SIRO Network Expansion in County Cork

County Cork is about to experience a major upgrade to its broadband infrastructure as we aim to bring the SIRO 100% fibre broadband network to eight more towns across the region.

What towns are SIRO rolling out to in County Cork?

The SIRO fibre rollout across County Cork began in 2017, connecting over 1,500 homes and business across Skibbereen to Gigabit broadband for the first time. Since then, the SIRO fibre broadband network in Cork has grown significantly. Over 60,000 homes and businesses across the county can now connect to Ireland's most advanced broadband network, meaning over 162,000 people can now do life different with SIRO 100% fibre broadband. This year, alone, SIRO will be available to an additional 20,000 premises across Cork City and eight regional towns. SIRO is already available in towns such as Ballincollig, Carrigaline, Carrigtwohill, Mallow, Little Island and Skibbereen. In addition, the SIRO network will expand to six new town as part of our network expansion: Bandon, Cobh, Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Kinsale, Passage West and Youghal, representing an additional investment of €25 million, bringing SIRO's total network investment in the county to over €125 million.

SIRO Network Launch Event

On the 24th March as part a launch event and presentation made by SIRO CEO John Keaney to the Minister of Finance, Micheal McGrath T.D., Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins, Elected Members of Cork County Council and Chief Executive, Tim Lucey, we announced that six of the eight new towns in Cork are the priority for 2023, while our rollout to the other Cork towns will continue over the coming years. Additional areas will be announced in 2024. Welcoming SIRO’s announcement, Minister for Finance, Micheal McGrath TD, said,

“This expansion of SIRO’s fibre broadband network is very welcome news for Cork County. Fibre broadband makes remote working a real possibility and it helps to breathe life back into our towns. It is also great news for businesses and farmers in particular who are now able to conduct more of their business online. Having a high-quality broadband connection provides opportunities for people to start up a new business and means that location is no longer a barrier for many start-ups. Creating a fully connected Ireland is a key priority for Government and it is only possible through partnership between public and private investment working together.”

Welcoming SIRO, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins said,

“We are delighted to see the further expansion of the SIRO fibre broadband network in Cork County. Access to reliable high-quality broadband is essential for our business community as well as our residents. It will unlock further opportunities for economic development in Cork towns and will support remote working for those wishing to reduce their commute.”

Commenting on the announcement, SIRO CEO John Keaney noted:

“Today’s announcement is good news for towns across Cork many of whom have had to endure poor connectivity until now. The arrival of SIRO’s full fibre broadband to towns across Cork will bring them new opportunities and safeguard their future. Having access to SIRO’s reliable and resilient broadband, with speeds of up to 2 Gigabits for homes and up to 10 Gigabit for businesses, ensure people and communities can live and work locally, run their businesses and stay connected with ease. Demand for high quality broadband across Cork remains very strong. SIRO is responding to that demand with more 60,000 premises across Cork city and towns who can already avail of our broadband network. SIRO’s work in 2023 will expand our footprint in Cork this year even further. And beyond that, we are already looking ahead to more areas in Cork”.

SIRO 100% fibre broadband is already available to over 60,000 homes and businesses across County Cork from leading services providers such as Digiweb, Sky, Viatel and Vodafone. As SIRO is a Fibre-to-the-Home network, deployed across the ESB's existing infrastructure, you are ensured a fast, reliable and sustainable network. To find out if your home or business can connect to SIRO, search your Eircode today. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

Most people would think that once you have a broadband connection installed in your home, that that’s all there is to it.   However, once you have your fibre broadband connection there can be a little extra effort required by each homeowner to ensure that their Wi-Fi is optimised and that they can achieve the best service and speeds.   At its’ most basic there are five easy ways to ensure you get the most out of your internet connection.

1. Check Your Router Position

Did you know that the position and placement of a router or modem in your home can affect its speed and performance?   For example, having your router close to a window, or blocked by items in a corner (books, ornaments, photo frames etc.) will impact the speeds you’ll achieve.   Having your router close to a radio, microwave, or baby monitor may affect your broadband speeds.   Naturally, the closer you are to your router, the faster your speeds will be. You should keep your router elevated, and in a position where it can reach most devices. This will reduce the risk of your broadband speed being affected.  

