KINTO Join Ltd, the leading provider of full service ESG solutions, has announcesdthe launch of its new 360° sustainability solution, KINTO Zero. This is an end-to-end service featuring expert consultancy, an ESG reporting platform, and practical actionable tools - including the sustainable mobility platform, KINTO Join.

Merging global standards with innovative technology, KINTO Zero helps organisations to reduce their carbon emissions and enhance their sustainability performance. Supported by Toyota Financial Services under the global KINTO brand, the platform enables organisations to collect and track data and generate audit-ready, compliance reports. In turn, it supports carbon accounting, reduction and offsetting pathways.

As part of the KINTO Zero solution, organisations also gain access to professional ESG consultancy services. These include Double Materiality Assessments (DMA) - to access a company's priorities for their ESG strategy and reporting, comprehensive gap analysis, and the creation of tailored action plans. The solution also provides guidance on all reporting requirements - such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires organisation to lower their carbon footprint and is set for widescale adoption in 2026.

Alongside reporting capabilities and consultancy services, the offering includes access to the KINTO Join platform which allows organisations to benefit from and implement sustainable mobility solutions.

To celebrate the launch of KINTO Zero, KINTO Join Ltd. is inviting organisations to avail of its enterprise-grade commuting carbon calculator, free of charge. Using greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol, the calculator assesses an organisation's commuting emissions through a customisable survey. This enables them to better understand how their staff or students travel and track commuting emissions over an extended period of time.

From a business perspective, the launch of KINTO Zero is expected to accelerate growth for KINTO Join Ltd. and strengthen its position in the growing ESG reporting software market, which is currently valued at $1.29B and is projected to be worth approximately $3.9B by 2032. As well as meeting the increasing demand for transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability, KINTO Zero will see KINTO Join Ltd. better support its customers and commuters in Ireland.

Its recent piece of research - Ireland on the Move report - revealed that 39% of commuters believe their university or workplace has a responsibility to take action to meet sustainability goals and regulations. However, only 26% believe their university or workplace is doing a good job at meeting sustainability goals and regulations.

Patrizia Niehuas, CEO, KINTO Join Ltd., said: "The introduction of KINTO Zero to our service offering further strengthens our position as a leading player within corporate sustainability. By integrating KINTO Zero with KINTO Join, organisations will not only be able to track and report their sustainability metrics more effectively but also take meaningful action towards reducing their carbon footprint.

"As regulatory requirements and employee expectations continue to grow, adopting sustainable practices has never been more important. It also makes sense as organisations can empower their people and help the planet. These individual steps to drive towards ESG goals will ultimately spearhead a more sustainable future that we can collectively enjoy."

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Today, Rethink Ireland and the Vodafone Foundation have announced five community groups as recipients of the 'Hi Digital Fund', a digital literacy fund worth €540,000 committed to supporting projects that will deliver initiatives to bridge the digital divide among older adults in Ireland.

The 'Hi Digital Fund' is a two-year fund open to nonprofit organisations offering social innovations within communities that enhance digital literacy and inclusion for adults aged 65 and above, ensuring no one is left behind.

The initiative is created by Rethink Ireland - and supported by The Vodafone Foundation, private donors and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht via the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Launched in April this year, and following a competitive application process, the first recipients of this fund were announced at an event in Dublin today, attended by Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Each awarded organisations are designed to meet the unique needs of older people within their communities:

These are:

Roscommon Leader Partnership

Kerry Community Youth Service

University of Limerick

Rehab Group

Citizens Information Services

Speaking at the announcement, Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community and the Gaeltacht said: "This fund is a great example of Government, philanthropy and community partners working together to close the digital gap for older people. Backed by the Dormant Accounts Fund, these projects will deliver real, local impact - helping thousands to access services, stay safe online and stay connected."

