An internationally-renowned technology research centre with over 80 staff specialising in areas from Future Health and Intelligent Transport Systems to Agri-Tech and Cybersecurity is reaching out to industry, businesses and entrepreneurs bidding to service existing clients and attract new consumers with new needs, habits and concerns in a post-lockdown world.

The move by the Technology Gateway team comes in the wake of their comprehensive industry insights report investigating the impact of COVID-19 on our economy and what the future will look like in a post-COVID world.

The Technology Gateway team at the Telecommunications, Software and Systems Group (TSSG) has already nurtured and supported global players such as ESBNetworks, nearForm and Immersive VR Education and are anxious to continue to support industry within and outside of the region.  

TSSG in partnership with Enterprise Ireland have been building technological solutions for industry across the south east and beyond as well as helping combat much of the disruption caused by COVID-19. The world-wide pandemic highlights the importance of businesses being agile and flexible, being able to innovate to meet dynamic demands brought about by interruptions, disruptions as well as rapidly changing consumer needs and habits.

Together, the TSSG Technology Gateway team is giving businesses and organisation of all shapes and sizes the opportunity to access decades of knowledge and hands-on industry expertise and the expert staff want to hear now from those with an idea, with a problem that requires a tech solution or from those with a prototype that they’re struggling to get to the next level. Brands and retailers need to invest in technology from ecommerce and digital payments through to artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and virtual reality (VR) to attract consumers with new needs, habits and concerns.

 They’re also reaching out to industries, confident the multi-skilled, expert team can resolve just about any problem with a tech build, TSSG Technology Gateway Manager, Miguel Ponce de Leon explained.

“Architects design your house and show you how you can take a number of ideas and innovations and combine them to make a beautiful home. A building contractor builds it. We are architects for digital businesses. TSSG is a special microcosm. Because we do European as well as national commercial projects, we can marry the two to bring the knowledge from research into real world digital applications.”

Business Development Executives, Carol Faughnan and Jim Prendergast, encouraged businesses and individuals to engage with them now. The team can be contacted on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Carol Faughnan said: “It is my job to match cutting edge research with industry. I look at a company’s research and development (R&D) needs and align this with areas of expertise in TSSG such as Software Development/AR&VR/Mobile Pervasive Applications/Data Analytics and IoT. I help companies to access funds from sources such as Enterprise Ireland so they can bring their idea from concept to reality and avail of our researchers through Innovation Vouchers.

“At TSSG, we are always looking to the latest and greatest. Our researchers are always experimenting. Areas such as Smart cities will be of great interest. Using 5G as a gateway into 6G will be an area that will be investigated. With the birth of Covid-19 and future of work at play, Future Health will be to the core,” she added.

Jim Prendergast meets with businesses and helps facilitate their collaboration with the world-class, cutting-edge research happening at TSSG. “We are seeing a growing trend in Healthcare applications, Precision Agri as well as in the Energy sector. Our test-bed networks mean that we can grow the number of projects using wireless networks such as LPWA, Terahertz and 5G. Some of the researchers are already using 6G in their research.

“Our telecommunications work also extends to Bio Nano telecommunications, using biology as a network to transmit signals within the body. I see a lot of potential in the emerging use cases in Smart Cities. With growing population and increasing traffic congestion, the need for city managers to access data sets to help manage the city is more imperative than ever,” he added.

For more, log on to https://tssg.org/tssg-technology-gateway/

The team at LCE Workplace Safety want to thank all our clients for their support and custom during these unprecedented times. We have continued to support our clients during the toughest part of this pandemic and now we look forward to helping businesses as they prepare to reopen and adjust to the New Normal.

The Health & Safety Authority of Ireland (www.HSA.ie) has issued a document called the Return to Work Protocol, which must be followed when reopening your business after lockdown. LCE can help with a professional and practical approach to implementing this protocol and ensuring you and your employees can return safely to the workplace.

LCE Consultants can help you prepare your Covid-19 Response Plan, which is putting control measures in place to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19. The plan consists of policies and checklists which we are more than happy to go through with you to ensure everything is in place. Now more than ever it is important to have your workplace H&S in-line with regulations. 

For the reopening of businesses to be successful, clear communication is key, so let LCE offer you the expert help with a human touch.

For more information please call 051 364 344 or send a mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nolan Farrell and Goff is pleased to announce the appointment of two new partners, Valerie Farrell and Brid Cahill.