2. Update Your Router or Modem

You may be thinking, what’s the difference between a router and a modem?  A router communicates between your devices and the internet to bring your devices on net. If you do not have many devices, you will not need a router. It’s worth considering though, as it may affect your broadband speeds if you have a variety of devices on your network.    A modem is the box that connects you to your ISP (Internet Service Provider), and is typically used for wireless connections, broadcasting signals to devices across the homes.   For SIRO customers, the modem will be connected to the ONT (Optical Network Terminal). The latter connects the fibre that has been wired to the outside of your house, to your modem. The ONT is a small white plastic box that will be placed on your internal wall.  If you are experiencing ongoing drops in your internet connection, you may need to consider contacting your retailer for an updated modem or consider establishing a home network using a cable router.  

3. Consider Using Ethernet Connections

While SIRO’s fibre broadband (as well as cable, and DSL offerings) can be used wirelessly, it’s worth considering utilising its wired capabilities to connect your laptop, PC or console.   The benefits of using an Ethernet connection include:  

• Speed (faster downloads, uploads and data transfers.) 
• Lower Latency (this means improved game experience.) 
• Energy Efficiency (on average, ethernet cables are the most energy efficient for data-transferring.)  
• Security (Your data is more secured using a wired, cable connection.)  

While the newest ethernet cables available are CAT8 and can transfer the most amount of data in a short amount of time, CAT6 cables are the standard for home and office connections and are backwards compatible with CAT5e and CAT5 cables.  

4. Password Protect and Safeguard Your Wi-Fi

This might seem obvious, but the more users on your network, the less bandwidth available for those who need it! By setting up a strong password for your wi-fi, you can make sure that your network is secure, and ward off unnecessarily connected devices (including those who might be piggybacking on your connection).   Alternatively, you can track what devices are being used on your network by searching their MAC (Media Access Control) address.  A MAC address is the physical address of a device and is visible when connected to a private or public network.   By viewing the MAC addresses on your network, you may be able to weed out potential Wi-Fi thieves!   A full guide on MAC addresses is available here.  

5. Switch to Fibre

It may sound obvious, but have you tried switching to fibre? Fibre broadband offers the best broadband speeds, reliability, and resilience available in Ireland today. Copper lines, once the mainstay of connectivity in Ireland, is now an outdated technology that is rapidly being overtaken by fibre broadband, as network rollouts like SIRO’s gathers pace across Ireland.   SIRO’s 100% Fibre broadband is the fastest available on the market and has a range of 20 retailers offering our services across 470,000 homes, with plans to connect 770,000 by 2026.   SIRO’s fibre broadband has countless benefits: 

• Future-proofed, once it’s installed, it requires minimal equipment to upgrade for future demand. 

• Resilient, as it’s built on the ESB network, our fibre broadband is much more resistant to extreme weather events. 
• Energy Efficient, as it has 60% lower energy usage and 80% less maintenance required for FTTH versus copper networks, allowing users to also play their part in protecting our planet. 

For homes, speeds of up to 2 gigabits are available, while enterprises can reach speeds of up to 10 gigabits. SIRO’s fibre network has the potential to reach speeds of up to 25 gigabit per second to meet demand in the years ahead.  [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode Today" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

Broadband is an essential part of our everyday lives. It allows us to connect with friends, to work from home and to relax with our smart devices. With so much information out there about broadband, it can be confusing to know which internet connection is best for your needs. You might be thinking what kind of broadband can I get? Fibre broadband in Ireland has been around since 2015. Read on to learn five facts about fibre you may not have known.

1 The first national 100% fibre broadband network

The first 100% fibre to the home broadband network in Ireland was launched by SIRO back in 2015. SIRO, in a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, had the aim of delivering the first fibre to the home network in Ireland, disrupting the then copper dominated broadband market.

2. Growth of fibre network reach across Ireland

Have you ever wondered; can I get fibre broadband where I live? SIRO is now live in more than 90 towns and counting, with an aim to connect 154 towns by 2026, so SIRO’s network footprint may already or soon be available for your home or business soon. As well as this, the fibre broadband market share is growing, with Comreg’s Q3 2022 report showing there were 463k FTTP subscriptions, compared to just 340k FTTP subscriptions in Q3 2021.