Discussing the issue of digital exclusion in society, Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland, said:

"Digital exclusion is a silent crisis. Through this fund, we're reconnecting people to essential services and reducing isolation. It's a model for public-private collaboration in social innovation. What's been especially rewarding is seeing the incredible work already happening in communities. These groups are deeply embedded in their local areas and already making a significant difference. What's even more remarkable is the ambition they've shown: with this funding, they're ready to scale, innovate, and reach thousands more older adults. It's a privilege to support such passionate changemakers who are helping older people live more connected, confident lives."

This announcement comes as recent stats highlight the ongoing need to support older adults in Ireland as they navigate an increasingly digital world. Ireland's digital literacy levels for those aged 65 and older are among the lowest in Europe, with just 19% considered digitally literate, compared to the EU average of 25%. This gap is even more pronounced in rural areas, where access and confidence are limited.

According to the CSO (October 2024), 41% of people over the age of 75 have never used the internet, while 12% of those aged 60-74 remain digitally excluded. It is anticipated that over the next two years, more than 13,000 older adults across Ireland will benefit from the Hi Digital Fund through the five winning recipients.

Speaking on the growing digital divide, Liz Roche, Head of Vodafone Foundation, added:

"We believe everyone should have access to the digital world, regardless of age or ability. This fund enables local organisations to deliver real impact, helping older adults gain confidence and independence through technology.

I'm genuinely excited to see these programmes come to life across the country. From UL's Digital Volunteer programme, which looks to expand its initiative to other nearby universities, to more nationally spread programmes like Rehab Group's Digital Bridges and the Digital Help Service via Citizens Information Centres, the reach and relevance of these initiatives are extraordinary. It's a powerful reminder that digital inclusion isn't just about access, it's about dignity, connection, and opp...

Lithium-ion batteries are powering our daily lives, from phones to e-bikes to electric cars, but they also bring a silent risk most workplaces aren't prepared for. Many don't know that traditional firefighting techniques often make these fires worse, and without public awareness, communities remain exposed to catastrophic incidents. EHS International is a leading provider of Environmental, Health and Safety services in Ireland, with offices in Cork, Dublin and Belfast) has said many Irish businesses are now scrambling on this, with training on fires related to Lithium-ion batteries increasing 10% in the past year. Derry Cronin the Business Development Director of EHS International also flagged that many do not have policies in place on the issue.

I recently caught up with Derry to learn more about this. Derry spoke to me about his background, battery disposal, e-scooters and more

More about EHS International:

EHS International provide their clients nationally and internationally with the broadest range of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) services available on the market today. These include comprehensive EHS Services Delivery and EHS and Safety related Projects. As well as EHS related Acquisitions and Investment and EHS Technology solutions divisions. These are all led by experts in their respective fields.

See more podcasts 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.

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Guest post by Stephen Phillips, Head of Public Sector for Ireland, Integrity360

Cyber security in the public sector is undergoing a revolution. What was once a compliance-led, box-ticking exercise is now becoming a board-level concern that is driven by the real fear of service disruption. Public sector leaders understand that a cyber attack on a public system - such as healthcare, transport, policing, or social services - isn't just an IT issue, but a crisis of trust, continuity, and critical services.

The necessary shift is clear: from focusing on prevention alone to building resilience. That means embedding cyber thinking into everyday operations, testing response plans so that everyone knows their role when the pressure is on, and seeing security as a critical enabler of digital transformation - not a blocker.

Multi-layered cyber challenges

Current cyber security challenges across the public sector in Ireland are multi-layered. First and foremost, there's the sheer pace at which the threat landscape is evolving. Ransomware remains a top concern, but we're also seeing a rise in more sophisticated, targeted attacks that often leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to bypass traditional defences. Supply chain risk is another big challenge as many public sector bodies rely on third-party vendors for critical services, which introduces a level of exposure that's hard to fully control. We've seen a growing awareness of this among organisations, but the tools and processes to manage that risk aren't always where they need to be.