Brid joined Nolan Farrell & Goff as a legal executive in 2002. She subsequently trained as a solicitor in the firm, qualified in 2009 and was made an Associate in 2019. Her key strengths are her pragmatic, client focused approach and her ability for dissecting complex matters quickly to achieve favourable resolutions.

Valerie joined the firm in 2006 as a solicitor having trained in Dublin and Waterford. She is a highly effective litigation solicitor and was made an Associate in 2018. Valerie represents large corporations and private individuals as both a prosecutor and defence lawyer in all courts. She has also developed particular expertise in the areas of Employment and Commercial Law. She takes a constructive approach to conflict resolution.

Nolan Farrell and Goff is renowned as one of the largest provincial solicitors’ practices in Ireland with roots which go back to 1914. A long and successful lineage has grown over the years and the practice is proud of its long-standing ties to the local community and the South East region.

A multi-generational firm with strong family connections allows Nolan Farrell and Goff to truly get to know its clients and offer them a continuity in service that combines decades of experience with a progressive and modern approach.

The firm’s client base is varied amongst individual clients and commercial entities. It provides personalised legal and business services to each. Its solicitors stay ahead of the latest economic, social, legal, and political developments which may affect its clients’ interests.

This new addition to the leadership of the firm will reinforce its reputation regionally and nationally, while ensuring its future is in safe hands.

Colm O’Regan is raring to get back on stage after lockdown!

On Friday 28th August, best-selling and critically acclaimed broadcaster, author comedian and, for RTE Comic Relief, Quizmaster Colm O’Regan will take to the stage at Theatre Royal Waterford. Colm is only raring to get back on stage after lockdown! 

Author of six best-selling books including Ann Devine, Bolloxology and the Books of the Irish Mammy – the latest of which is the novel Ann Devine Handle with Care (‘A heart-warming Irish tale provides a much-needed lift in spirits’ Sunday Times ‘very funny’ Irish Times) 

Colin hosts Ireland’s most successful storytelling night the Dublin Story Slam and is resident MC at Inn Jokes, one of Dublin’s longest established Comedy Clubs. 

As a stand-up comedian, he has performed all over the world. His stand-up has also featured on RTÉ’s Late Late Show and on Comedy Central. 

He writes and presents the multi-award winning RTE 1 Radio comedy show Colm O’Regan Wants A Word since 2016. ‘an excellent series presented by the Cork genius’ Irish Independent 

Colm writes a weekly column for the Irish Examiner and also for RTE Radio 1’s Drivetime, BBC World Service’s In The Balance and presented inserts for BBC World News’ Talking Business for three years. 

It is what we have all been waiting for, a night out with friends, a good laugh, and an evening off.  We have it covered in Theatre Royal so you can relax and know that you are in good hands. 

Friday 28th August @8pm

Tickets: €17  & Covid information available on www.theatreroyal.ie

ROB STRONG CELEBRATES 55 YEARS ON THE ROAD! 

Rob is back and he still has that unique distinctive voice that saw him mesmerise audiences all those years ago! 

In the early 1970s nobody in Ireland personified the raw energy of rock and blues music like Rob Strong, one of the most unique voices of the era. The Derry Legend with the sensational blues/soul voice, is celebrating an amazing 55 years on the road this year! His forthcoming biography (available in October 2020) features tributes from many of Ireland’s top musicians with many remarking that Rob has always been world class. 

The magnetic pull of performing LIVE is still every bit as strong for Rob today. After touring Ireland's finest theatres with Don Baker to huge acclaim in 2018, Rob continues to perform in this, his fifty fifth year on the road. Not many artists can claim to have continuously played LIVE for the last six decades!

All in all, with the band playing tunes from the last six decades, a fabulous night out is guaranteed!

Saturday 29th August @ 8pm

Tickets €21 & Covid information available on www.theatreroyal.ie

The 1,400-strong team at the Waterford site of Bausch + Lomb, the eye care division of Bausch Health, continue to support the Waterford community response to COVID-19.

In the early stages of the public health emergency, a team of employees at the site came together to brainstorm how they could work together to make a difference locally. Since then, employees and the company have teamed up to support a range of worthy causes that make a real impact in lives.

Most recently, the ‘Working Together to Make a Difference’ team donated 30 locally-sourced sleeping bags and flasks to the McGwire House Hostel on Bath Street. Niamh Scanlon, a team leader at the hostel, thanked B+L for the support – “We greatly appreciate any donations given to the service. In particular, we want to thank Bausch + Lomb for their recent donation of sleeping bags and flasks. These will be of real direct use in our service delivery. COVID-19 has hit our service users in various ways and any additional help we can provide makes a real difference.”