3. Speed capabilities

Did you know SIRO was one of the first broadband networks in Europe to fully upgrade to XGS-PON technology, unlocking speeds of up to 10 Gigabits per second. One of the main benefits of having fibre broadband is being able to connect as many devices as you need at a time, without delays or lags. This is ideal for working from home, or to facilitate the day to day running of a business… You will no longer be asking yourself why is my broadband so slow?

4. Lowest latency on the market

Latency measures the length of time it takes to transfer data from one source to another. SIRO’s fibre broadband boasts some of the lowest latency on the market, with a ping of 20 milliseconds. This makes it perfect for online gaming, streaming in 4k and 8k, and video calls. Low latency allows you to stay connected and to download files and applications quickly.

5. Weather resistant broadband

Can weather affect fibre optic broadband? Many are under the assumption that their broadband can be affected by stormy weather. Thankfully, this isn’t a worry for those who have a SIRO fibre broadband connection. Fibre is much more weather proofed than other broadband types on the market. Fibre makes use of light to transmit data contrary to copper, which is more vulnerable to storms and other climate impacts. Fibre in Ireland is here to stay. SIRO is rolling out the next generation of broadband in Ireland across 154 towns. It’s resiliency, speeds and reliability are unmatched. With the above in mind, the next step is to find out if SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband is available to your home or business. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode Today" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

Recent data highlights that 95% of Irish children aged 8-12 own their own smart device. This research, conducted by the charity CyberSafeKids, also notes how 87% of children have their own social media account. Using devices and tapping into the wealth of resources which access to online platforms can provide can be hugely positive for kids. Helping with their schoolwork, staying connected to friends, entertainment and recreational tools are all the positives that technology brings. However, as much as we want children to be able to avail of the opportunities for learning and enjoyment that technology can deliver, parents, educators and society also have a responsibility to help them stay safe online.

Studies by SafeWise show that more than 58% of parents say their child’s internet behaviours are a cause of concern for them.

Naturally, parents have concerns. Rather than be an anxious but passive parent, a quick crash course in some basic and easy to implement tools, can be effective in keeping our kids safer online.

Passwords

Having a secure password is key for protecting your child’s information and accounts. Implementing a two-factor authentication , whereby users must first input their username and password, and subsequently enter a passcode they receive via text or email is just one of the ways you can create a barrier to hackers and threats. Many of the commonly used social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook, now allow the option to create a two-factor authentication. Another way of reducing the risk of someone gaining access to your account is by creating both a memorable and complex password. Some things to consider when creating passwords would be to make sure you choose something with both uppercase and lowercase letters, containing both symbols and numbers too if possible. Ideally, passwords should also be changed frequently, and should be different across social media accounts.

Managing access

Setting some ground rules on internet use and informing them of which sites are suitable to use can help children be more actively aware of their online behaviours. An approach you could also take would be to limit access to certain websites by using blockers. This way, they can be prevented from clicking onto any sites which might not be age appropriate or safe. In the UK, a Pew Research Centre survey noted that 39% of parents report using parental controls for blocking, filtering, or monitoring their teen’s online activities. Another way of limiting access is having an agreement on how long your child can use their smart device for a day or how long they can spend on a certain social network. Apple for instance has a setting which means you can set limits on the amount of time you are allowed to spend on certain apps in a day. Data from the Pew Research Centre also found that just over half of the parents surveyed restrict the amount of time or number of times their child goes online in a day.

Social Media

Most kids and teens have at least one social media platform installed onto their smart device. UK stats show that 48% of kids (aged 4-18) use TikTok, followed by 41% using Facebook, and 28% using Snapchat. Before your kids start using any social media platform, it is important to give them basic watchouts such as:

• Not to accept friend requests from strangers.
• To disable precise location settings
• To not share personal information online
• To communicate to an adult any problems or issue they experience online

While the idea of your kids navigating social media and the internet might fill every parent just starting this stage of their children’s life might fill them with dread. Sticking your head in the sand is not an option. Instead, taking a more proactive and involved approach educating our kids (and parents too), forearming them to potential risks and using measures to prevent online threats is a sensible approach to keep both parents and their children happy. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

SIRO, the fibre broadband network operator, has today announced the roll out of its broadband network in Roscommon town. The build works commenced in autumn last year. The company has confirmed that significant progress has already made in its delivery of the new network, with almost 70% of the project now complete. The company is investing €3 million in bringing Ireland’s most advanced broadband network to the town.  