Then there's the issue of resources - budgets are tight and, while there's a strong appetite to improve cyber resilience, it's not always matched by the funding or staffing levels required. Moreover, training and awareness are often underfunded, and that's a problem when human error is still one of the biggest cyber security vulnerabilities.Resilience depends on people, and public sector organisations must ensure that staff across departments understand their own roles in keeping services safe.

When it comes to Ireland's national cyber security strategy, there's no doubt that it has come a long way. The transposition of the NIS2 Directive and the upcoming National Cyber Security Bill are important steps - they'll give the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) more teeth and help to drive consistency across sectors. But we're still in a bit of a transitional phase. There's a solid foundation, but execution is key. The strategy needs to be backed by sustained investment; not just in technology, but in people, processes, and cross-sector collaboration. We also need to make sure that smaller public bodies without dedicated cyber teams aren't left behind. The intent is there, but we need to accelerate the pace of implementation.

Demand for cyber talent outpacing supply

One of the biggest challenges is attracting and retaining cyber talent in Ireland's public sector. The demand for cyber talent is outpacing supply, and the public sector is competing with private industry, which can often offer higher salaries and more flexible working conditions.

That said, there are some positives. Ireland has a strong pipeline of STEM graduates, and groups such as Cyber Ireland are helping to build a more connected ecosystem. But we need to do more to make public sector cyber roles attractive - whether that's through better career pathways, training opportunities, or simply making it easier for people to move between departments and roles.

A ransomware payment ban - helpful or harmful?

Meanwhile, as cyber risks continue to evolve and grow more sophisticated, the UK government is mulling a proposed ransomware payment ban for public sector organisations. Whether this is something that could (or should) be introduced in Ireland remains to be seen. On paper, banning ransom payments makes sense as it removes the financial incentive for attackers. But in practice, it's not that simple.

Public sector organisations are responsible f...

Interview with Alan Wyley of EnergyCloud

by Billy Linehan from AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas

At AWS re:Invent this week, I sat down with Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud, to talk about one of the most ambitious social energy projects in Ireland. What unfolded was a conversation about technology, poverty, energy policy and the practical ways Ireland can use wasted renewable energy to heat homes.

This article is part of a series of interviews from AWS re:Invent for Irish Tech News.

A career that blends tech and social impact

Alan's career has followed an unusual path for a tech entrepreneur in Ireland. Trained as a chartered accountant, looking back he commented "I didn't last long at that, and so I went into tech early on." He helped scale two CRM companies, including one acquired by Sage. Later he was brought into EuroCommerce, a payments software business serving airlines and the travel industry, and helped scale and sell it twice, the final time to MasterCard.

Between these ventures he repeatedly stepped away for one or two years.

"When I'm in, I'm in," he told me. "Seven days a week. Then I stop. I take time out. Personal development matters. My family matters. I didn't want to be one dimensional."

Running parallel to his commercial life is a long commitment to support organisations with a community focus. He has chaired Barnardos, chaired the board of the Darndale Belcamp Village Centre, and today chairs Southside Partnership.

"I've been volunteering since I was 16. I have a social conscience and I've always been interested in tackling issues around deprivation, poverty and early intervention."

Why EnergyCloud was the right next step

One morning perusing LinkedIn, he saw an advert for a CEO job. EnergyCloud at that time was little more than an idea, with no staff and very limited funding. But the mission caught him.

"It was perfect," he said. "A startup mindset, a social problem, and a way to use my skills."

EnergyCloud's core proposition is simple: take surplus renewable energy that Ireland currently wastes and redirect it to households that are in energy poverty.

"Our mission is to end energy poverty. Not ease it, not reduce it. End it."

Most of this surplus is wind energy. According to Alan, Ireland curtailed roughly 10.5 percent of its wind output last year. Solar curtailment is rising too. In the Northern Ireland, curtailment is even worse.

"It's wasted. All paid for by taxpayers."

EnergyCloud began in Ireland and is the first of its kind. Sister initiatives in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Germany have since followed the Irish model.

What is energy curtailment?