Earlier in the pandemic, the Charity Committee at Bausch + Lomb donated €10,000 across Oasis House Women’s Refuge; St Brigid’s Family & Community Centre and Waterford Hospice – three charities who continue to provide essential services locally and whose fundraising efforts have been seriously impaired by the crisis.

To help alleviate some of the isolation experienced by nursing home residents who could not have visitors during the most severe lockdown, the children of Bausch + Lomb employees designed and made greeting cards and messages that were distributed at 15 residential care facilities. In addition, the team arranged newspaper deliveries to all local nursing homes with residents particularly enjoying a supplement of nostalgic photos from Waterford through the years.

At Maypark Nursing Home in the city, Perspex/polycarbonate screens donated by the company are now helping safeguard residents during GP or family visits. In addition, the Meals on Wheels service operated by Lady Lane House Retirement Service received wall-mounted hand-sanitising units and a supply of trays for meal deliveries. Internally, Bausch + Lomb ran a programme of children’s activities to help keep younger members of the extended B+L family occupied during the extended school closures.”

Commenting on the activity, Mark Hennessy, Site Lead, Bausch + Lomb Waterford, said: “This really has been an inspiring effort by all of the team in very difficult circumstances. Recognising that there was real need in our local community, people responded generously and creatively – showing the spirit that has made Bausch + Lomb a special place to work over the last 40 years in Waterford. I know that the various groups who have benefited from this effort since March really appreciate the help and we’re glad to be able to support them in their work at the frontline. I would also like to thank our own H.R. & Training department for leading the effort so that we really could come together to make a difference.”

BEFORE - A new play with much music by Pat Kinevane

From the team that brought you Forgotten, Underneath and the Olivier Award-winning Silent, Before is a new play with much music, set in Clery’s of Dublin, on the very day this iconic department store shuts - for good. Pontius is inside, trying to choose a gift for his estranged daughter, whom he hasn’t seen for almost 20 years. He will meet her in an hour. This father’s journey is both beautiful and strange, from the isolation of his Midlands home, to the madness of O’Connell Street. Some folk are impossible to buy for… Before was commissioned by Fishamble and has been in development with the support of the Arts Council, National Theatre Studio (London), Pavilion Theatre, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Georganne Aldrich Heller, Robert Leroy, and The Strollers Touring Network. Fishamble is an Irish theatre company that is passionate about discovering, developing and producing new plays of national importance with a global reach, while championing the role of the playwright.

www.fishamble.com #FishambleBefore #Fishamble

Theatre Royal Waterford on Thursday 13th August.

Starts @ 8 p.m. Tickets:from Box Office or www.theatreroyal.ie

Wednesday: €18.00 / €16.00 conc.

Thursday - SOLD OUT: €18.00 / €16.00 conc.

‘Heal Your Hole’ with Norma Sheahan

Norma Sheahan's hilarious comedy night promises to heal every hole in your life, one laugh at a time. From breaking her coccyx on 'Celebrity Ireland's Fittest Family', to getting fired from a charity helpline for not beating around the bush, Norma's straight-talking approach will heal all orifices. Whether the pain in your hole is physical, mental, spiritual or emotional she has the necessary life-experience to give all holes a good seeing to. As seen in… The Clinic, Bridget & Eamon, Mooneboy, Damo & Ivor, Finding Joy, Women on the Verge, Vagina Monologues, and hanging over the Liffey in Celebrity Ireland's Fittest Family. Plus, much more…. "The Comedy Chops of Norma Sheahan are there in spades…" (The Sunday World) "Sheahan, whose extensive CV includes roles on Bridget & Eamon, Can't Cope Won't Cope, and A Date for Mad Mary, is in danger of stealing the show…" (RTE) 

Theatre Royal Waterford on Friday 14th August. 

Starts @ 8 p.m. Tickets €17/€15 conc. from Box Office or www.theatreroyal.ie

CC Solicitors and Claire Bruton BL have recently produced an informative podcast on the issues surrounding Redundancies, Fair Selection and Equality Issues. Listen to this podcast below and find below an article which supplements the podcast. If you require assistance in relation to a redundancy process and/or selection, please do not hesitate to contact one of the team.

To ensure you maintain a workplace that complies with mandatory measures and is safe for everyone, we’re hosting a free Adjusting to the ‘New Normal’ webinar.

Register here: https://pages.peninsulagrouplimited.com/covid-19-webinar-46172-2020-08-12.html