When is SIRO coming to Roscommon?

SIRO is rolling out its high speed, reliable fibre broadband network to 2,350 homes and businesses in the town overall.  Build works for a majority of the premises targeted, (1,600 premises), are already completed and the new broadband service is now available to order. The remaining 750 premises in the town are expected to be completed during Spring 2023. 

Where is SIRO rolling out to in Roscommon Town?

Areas within Roscommon set to benefit from the roll out include Main Street, Riverdale, Lanesborough Street, Saint Ciaran’s Park, Pine View, Castle Street, Sunny Side House, Cherry Drive, Castle Apartments, Knights Court, Celtic Avenue, Cloonbrackna, Brookvale Avenue, and Lús Leana.  Homes and businesses can now order SIRO’s fibre broadband from its network of retailers, including Vodafone, Sky, Airwire, Pure Telecom, Digiweb, Fastcom and Viatel.  SIRO’s full fibre network is available to both homes and businesses within Roscommon town, with speeds of up to 2 gigabit per second available for homes, and up to 10 gigabits for enterprise connections. 

What is SIRO broadband? 

SIRO is a joint venture company between ESB and Vodafone, founded in 2015, focused on delivering full fibre broadband to Ireland’s towns and cities. SIRO’s fibre broadband network is built on the ESB electricity infrastructure, trusted for its reliability and resilience. Overall, the company is investing more than €1 billion in delivering high speed, future proofed broadband across Ireland. 

How Broadband Supports A Community

Commenting on the announcement, SIRO Chief Executive Officer, John Keaney, said:  

“SIRO has one of the most advanced fibre broadband networks in Europe, so we are really pleased to be bringing this network to Roscommon town.  “Individuals and businesses are all too aware of the value of a reliable and resilient broadband connection. It allows them to stay connected at home or when running their businesses, removing what can be a major pain point in daily life if their existing broadband is poor.  “Fibre broadband can have a transformative effect on regional towns. By providing a scalable, future-proofed and sustainable fibre network, it re-enforces Roscommon town’s attractiveness as a place to live, work and do business,” added Mr. Keaney.    

Shane Tiernan Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council stated:  

 “This multi-million-euro investment and delivery of full fibre broadband by SIRO in Roscommon town is to be congratulated and welcomed. High speed reliable digital connectivity is an essential requirement to allow Roscommon town to flourish commercially, economically and socially.    “The availability of SIRO’s full fibre broadband infrastructure greatly supports Roscommon County Council’s ambition for the development of an innovative collaborative digital society and economy in Roscommon over the coming years. This advancement by SIRO will undoubtedly have a very positive impact in supporting our constant drive for Roscommon to be a great place to live, work, invest in and visit”, added Mr. Tiernan.  

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With Christmas just days away, there’s still time to get last minute gifts for the techie in your life. The range and price points of tech gifts now available means that you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune either! Tech gifts aren’t just for Christmas but can deliver convenience, more connected and smarter living, for the user long after the holidays have ended, whether in the home, at work, for entertainment or leisure. Want to make 2023 a year of smarter living? Read below to find out the top tech gadgets for a smarter you.

Gift Ideas for a Smart Home

We all know that to have a smart home, first, you need a reliable broadband connection. That’s where SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband is the perfect choice for your home as it can support multiple devices at once without any lags in connection. A smart device which has now become a household name is the Amazon Alexa. The Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker is another popular choice. These smart devices act as a personal assistant. You ask for what you want; and it listens and does. The Amazon Echo can play music or podcasts, make to-do-lists, and ask for any information like the current traffic or weather conditions. In research conducted by Amárach on behalf of SIRO, 49% of Irish homes surveyed had a virtual assistant like the Echo. The Google Nest Hub smart display offers a more visual digital experience. This display can help you organise your calendar, to watch your favourite shows or videos, and best of all to control any other home smart devices that are compatible, at the touch of a button.

