Most businesses are embracing AI blindly: 63% operate without formal AI governance
Unitec IT Solutions highlights growing opportunities and emerging risks as businesses embrace Artificial Intelligence Businesses across Ireland are being urged to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategically and securely as new research reveals AI adoption is accelerating faster than organisational governance, cybersecurity and risk management capabilities. Industry analysts report that AI has rapidly evolved from a technology experiment to a core business tool, driving productivity gains, automation
Ireland, Germany, Greece and Luxembourg unite to establish a quantum-secure network
Ireland, Germany, Greece and Luxembourg unite to establish a quantum-secure network with optical ground stations across the European Continent in new TransEuroOGS project Waterford’s Walton Institute at South East Technological University leads the project in Ireland. TransEuroOGS, a new research and deployment project in the EuroQCI initiative, has a budget of approximately €18 million; co-funded by four member state national Governments and the European Union - in Ireland the project is co-funded by the
Solas Cancer Support Centre marks milestone year at Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Solas Cancer Support Centre took place on Thursday, 9th July, marking an important year in the charity's history. In 2026, Solas celebrates 25 years of supporting people affected by cancer, while also commemorating 15 years since the opening of its Williamstown Centre and 10 years of service at its Dungarvan Centre. The AGM also marked the retirement of Trustee Barry Monaghan, who has served as Chair of the charity since 2020. Barry's association with Solas spans almost
Shared Island funding brings new cross-border arts programme to Waterford
Waterford City and County Council has welcomed the announcement of funding for an ambitious new cross-border creative programme that will see the county once again partner with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to deliver a series of arts-based initiatives within local communities. Building on the success of the previous ‘Building Shared Creative Communities’ initiative, the newly funded ‘Creative Communities, Connected Futures’ project will connect communities in Waterford with partners in Mid and
SETU researchers to play key role in new €460 million national research investment
SETU researchers to play key role in new €460 million national research investment South East Technological University (SETU) has welcomed the announcement of a major new national investment in research and innovation, which will see the University contribute to three of Ireland’s newly established Rinn research centres. Announced on Wednesday, by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, the initiative represents a €460 million investment through
Waterford Chamber calls for major investment commitments in new regional strategy
Waterford Chamber has submitted a detailed response to the Southern Regional Assembly’s consultation on the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2027–2040, calling for a decisive step change in investment and delivery for the South East region. The submission identifies three priority areas essential to unlocking the region’s full economic potential: expanded higher education provision through SETU, significantly improved regional connectivity, and stronger cross-boundary governance for the
Waterford Airport development takes off with landmark sod turning ceremony
A significant milestone in Ireland’s aviation infrastructure has been marked with an official sod turning ceremony at Waterford Airport today (Monday, 18th May 2026). The ceremony was performed by the Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Councillor John Pratt and members of Waterford City and County Council. Public representatives, stakeholders and members of the local business community gathered in the terminal building before stepping out across the existing Runway 21 to officially turn the sod on the new €30
Double win for Waterford at the National Student Enterprise Awards
Double win for Waterford at the National Student Enterprise Awards Waterford entrepreneurs Sara Malaj and Jordan Casey tasted success at the Student Enterprise Awards national finals in Mullingar yesterday. Sweeteners, a confectionary business, won Best Display in the Junior category of the national finals. The business, founded and run by Sara, sold exquisite treats and deserts both inside the school and from businesses in Waterford City. A first-year student from Mercy Secondary School in Waterford
SETU and Nemeton TV scoop two wins and 13 nominations at SMEDIA Awards
South East Technological University (SETU) in partnership with NEMETON TV enjoyed a successful year at the Irish Oscars for Students – the National Student Media Awards. SETU and NEMETON TV scooped a whopping 13 nominations in three categories, with two significant wins for the imaginative short films of the Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production. Filmmaker Fionn Barron won the new Údarás na Gaeltachta Award for Cruthaitheoir Ábhair Gaeilge na Bliana for his lyrical and compelling short
Unitec shortlisted for three national technology awards at Tech Excellence Awards 2026
Unitec IT Solutions has been shortlisted in three national categories at the Tech Excellence Awards 2026, recognising the company’s excellence across managed services, marketing leadership, and workplace culture. Unitec has been named a finalist in the following categories: Managed Services Company of the YearMarketing Excellence AwardBest Place to Work The Tech Excellence Awards celebrate organisations that demonstrate outstanding innovation, service delivery, governance and positive impact within
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Theatre Royal announces new Artists-in-Residence