Curtailment is the intentional reduction of power generation (like wind or solar) or consumption to balance electricity supply and demand on the grid, preventing instability, overloads, or blackouts, often happening when renewables produce too much energy for the grid to handle, leading to wasted power.

The scale of the problem

Alan cited an ESRI estimate of 550,000 households are in energy poverty. That is about one and a half million people.

These households spend more than ten percent of their net income on energy. Ireland also has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe.

"And last year," Alan said, "we wasted 450 million euro of renewable energy. This year, from January to September alone, 341 million. That's 1.4 million euro a day."

A simple device with immediate impact

The technology is disarmingly straightforward: a smart immersion controller installed in a hot water tank.

"We connect to the public EirGrid signals. When curtailment is happening, we switch on the device. The resident wakes up with a free tank of hot water."

Installation takes about an hour and costs around 500 euro per home. The difference for families is significant.

"These households often never turn on the immersion. Now they tell us they can wash their kids properly again. They can clean with hot water. It can be transformative."

At present, curtailment gives roughly...

Global investment in AI across financial services is projected to grow from USD 38.36 billion in 2024 to USD 190.33 billion by 2030, according to a 2024 market forecast by Markets and Markets.

At the same time, UK regulators report that AI adoption is already widespread across the sector. A joint 2024 survey by the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority found that 75 percent of UK financial services firms are already deploying AI, with a further 10 percent planning adoption within the next three years.

As AI adoption accelerates, search visibility in finance is no longer dictated by traditional rankings alone. AI overviews, gen AI assistants and zero-click results now sit between customers and brand websites, reshaping how trust, authority and compliance are interpreted online. In this environment, SEO is no longer just a growth channel. It has become a frontline control mechanism for accuracy, regulatory alignment and brand credibility.

To address this shift, AccuraCast has published its definitive SEO Guide for Financial Services, outlining the structural, technical and governance frameworks required for finance brands to remain visible and compliant in an AI-first discovery landscape.

The insights below come from Lourenço Caliento Gonçalves, SEO Consultant at AccuraCast, who works directly with banks, insurers and fintech firms navigating this changing search environment.

1. SEO in an AI Summary World

AI Overviews and assistants now sit between users and brand sites, especially on "what/how/which account/card/loan" queries in finance. Studies on financial keywords show AI modules cite only a small set of domains per answer, so visibility is increasingly about being one of the few trusted citations rather than "position 3 vs 5".

Practical shifts for finance SEO:

1. Move from chasing every keyword to owning topic clusters where you can be the definitive, expert, frequently-updated source.

2. Design pages that both:

Feed AI (clear entities, schema, citations, expert authorship) and

Still convert in a zero?click world (compelling USP, tools, calculators, comparison tables that go beyond the AI summary).

2. SEO's Role in Accuracy and Compliance

Because finance is considered a YMYL (your money, your life) category, search systems and AI models heavily weigh accuracy, disclosures and regulatory alignment. Regulators like the SEC, FCA, CFTC, BaFin, ESMA, EIOPA and EBA set rules for product communication, risk disclosure and data/privacy that directly affect how content can be written and tracked.

SEO becomes a compliance ally by:

Embedding governance into content workflows: versioning, review logs, jurisdiction tagging, "last updated" labels, and mandated disclaimers on all money pages.

Hard-coding technical safeguards: secure-by-default (HTTPS, HSTS), cookie and tracking consent, correct handling of PII, and robust legal/Ts & Cs/privacy internal linking so crawlers and users always see compliant context.

3. SEO Challenges When Adding AI and Automation

Banks, insurers and fintechs are accelerating AI and agent use across content, but surveys show the main friction points are compliance overhead, skills gaps and governance. SEO?specific pain points typically include:

Drift from brand and regulatory language: AI can introduce unapproved promises, omit mandatory risk language or hallucinate product conditions, creating both compliance and ranking risk on YMYL topics.

Inconsistent E-E-A-T: At scale, content may lack real experts, citations and author bios, weakening trust signals for both search and AI engines that now cross?check authority more strictly for finance queries.