Gifts To Enhance Sleep and Wellness

Sleep is now recognised as the new human superpower, yet most of us still don’t get enough of it. The Philips Smart Sleep Lamp has both a dimming light, for helping you wind down, and a wake-up light to wake you up gradually with a sunrise simulation. The device also has a radio and reading lamp built in, so you can switch off before heading to sleep and practice good sleep hygiene. Smart watches are a great way of staying connected online and tracking your fitness on the go. The Samsung Galaxy Watch tracks your step count, health, sleep and does all the usual things you can do on your phone, but through your watch. Similarly, the Apple Watch allows you to do all of the above. The Fitbit fitness tracker watches are another great investment to consider if you are into your fitness or looking to get in better shape in 2023.

Improve Your Organisation with Technology

Constantly losing your keys or phone? Wishing there was a way to keep track? Then look no further than “The Tile” and Apple’s “AirTag.” These small, convenient tracking devices have been specifically developed for this purpose. ‘The Tile’ by Tile Inc. is a device that can be put onto any item you’d like to keep track of. It uses Bluetooth and a built-in GPS system to track your items, so you won’t have to worry about where your go-to belongings are again. Before living with multiple devices became the norm, many of us manually kept track of important dates, shopping lists or to do lists by simply writing them down. Today, technology offers a digital solution to the written list. With digital notepads like the ‘reMarkable notepad’ by reMarkable or the ‘Rocketbook Fusion Smart Reusable notepad’ by Rocketbook providing a facility for the to do list of old. The Rocketbook’s notepad has a reusable pen and paper notebook which connects to the cloud using your mobile device. You can simply remove the writing using water and cloth. One of the many benefits of having a reusable notebook is the sustainability aspect, as you’re not wasting any paper.

Smart Home Entertainment with SIRO 100% Fibre Broadband

Today, the average home has at least one smart TV. Smart TVs, like the Sky Glass or the Samsung Smart TV, are ideal for upgrading your experience when watching shows or movies at home. Smart TVs enable you to connect to the internet, browse online, or stream anything at the touch of a button. Additionally, they have great sound and quality visual displays for an enhanced experience. Having a reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential for Smart TVs to function. With online gaming here to stay. Consoles and PCs are regular appearances on Christmas lists. Handheld consoles like the SteamDeck or the Nintendo Switch allow for portable, quality gaming on the go. Getting the Connectivity Foundations Right Smart devices are often the presents under the tree most appreciated on Christmas morning, but it’s important not to spoil the moment because your home connectivity doesn’t measure up. Having reliable and resilient broadband is the foundation to underpinning smart home devices. Otherwise, you risk having the tech gadgets without the connectivity to support them. SIRO’s full fibre broadband network offers speeds of up to 2 Gigabits, meaning you never have to worry that your internet connection can’t cope with all these new tech gadgets being switched on Christmas morning. To find out if you have access to SIRO’s 100% reliable broadband search your Eircode today.

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The Video Games and E-sports industry has grown from a niche past-time to multi-billion-euro industries in recent years. In 2020 and 2021 alone, gaming increased by 23%, in large part fuelled by the pandemic. With next generation consoles like the PS5, Nintendo Switch, and XBOX SERIES X making regular appearances on Christmas shopping lists, it should be no surprise that in Ireland alone, there are over 700,000 people who play video games each year. The video games industry has been around since the late 1970’s, starting from basic games like Pong, to arcade machines, to evolving to what we know it as PC, console and mobile gaming.   Naturally, with any technology, to survive you must adapt and the video games industry is no exception. On average, each iteration of “next generation” consoles is released roughly every 5 years. With each generation comes new technology and ways of connecting with fellow gamers.  

Online Gaming

 It was only in the 1990s that online gaming really took off, as internet connectivity became more available.   In the early 2000’s, Xbox and PlayStation introduced their versions of online gaming onto their platforms, which would solidify online gaming as a hobby for many. For PC gamers, in 2004, there was MMORPGS (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) like World of Warcraft that came onto the scene, which was the first subscription-based game offered online.  E-sports, is now an industry worth over 1.3 billion dollars globally, developed from online gaming, and draws in millions of viewers globally for tournaments.   Online gaming in 2020 and 2021 exploded in popularity as a result of the pandemic, as it became a way for people to keep in touch with friends and family. It was at this time that a steady internet connection was worth its weight in gold, as the demand for online services rose drastically.  