Theatre Royal Waterford has announced a new three-year artistic residency with Shakespeare Squared Collective, marking a significant investment in the long-term development of theatre-making in Waterford and the wider South East region. Founded in 2022 by theatre-makers Deirdre Dwyer, Joe Meagher and Eimear Cheasty, Shakespeare Squared brings together professional actors, directors and creatives with a shared focus on creating ambitious, accessible work rooted in place and community. Since its formation,
Joint National Conference of EU-Funded Projects
South East Energy Agency (SEEA) is pleased to host the Joint National Conference 2026, delivered in collaboration under three European Union-funded projects: EU PEERS, SCEPA, and DeCarb Pro. The conference will take place on 14 May 2026 at the Ashling Hotel, Dublin. This national event will provide a dedicated platform for dialogue on the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Recast, with a strong focus on tackling energy poverty and accelerating progress towards climate
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland 2026 finalists announced
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland 2026 finalists announced, including one company based in Waterford: Eastgate Engineering Ireland, 2 April 2026: The finalists of the 2026 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland programme have been revealed today, with the 24 shortlisted companies selected from across the island of Ireland. This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of sectors, including consumer, technology, health and construction, as well as varied growth stages and entrepreneurial stories that
World's largest public exhibition of cuckoo clocks officially opens at Waterford's Irish Museum
As Ireland prepares to put the clocks forward this spring, Waterford City will mark a major cultural milestone with the opening of the world’s largest public exhibition of cuckoo clocks. The brand-new exhibition is to be officially opened to the public by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage with special responsibility for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins, on March 27th, 2026, at the Irish Museum of Time, part of the Waterford Treasures collection of
European hat-trick for TOTEM
Waterford-based branding agency TOTEM has won Silver at the Transform Awards Europe 2026 for its branding of Media Connect, Virgin Media Ireland’s new wholesale fibre business unit. For the 3rd year in a row, TOTEM has won at these prestigious European branding awards, showing consistency at the highest level. Among 196 shortlisted projects from across Europe, only three are Irish-led, underlining the scale of TOTEM’s achievement. In 2023, Virgin Media Ireland began a bold strategic move - to open its
Waterford City and County Council Economic Support Schemes for 2026
In its ongoing commitment to revitalising vacant and underutilised properties and strengthening city, town and village centres across the county, Waterford City and County Council has announced its Economic Support Schemes for 2026. Businesses, property owners, investors and entrepreneurs are once again being encouraged to apply under the Economic Incentive Scheme (EIS) and the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme (UFIS), both applications can be completed and submitted by visiting Waterford City & County
Walton Institute marks 30 years of ICT research as Ireland prepares for EU Presidency
Walton Institute marks 30 years of ICT research as Ireland prepares for EU Presidency A research institute in Waterford that began as a small telecommunications group is now part of major European research programmes shaping the future of secure communications, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. These celebrations take place as Ireland prepares to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union later this year, highlighting the country’s growing role in shaping research,
Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration March 6th – 8th 2026
On Thursday 19th February last the annual Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration festival was launched at the birthplace of Meagher, Granville Hotel, Waterford City by Chair Eamonn McEneaney and Vice Chair Ann Cusack. Also in attendance were Paul Clarke, Chair of Second Infantry Battalion Veterans Association (Military Advisor) and members of the committee. Waterford holds a unique place in Irish history as the city where Thomas Francis Meagher first unfurled the Tricolour in 1848, articulating a
Blas na hÉireann Gold Award winners named Food Ambassadors for Waterford Festival of Food
Two of Waterford’s most celebrated food producers, both recent Gold Award winners at Blas na hÉireann 2025, have been announced as Food Ambassadors for Waterford Festival of Food, which takes place across Dungarvan and surrounding towns from April 24–26. Mark Bergin of Coffee House Lane and Judit McNally of Cocoa by Judit Artisan Chocolates were selected in recognition of their excellence, innovation, and long-standing commitment to championing Waterford’s food producers, growers, and makers. Eunice
Local Enterprise Week is Back, in 2026
Local Enterprise Week is Back, in 2026 Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a large programme of events across five days during Local Enterprise Week 2026, taking place for Waterford City and County businesses from March 2nd to March 6th. The Local Enterprise Office has gathered experts in finance, marketing, social media, business growth and pitches. There are networking events, workshops and advice clinics, all crammed into one week at the start of March. The LEO Waterford has teamed up
Clem Jacob Hire nominated for Global Sustainability Award at World IPAF Summit
Clem Jacob Hire nominated for Global Sustainability Award at World IPAF Summit Clem Jacob Hire, a family-run equipment hire company based in Waterford, has been nominated for a prestigious Sustainability Award at the upcoming World IPAF Summit, taking place in Turkey this April. The nomination places Clem Jacob Hire among only four companies worldwide selected for recognition in sustainability, an achievement that highlights years of investment, planning, and commitment to reducing environmental impact
Business Advantage and Sustainability South East (BASSE) programme information sessions