Fragmented workflows: Legal/compliance reviews are often still manual and periodic, while AI can publish or update faster than teams can approve, which creates a backlog or the risk of rogue content going live.

Mitigations that work:

Guardrailed generation: Fix templates with "non-editable" compliance blocks per product/region; restrict RAG systems ...

A new Drone Emergency Medical Services (DEMS) has now entered operational service in the Forges-les-Eaux area in Normandy, where the system is fully integrated into the regional emergency dispatch chain for suspected cardiac arrest. This marks a significant step in the development of drone-supported emergency medical care in France and means the service is now used in real emergency calls to shorten time to first medical intervention.

The drone system is operated by Everdrone in close collaboration with the French emergency dispatch centers (SAMU) and delivers an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the site of a suspected cardiac arrest within minutes - often several minutes before the ambulance arrives.

Drone service to deliver automated defibrillators

In cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases by approximately 7-10 percent for every minute without defibrillation, making early access to an AED absolutely critical. By shortening the time to first intervention, the DEMS service addresses one of the most decisive moments in the entire chain of survival.

The project was initiated by Rouen SAMU, where Medical Director Dr. Cédric Damm early on recognized the potential of Everdrone's DEMS model to shorten response times in cardiac arrest cases. The SAMU has worked closely with Delivrone - the leading medical drone operator in France - to implement a solution, and since 2022 Everdrone and Delivrone have collaborated to provide French hospitals with a state-of-the-art DEMS capability.

Implementation in Normandy is carried out together with Delivrone, CHU Rouen Normandie (the university hospital in Rouen), Région Normandie, and Mairie de Forges-les-Eaux. Together, these organizations form a long-term partnership with a clear objective: reducing time to first medical action and thereby strengthening survival prospects in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The system in Normandy is based on Everdrone's established DEMS platform, which has been in operational service in Sweden since 2022. The Swedish results - demonstrating clear time savings and improved access to AEDs - have been central in shaping the French service.

"Having our system now used in live emergency calls in Normandy demonstrates how quickly DEMS technology can create tangible value. Together with our regional partners, we are taking an important step toward giving more patients life-saving support several minutes earlier than is possible today," says Mats Sällström, CEO of Everdrone.

"In cases of cardiac arrest, every minute is critical, and the ability to place an AED on-site several minutes earlier can directly influence a patient's chance of survival. By integrating Everdrone's DEMS system into our dispatch chain, we gain a valuable complement that strengthens our ability to act quickly in the most time-sensitive situations. The project in Normandy shows that drone deliveries can become a natural and effective part of the emergency medical care of the future," says Dr. Cédric Damm, Medical Director, SAMU 76 Rouen.

About Everdrone

Everdrone AB is a leading provider of autonomous drone systems for emergency response and healthcare, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Its proprietary technology enables the extremely rapid delivery of life-saving medical equipment - such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) - directly to the scene, while also providing real-time video support to emergency dispatchers. Known for safe, regulatory-compliant operations in urban areas, the company collaborates with public authorities to integrate its systems with existing emergency infrastructure. Everdrone's work has been featured in leading medical journals, including The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine, and gained international attention as the first to save a life using an autonomous drone. The company is expanding internationally, with pilot programs and collaborations across Europe. For more information, visit everdrone.com an...

The Longford Post Primary Tech Championships 2025 were held in Longford County Council on Tuesday, 2 December.

The competition set a challenge for fifth-year computer science students to apply their study of the subject in the classroom to relevant real-life uses. Students from three schools, Meán Scoil Mhuire Longford, Ballymahon Vocational School and Templemichael College Longford, showcased their technology projects at the awards.

Among them, Meán Scoil Mhuire students Olachi Alajemba and Margel Tuyogon were crowned Longford Post Primary Tech Champions for 2025. Their project was commended by the judges who noted that "it went beyond what was expected, showcased exceptional technical ability and was presented with enthusiasm in a confident and engaging presentation."