Streaming can allow you to play certain games on your mobile phone, or without expensive equipment at low cost to the consumer 

Streaming

Not only is a steady internet connection valuable and a requirement for a worthwhile online gaming experience, for some game services, it is a requirement.   Back in 2019, we looked at how Google STADIA was announced as a streaming service for games. STADIA used cloud-based technology to allow its users to stream games using just a browser and controller. While it has since been discontinued, other game platforms still offer the service. Think of it like streaming an episode of your favourite show on Netflix, but instead it’s for a level or a round of a game.   Established game platforms like PlayStation and Xbox have their own iterations of streaming services that are low cost to the consumer and boasts a lot of benefits, e.g., PlayStation Plus, Game Pass etc.   Access to gaming platforms can be costly and can take up to 100gbs or more of space for a singular game. Streaming services offer players variety and flexibility, as you can play as many games as possible without worry about storage space.   It can also reduce the cost required to play a game. PCs, thanks to the GPU (graphics card) shortage, are high in demand and can be costly to build. Even consoles can be costly, and hard to obtain depending on the time of year. Streaming can allow you to play certain games on your mobile phone, or without expensive equipment at low cost to the consumer.   The trends in consumption of gaming suggest that streaming is likely to grow the fastest over any other platform in the years ahead. Streaming may well be the future of gaming as we know it.   However, in order to stream a game consistently without disconnecting, a reliable internet connection is required. SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband offers low latency (less than 20 milliseconds per second) meaning zero lag as well as gigabit speeds, so your gaming experience remains uninterrupted and high quality. 

If NFTs were introduced, you could see players purchasing the rights to rare versions of characters, skins or valuable merch and earning tangible money from it. 

The Future of Gaming

The video games industry continues to innovate, as tech and demand from consumers evolve.   This is especially the case when it comes to blockchain technology. We’ve seen over the past few years the rise of cryptocurrencies and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). The video games industry, in particular, has taken interest in the technology.   A rising trend within the video games industry is the Play-to-Earn (PTE) model. You may have heard of Play-to-Win, and the growth of micro-transactions and loot boxes in gaming in recent years. This is similar, but with PTE, players can mine cryptocurrency, or purchase NFTs from their favourite AAA (high budget, high profile) games.   If NFTs were introduced, you could see players purchasing the rights to rare versions of characters, skins or valuable merch and earning tangible money from it.   Whether your style is to stream your favourite RPG, or play a few rounds with your friends online, SIRO’s gigabit fibre broadband enables speeds of up to 2 gigabits for all residential customers, with low latency, so you can focus on your performance, rather than your connection. 

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With one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday, fast approaching, it’s time to start researching where to shop online and how to get the best deals. Black Friday, once a US tradition, now a global phenomenon is where deal-savvy customers piled into shopping malls after Thanksgiving ready to buy discounted goods for Christmas. Now, in Ireland, it’s certainly on consumers’ minds. RTE noted that Google searches for "Black Friday" had increased by 138% from 2020 to 2021. Online shopping is set to receive a massive boost throughout the day, as according to a study by AIB last year, Irish consumers were poised to spend more than €25,000 a minute, during Black Friday sales online. Naturally in recent years there’s been a shift from in-store shopping to online, as the pandemic dictated when we could shop indoors. A 2021 study by Statista highlighted that 87% of UK buyers preferred to do their shopping online. The same survey showed that only 17% would rather do their Black Friday buying in person. Online shopping in general, has become a part of shopper’s daily lives, and Black Friday is no exception. A reliable broadband connection is necessary if you’re going to check out with the latest deals. Are you on the fence about participating in Black Friday this year? Or whether online shopping is your thing? Here’s some of the reasons why the sales might be for you.

Convenience

One of the major benefits of shopping online is being able to purchase your favourite items from the comfort of your home. You could be multitasking, one hand on the remote watching TV, the other scrolling through your favourite clothing brand. Opting to shop online means you don’t have to consider weather conditions, travel time, wait time etc. As well as that, it allows for more flexibility to suit your schedule, such as purchasing during your lunch break from work or during a quiet moment that suits while you’re on break. Studies from AIB in 2021 showed that the busiest time for shopping on Black Friday last year was between 11am and 12pm, due to people purchasing online during work hours. A US Study by Drive Research found that 41% of shoppers did not want to shop in person/in stores on Black Friday due to the long queues and over 60% did not want to shop because of large crowds. Large crowds in a post-covid world are a good reason not to traverse the high street, if your health is at risk. Online shopping may not only be convenient but the safer option for many, too.

