the top requested trainings over the last two years are mental health, promoting good mental health at work, unconscious bias and inclusive leadership.

The latest findings from the benchmarking data show that the number of staff who have attended D&I training has increased by 6.2 per cent in the last two years, from 55.9 per cent to 62.1 per cent.

A further finding from the latest research shows that 85 per cent of workers believe that colleagues take D&I seriously in the way that they behave and the things that they say, with line managers scoring 83.8 per cent and senior managers 71.5 per cent. It also shows that 91.5 per cent of people think those they work with are accepting of other people whatever their background.

Announcing the official launch of the Inclusion Score today, the managing director of the Irish Centre for Diversity, Caroline Cummins, said:

"We are in a unique position working with hundreds of companies across all sectors and collecting data that covers both the diversity of staff and the culture of Irish workplaces. Having such comprehensive and robust data on workplace diversity and inclusio...

IT.ie, the Irish-owned Managed IT Services company, has announced that it expects to generate an additional €1M in revenue through an automated testing service that imitates the movements of hackers to uncover and exploit cybersecurity weak spots within organisations.

The company's new penetration testing as-a-service (PTaaS), also known as pen testing or 'ethical hacking', is an automated cyber security solution designed to fully replicate a hacker's attack on an organisation, as it attempts to exploit and gain access to its network. This forewarns the organisation to the potential dangers before cybercriminals have an opportunity to exploit them, potentially preventing an attack.

Pen testing has emerged as a key solution for businesses with the growth and increased sophistication of cyberattacks in the modern business landscape. As threats develop at a previously unforeseen rate, regular, automated testing - which takes into account human oversight - is essential.

The new service provides an in-depth scan of the organisation's network to identify vulnerabilities. It then exploits any vulnerabilities found by replicating the actions of a hacker via a diverse and sustained attack.

PTaaS is preferable to traditional pen testing, which typically only occurs once per year. It represents a significant upgrade on the previous method, which was less precise, more expensive, and more prone to human error. Monthly assessments, however, allow organisations to constantly evaluate and reinforce their systems, enabling them to protect themselves from emerging threats.

Significantly, regular pen testing also enables a reduction in business' insurance premiums, representing long-term cost savings. As insurance premiums for businesses continue to rise, PTaaS can reduce the likelihood of needing to pay out a ransomware attack - along with the associated costs of a major cybersecurity incident - making them less of a risk to insurance companies.

The new service is being introduced at a time of significant growth for IT.ie. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to double its headcount to 50 people by the end of 2025 and increase annual revenue to €8M.

Wayne Morgan, CTO at IT.ie, said: "To stay ahead of hackers, we must think like them and view our defences as their points of attack. Manual penetration testing led the way for many years, highlighting vulnerabilities in our networks and systems. Identifying these issues internally gave us time and direction to apply remediation steps before falling victim to malicious intent.

"Although this is effective at the time it is carried out, it fails to account for the dynamic nature of cyber threats. Hackers don't just knock on your door once; they are constantly there, looking for ways in. Automated monthly pen testing is the next generation approach and is a much more effective means of testing your network to highlight any potential weaknesses, helping you to keep hackers at bay.

"This new innovative service offers cost-effective, monthly assessments, reducing costs and helping achieve regulatory compliance. At IT.ie, we are determined that we remain at the cutting edge of cybersecurity and provide our customers with the most up-to-date services available as we continue to grow, and this new solution adds to our armoury."

See more stories here.

Every local authority in Ireland will have 90% of their services available online by 2030 under a multi-million euro transformation of local Government online services.

The Local Government Digital & ICT Strategy 2030, launched on Thursday (July 18) by Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Alan Dillon, will radically change how the public interacts with county and city councils.

The plan also aims to roll out national online local government services, meaning planning applications, licences, permits, payments, community grants, and motor tax will be available at the touch of a button and accessible via mobile phones.

The strategy aims to give councils the facility to implement new technological initiatives which to date may not exist in all authorities.

That includes information about community facilities such as location, opening hours and events in parks, recreation centres, pitches, playgrounds and trails.

Another facility which is set for full rollout across the country is the extension of early warning alerts - currently available in some councils - for flooding, health alerts such as e-coli warnings, as well as information from pollution and water quality sensors.

A key aim is also to reclaim the countless hours council staff spend on paperwork over the course of their working week, resulting in improved in-person access to the local authority services for those who do not want to take the digital option.

"We know that local authorities are committed to putting people first, but by aiming to deliver digital services that are accessible and user-friendly, this commitment is now accompanied by a real desire to speed up service delivery time, to allow for easier access, and to embrace innovative improvements," said Minister Dillon.

"I am convinced that this Digital ICT Strategy will make local services easier to reach and more responsive to all."

The initiative is being developed by local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA).

Of the roughly 1,300 services provided to the public by the country's 31 local authorities, the strategy aims to place 90% of them online by the end of the decade.

Digital portals will be installed in local authorities, which will contain the full digital service catalogue and show user-relevant information.

Supporting the initiative, Ireland's first local Government National Security Operation Centre (SOC) will be implemented, providing state-of-the-art cybersecurity to local authorities.

"Everything provided by local authorities will be much simpler to use, with minimum clicks from the beginning to the end of a process," said Saab Khan, Chief Information Officer at the LGMA.

"This will solidify Ireland as a technology innovator in the provision of services, and Ireland has the potential to become a leader in class from a Gov-Tech perspective."

For more information on the strategy, see https://bit.ly/DigitalStrategy2030.