The awards are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. Organised and hosted by Longford County Council, the awards are supported by Ericsson Ireland, Microsoft Ireland and Irish Public Bodies (IPB). The overall €1,500 prize fund for the awards was sponsored by IPB, with €250 awarded to both Olachi and Margel with the remaining €1,000 awarded to Meán Scoil Mhuire.

Mr Barry Lowry, Government Chief Information Officer; Dr Mihai Bilauca, Chief Information Officer and Head of Operations at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and Mr Sabahat Khan, Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Information Officer at the Local Government Management Agency were also in attendance.

All the special guests took the opportunity to speak directly to the students, offering valuable insights shaped by their extensive experience in public service and technology leadership. Delivering the keynote address, Mr Lowry praised the students' ambitions and commended Longford County Council, along with the county's innovative teachers, for fostering an environment that encourages young people to explore technology and STEM. He highlighted their role in guiding students towards further study at third level and apprenticeships, opening pathways to future careers in these fields.

Other awards were presented at the event and the winners included:

Microsoft Ireland Longford Award: Toha Bello Salami, Washington Mahlangu and Clinton Osayande (Templemichael College Longford)

Innovation Award: Ida Krauskopf, Sara Chamorro Ortega and Lois Wiafe (Templemichael College Longford)

Ericsson Ireland Longford Award: Oleksii Volkov and Mindaugus Nemeikstis (Ballymahon Vocational School)

Longford Primary Teacher Award: Dylan Boxwell and Karol Wilkosz (Ballymahon Vocational School)

Best Presented Project Award: Mia O' Connor and Rachel Kelly Ward (Meán Scoil Mhuire Longford)

Longford Climate Action Team Award: Destiny Amagwula, Adrian Majdanski and Noah Finegan (Hynes) (Templemichael College Longford)

Longford Senior Management Team Award: Angel Nwagwu, Jodel Kalombo and Ruth Efe (Meán Scoil Mhuire Longford)

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "Our local students continue to set a high standard, excelling in their STEM studies and demonstrating remarkable talent and commitment. Each one has a bright future ahead. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved, particularly the teachers who support and guide their students every day."

Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council John Brannigan said, "Now in its third year, the Tech Awards highlight the Council's strong commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit our communities. This programme showcases the great work undertaken by County Longford students who have created technology projects that have real-world relevance and application in County Longford."

Longford County Council extend special thanks to Ballymahon Vocational School Principal Mick O'Rourke and Computer Science teachers Noel Neary and Owen Catterall; Meán Scoil Mhuire Principal Siobhán Cullen and Computer Science teacher Paddy McLoughlin; ...

Students from Meán Scoil Mhuire have made regional history by becoming the first in the Midlands to graduate with a University Level 6 Module Certificate in 21st Century STEM Skills from Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

The graduation ceremony took place at the Midlands Showcase on 3 December at TUS, where the school's Transition Year students received their certificates in front of an audience of businesses, educators, and regional innovators.

The STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme represents a significant step towards educational equity in the region. Built on the success of similar work with Maynooth University in Longford, the programme was adapted and delivered by TUS after their lecturers shadowed the original Maynooth team. Meán Scoil Mhuire volunteered to be the pilot post-primary school for this Midlands expansion.

The qualification now carries substantial weight for students' futures. TUS has recently secured accreditation to offer a DEIS STEM pathway, awarding 50 Leaving Certificate CAO points to programme graduates. This creates a direct route into third-level education and STEM qualifications for students regardless of their backgrounds.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "These young people have shown remarkable determination and vision. By completing this demanding university-level programme whilst still in secondary school, they've proven that talent exists everywhere - it simply needs the right opportunities to flourish. This graduation marks the beginning of our ambition to position the Midlands as Ireland's premier region for ICT education and digital innovation."

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, "Education transforms lives, and this programme demonstrates what becomes possible when local government, universities, and schools work in genuine partnership. We're committed to extending the STEM Passport for Inclusion across all Midland counties. Every student who gains these skills and qualifications strengthens not just their own future, but the economic and social fabric of our entire region."