Greater Variety

Shopping online provides a greater variety of choice and access to international brands and websites. There may be more sizes available online, more selection available, and more discounts. Additionally, you can look at the various brands and their price points to compare and to get the best deal for yourself. Another benefit is that you can view all the reviews of certain products and get more information about products than you could in store. At SIRO, we understand the value of variety. As a wholesale operator with 20 retailers, we understand the power that providing choice to our customers brings. Competition allows the customer to get the best price possible, without compromising on quality. However, with shopping online, there is the topic of sustainability, and how it can affect your carbon footprint.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a major consideration for consumers. It’s no secret that shopping, either online or in person, can impact your carbon footprint. However, there are steps you can take to minimize this. By shopping online, you can view different brands websites which contains key information on whether their products are cruelty free, their returns policy, their efforts to use recycled packaging etc. By having information, you can then make an informed decision on which brands to purchase from and choose the most eco-friendly option for delivery. Recent studies by DataReportal highlighted that the reason 19% of people surveyed shop online, is due to knowing the product or company is eco-friendly. Online shopping also can reduce a consumer’s carbon footprint. Instead of driving to a physical store, you are staying at home and making the purchase. This year is likely to be a bumper year for Black Friday shopping, with increased inflation and higher costs of living, consumers will be online looking for bargains. To get ahead of the competition and ensure you don’t get frozen out on the many deals on the day, choose SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband for your Black Friday experience. To find out whether SIRO’s high speed broadband is available to your home to assist you with your online purchases, search your Eircode here

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Barry has spent over thirty-five years working in ICT. He started as a Trainee Programmer in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and progressed through various roles to eventually become the Director of ICT Shared Services and Strategy for the NI Government. Barry has been CIO for the Irish Government since April 2016 with the primary task of taking forward the Public Service ICT and eGovernment Strategies. These set out ambitions for developing the use of shared services, digital services and data to better serve the people of Ireland and ensure that Ireland is well-placed to benefit from European initiatives such as the Digital Single Market.

Tell us about your role?

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) leads the digital agenda across Government, working in collaboration with organisations across the Civil and Public Service. OGCIO’s most recent Strategy, Connecting Government 2030: A Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service, sets out the Government’s Digital Vision for the next several years, covering areas such as digital ambition, talent development, and inclusion. OGCIO is also involved in the delivery of major Government technical projects such as the Contact Tracing App and Digital COVID certificate, and a range of shared initiatives and systems. OGCIO participates in a range of internal, national and international working groups, steering and programme boards; has significant engagement with multilateral institutions including the OECD, UN and in particular the EU; and also plays a leadership role on innovation across the Public Service including through the development and application of a range of ICT policies.  

Outline the role digital technologies play delivering public service today.

As the Government Chief Information Officer, I am the most senior advisor to the Government on all matters digital with specific reporting responsibilities to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Junior Minister for eGovernment and Procurement. I played a prominent role in the development of the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework, which was published in February and sets out a high-level pathway to support Ireland’s ambition to be a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments. I also represent Ireland at many high-level meetings at EU and OECD level seeking to shape the digital agendas of these organisations; and I am involved in the leadership of many programmes with a substantial digital or ICT element, for example Gov.ie, MyGovID, Open Data, the Data Sharing & Governance Act, the Contact Tracing App, and the Vaccination roll-out.  

What are the key benefits that digital technologies can bring to society and business?

At public service level, we believe that digital can benefit all of society. We can facilitate those who are comfortable with digital technology to renew their driving licence, or make a tax enquiry, for example, with the same ease as booking an airline ticket or making a banking transaction. However, we also believe that if we achieve our goal of 90% of our most used services being consumed online then this will free up resources to better serve those who are unable to use the digital offerings.  

“At community level we see the benefit of having more community-driven digital initiatives from group learning to accessing the technology itself.”

  We believe that the ability to do anything from the home shouldn’t detract from the importance of socialising and maintaining the value of communities in our lives. This is why many government digital initiatives, including broadband roll-out and digital hubs, are community-oriented.”  

As connectivity improves across Ireland, what do you see as the big opportunities for Irish businesses from accelerated digital adaptation?