Hear about the Enterprise Ireland South East BASSE programme for businesses who want to DOUBLE THEIR REVENUE - run by GreenTechHQ. You will hear from the programme leadership team members, participants from year one of BASSE, programme mentors and more... Waterford, (26th February) 8.30am Registration 9am Start 10am Finish GreenTechHQ, the South East’s centre of expertise for business, innovation, sustainability and AI, has announced the next phase of its flagship Business Advantage and
Waterford designers to shine at Showcase 2026
Waterford designers to shine at Showcase 2026 Waterford’s craft and design industry has the strongest representation in years at the 2026 Showcase Creative Expo. The Local Enterprise Showcase 2026 will be located in hall 3, called the Local Enterprise Showcase in the RDS (The Serpentine Hall) from the 18th to 20th of January 2026 and will be named the Local Enterprise Hall. A total of five craft and design companies will be presenting the best of Waterford creativity, design and innovation, with the
Colm Morrissey Hair Studio unveils a luxurious new Italian-made professional haircare collection
Colm Morrissey Hair Studio announces the debut of its new Italian-made professional haircare collection, a meticulously crafted range designed to bring the indulgence and precision of salon results into the everyday beauty ritual. Rooted in nearly three decades of behind-the-chair expertise, the collection combines advanced anti-frizz innovation, effortless manageability and natural movement with the brand’s unwavering commitment to cruelty-free, responsibly produced formulations. The new line features
BMW/MINI Personalised Pricing
BMW Personalised Pricing: Competitive servicing without compromise. If your BMW is over three years old, BMW Personalised Pricing offers up to 40% off genuine parts when your car is serviced with us - all while maintaining the exceptional quality you expect. We understand that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why discounts vary depending on your BMW’s age: 3–7 years: 20% off parts 7–10 years: 30% off parts 10+ years: 40% off parts While the savings change with your car’s age, you can be confident that
Fitzgerald Power launch Strategy 360 with Series of Research Analysing the Challenges faced by Irish SMEs
Fitzgerald Power, leading Irish financial advisory and accountancy services firm, is expanding its services with the launch of Strategy 360. The new service is a result of a trend with clients, which the financial experts noticed over time – a lack of a clear strategic planning for growth. The Fitzgerald Power Strategy 360 framework brings together: Strategic Planning, Financial Planning, Optimising Operations, Exit Planning & Value Creation, and Tax Planning. Ahead of launch, Fitzgerald Power surveyed
New eMobility eHub launches in Ballybricken, Waterford
New eMobility eHub offering electric cars, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes for the public launches in Ballybricken On Friday, October 31st, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan officially launched the third of Ireland’s four shared eMobility eHubs in Ballybricken. Alongside Waterford City and County Council’s Director of Service Gabriel Hynes, representatives of Trinity College Dublin, ESB Enterprise Car Club and the Council’s Climate and Active Travel staff, the eHub was officially opened at
Waterford City and County Council approves major investment proposal for Waterford Airport
Waterford City and County Council at a Special Council Meeting held today, Monday 20th October 2025, has approved a landmark investment proposal that will secure the future of Waterford Airport and deliver a transformative €30 million redevelopment project - fully funded through private investment. The proposal, which was brought forward by the Bolster Group and is being advanced through a new company, Waterford Airport Ltd (WAL), will deliver the full Airport Development works set out in the existing
Shortlist announced for Waterford Business Awards 2025
Shortlist announced for Waterford Business Awards A host of Waterford’s top businesses have been shortlisted for this year’s Waterford Business Awards. Organisers Waterford Chamber have joined forces again with partners WLR and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber for the gala awards ceremony which will take place in the Tower Hotel on Friday, November 14th. Speaking about the awards, Waterford Chamber President Eadaoin Carrick said, “Congratulations to all the businesses who have been shortlisted,
Waterford Weekend Pass - Mount Congreve Gardens and Waterford Treasures Museums
One Ticket. Two Days. Two Attractions – Up to 7 Incredible Experiences. This flexible pass combines access to two of the South East’s premier attractions: Mount Congreve Gardens – 16km of gardens, Stables Café, FOXFORD store, and children’s playgroundWaterford Treasures – 5 award-winning museums (Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Museum of Time, Silver Museum, Epic Walking Tour, Christchurch) Guests can enjoy both attractions over two days within a three-month period, at their own pace, in any
Shine your light at the Waterford Business Awards
Shine your light at the Waterford Business Awards Entries are being accepted for the 2025 Waterford Business Awards from August 11th, with the gala awards ceremony taking place on November 14th in the Tower Hotel. The awards are designed to recognize excellence in business across Waterford City & County and are organised by Waterford Chamber, in collaboration with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, with support from Waterford City & County Council and WLR. Launching the awards, Waterford Chamber
From Waterford to Osaka
From Waterford to Osaka: What Japan Taught Me About Entrepreneurship, Risk, and the Real Meaning of CommunityBy Liam Dunne, CEO and Co-founder, Klearcom If you’d told the younger me, the teenager watching the EY Entrepreneur of the Year highlights on TV from the kitchen table, that someday I’d be pitching my company on a global stage at the World Expo in Osaka… I’d have asked what you were drinking. But there I was last month, standing at the Irish Pavilion in front of an international crowd as a