The programme's expansion is supported by collaboration between Longford County Council, the STEM Passport for Inclusion team at Maynooth University, TUS, and the Midlands ICT Network. TUS joins MTU Kerry and Maynooth University in delivering this pathway, ensuring students from underrepresented groups gain increased access to STEM careers.

A panel discussion at the Midlands Showcase, titled "How STEM in the Midlands is Redefining Ireland's Digital Horizon", featured Christine Collins (Broadband & Digital Officer, Longford County Council), Sabahat Khan (Assistant Chief Executive/CIO, LGMA), Elizabeth Clinton (INFUSE Team Lead, Ericsson), and Shannon Boyle (Teacher, St. Mary's Primary School, Edgeworthstown). The discussion was hosted by Gráinne Seoige.

The initiative receives EU Just Transition funding.

See more stories here.

By David Stephen

There is a recent article in The Irish Times, Number of homeless people in Ireland reaches new record high in October, stating that, "The number of homeless people in Ireland has reached a new record high of more than 16,700, including more than 5,200 children, latest figures show."

Mental Health: Can AI Solve Homelessness in Ireland?

"The monthly homeless report from the Department of Housing, published on Friday, shows there were 16,766 people in emergency accommodation during the week of October 20th to the 26th."

"That was made up of 11,492 adults and 5,274 children in 2,484 families."

"It is an increase on September when there was 11,376 adults and 5,238 children in Homeless Emergency Accommodation, a total of 16,614 people."

"In October 2024 the monthly homeless report showed there were 10,321 adults and 4,645 children homeless during the week used to gather data."

"From October 2024 to October 2025, there has been an 11.3 per cent increase in the number of homeless adults and a 13.5 per cent increase in the number children."

Model Architecture

There are a few central necessities to reduce the magnitude of being unhoused: where to sleep at night, where to go or pass the day, where to maintain basic hygiene, where to keep larger bags or possessions and a fair mental health. How can these be provided at scale, starting from a city to the rest of Ireland and beyond?

Houseless

There are people in different situational strata of homelessness. Some require heavier interventions, while some would be fine with modest intervention.

For some, homelessness is coupled with need for meal support, for others there is need for something to do to at least earn or keep busy, then for some there is a drug addiction and sometimes, self-care deterioration.

The goal is to have an approach that can scale, where there are so many options that being unhoused is not as impossible as it currently is, for many people in a city and across Ireland.

Because of the complexity of the problem, the first segment to solve the problem would be those on the minimal intervention curve. The reason is so that it is easier to make a certain state a standard, towards how to try a bit, while getting help to return to the labor force. Simply, the first set to help will be those that are reachable at a self-care range, such that getting shelter is a track - to get back into society.

Although, there would be possibilities for those on the far end of the problem, it will depend on locations that accept them, how much they are willing to adjust, part programs they may participate in to reduce some of the major problems and who is willing to put up funds for them.

Scale Locations

What places are common everywhere? What places can have parts of their spaces adjusted for the possibility to accommodate a few people, for a few hours? How will it be possible that whatever will required will be made available, for a capped capacity? Also, since there would be various alternatives around, it is possible to make this for fewer people, per location, on certain days a week.

Churches are common, schools, gas stations, libraries, social or cultural centers and so forth. Schools and libraries are busy during the day. Gas stations work round the clock. Churches and other religious centers have routine worship hours.

There are at least four needs they can fill, where people should sleep at night, where people can go during the day, where they can keep their larger stuff and where they can maintain hygiene for the day. They will also be told to only come with a smaller bag, for the night, not a lot of stuff, to avoid too much packing and unpacking within a short interval. For now, the program will be for adults, mostly. Family homelessness can be partially subsumed.

Libraries already make day stay possible, but the goal is to expand options. So, some places can have daily mini-libraries. Others can have partitions in some of their places where valuable facilities a...