I think we all accept that going online can and does bring advantages to businesses, e.g., lower operating costs, 24/7 presence and greater out-reach. However, CSO research tells us that, while more than four in five Irish-based businesses have a website, only 40 per cent actually sell online. This means that there is an opportunity not just for businesses but also for national reputation and GDP growth. This is why the Harnessing Digital strategy sets challenging business targets for 2030 such as 75% enterprise take-up of Cloud, Big Data and AI; and 90% of SMEs at basic digital intensity. It also makes financial and advisory support commitments to help this to be achieved.  

“It is very clear that the pandemic has opened up new commercial opportunities and these should be exploited. Ireland’s acceleration towards full and fast connectivity will provide a strong foundation to build upon.”

 

For businesses to maximise benefits from digital technologies, what key advice would you give?

I could write pages on this but will stick to three things. First, it all has to start with the customer. As (even) Steve Jobs famously said “'You've got to start with the customer experience and work backwards to the technology.” In Government, we have learned a lot from consulting our customers and from our research work with Trinity Business School. Again, the pandemic experience proved that the public will gladly use Digital Government services that are simple, intuitive and customer focused. Then, the service has to be built with privacy and security at the centre. Thankfully in Ireland we have several excellent security companies that can help with this. Alternatively, examine cloud-based approaches to benefit from the security and support skills of the experts who are doing this stuff every day. Finally, ensure you have built in a feedback loop to help you understand how the service is really working and to rectify teething problems.   Looking to take your business to the next level with a reliable broadband connection? Search Your Eircode today.

Search Your Eircode Today

SIRO, the broadband network operator, has today announced that it is investing €6 million in the roll out of a new full fibre network to Carrickmacross and Monaghan town. As part of the roll out, 5,300 premises in these towns can connect to SIRO’s gigabit, 100% fibre network. SIRO is targeting 2,800 premises in Monaghan and 2,500 premises in Carrickmacross, respectively. The investment was officially announced by the company as part of a presentation made to Carrickmacross town councillors by senior SIRO management this week. Areas across Carrickmacross that will receive SIRO’s fibre broadband include (but not limited to): Alderwood, Cluain Alainn, Coill An Rí, Farney Street, The Elms, Castleblayney Road, Saint McCartan’s Villa. Some areas across Monaghan Town that will receive SIRO’s fibre broadband include (but not limited to): Drumbear Lawn, Dublin Street, Tully Estate, Belgium Park, Doctor McKenna Park, Montfort, and Manor Wood. Works on the ground commenced in Carrickmacross in September, with Monaghan town set to begin in December, with works continuing into early next year. It’s expected that homes and businesses will be able to connect to the network in quarter one and quarter two 2023 in Carrickmacross and Monaghan Town, respectively. The roll out is part of SIRO’s ongoing national network expansion, where the broadband network operator is working to roll out its network to 770,000 premises across 154 towns. SIRO is a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, established in 2015. To date, the wholesale operator has already connected over 450,000 premises in 75 towns. Commenting on the announcement, SIRO Chief Technology Officer Suzanne Tracy, noted: “SIRO’s announcement that we are bringing our 100% fibre broadband to Carrickmacross and Monaghan Town continues our commitment to ensure equality of access to high speed, reliable and future proofed broadband to towns across Ireland. “Connectivity is now vital to how we work, live or learn online. SIRO’s fibre broadband is future-proofed to deliver speeds of up to 10 Gigabits, ensuring that regional towns such as Carrickmacross or Monaghan are not left behind but can fully participate in our digital society and economy. “At its core, SIRO’s fibre broadband gives power back to people and communities, allowing them to choose how they live and work today, and over the longer term,” added Ms. Tracy. Welcoming today’s announcement, Monaghan County Council Director of Services for Carrickmacross - Castleblayney Municipal District of Carmel O’Hare, said: “We are delighted to welcome SIRO to Co. Monaghan and to see SIRO commence their broadband rollout in the Carrickmacross and Monaghan town areas. The rollout of the SIRO network throughout Carrickmacross marks a milestone for the urban area and will offer significant broadband improvements for all of the many business interests in the town and for residential customers.”

SIRO will be available to order for residents and businesses of Monaghan in early 2023, register your interest today.

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