Education Magazine 35-3

Editor Niall Gormley

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ISSN 0791-6161

4 News: One third of young people in Ireland are considering seeking opportunities abroad

5 News: Trinity Old Library in 2022: A year of great change; Advanced Driving Assistance Systems could prevent a quarter of road crashes

7 News: Dublin Airport North Runway awarded Engineering Endeavour of 2022 accolade; Cork native Mary Hurley is Engineer of the Year; University of Galway launches a European project to enhance women’s role in rural life;

8 News: BLAST residencies extended to 629 schools; Creating ‘digital memories’ for families of children with life threatening conditions

9 News: SEAI energy report shows climate goal targets proving elusive

11 OPINION: Why is the Irish language so widely abused on public signs?

13 Study History and Geography in ATU, Mayo

14 When childcare goes beyond care with Giraffe Childcare

16 FEATURE: Are micro-credentials the future direction of education?

19 News: Award for presentation on the impact of menstrual cycle on athletic performance

20 Career options in healthcare with the School of Nursing and Midwifery UCC

23 Play a part in nurturing Ireland’s future engineering talent

25 News: Personal ‘maps’ of life after prison in Cork city created: Queen’s degree is worth £100k to a graduate; TCD research shows complex reasons for rise in caesarean births

26 Logistics Associate Apprenticeship - a career in getting things moving

28 Jones Engineering - Graduate and Apprenticeship Programmes

30 ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme

34 FRONT COVER: Engineering Design and Innovation at Munster Technological University

44 Looking for adventure? Looking for a challenge? The Irish Naval Service is recruiting now

48 Food Village - the new innovative student meal solution

51 Research News: Loneliness increases risk of premature death for those with cardiovascular disease: Key genes linked to successful racehorses identified by international team

53 Apply now to study at Monaghan Institute in September 2023

55 Whitehall College - Education for All

57 Green News: Research helps shine a light on future sea levels; MTU Researchers Develop Automated Energy Management Platform: Trinity joins alliance committed to reversing biodiversity decline

58 Liberties College - A well deserved reputation

60 Louth & Meath ETB launches AMTCE FET Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project

62 Sallynoggin College - expanding students’ horizons through the Erasmus Programme

65 Green News: €26m for energy efficiency and towards decarbonisation in higher education; Ireland’s energy-related CO2 emissions heading in wrong direction

66 Reviews - recently published books

Evin Coughlan, Mechanical Engineering, Munster Technological University World Skills Ireland Finals RDS Dublin 2022 First Place CAD Award Winner prepared under the tutelage of Lecturer Dan O’Brien Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Manufacturing Engineering, MTU (with

World Skills Ireland guidance and support from Ray O’Mahony, Technical Manager, Symetri Ireland and in MTU from Niall Morris, Head of Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Manufacturing Engineering, Michael Hourihan, Head of Centre of Craft Studies and Lecturer Tim O’Halloran)

One third of young people in Ireland are considering seeking opportunities abroad

ALMOST a third of young people in Ireland are considering seeking opportunities abroad in the next five years, according to new research commissioned by the Jameson International Graduate Programme.

The desire to travel is cited as one of the main motivators to move abroad. The research also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit evident among young people with just under 1 in 3 young people stating that they have a side business of their own, with finance, marketing, technology, content creation and advertising featuring among the business areas cited.

New working expectations

The research also highlights changing expectations when it comes to ways of working. Hybrid working is now a critical factor for young people when considering a role. Three in four deem hybrid working

to be important, which rises to over four in five among those who are considering moving overseas.

Last autumn a poll for the National Youth Council of Ireland found that two thirds of young people would consider living abroad for cost of living reasons.

Push factors

The CSO's Pulse Survey: Our Lives, Our Money released in December revealed a range of issues concerning young people. In this survey more than 57% of respondents aged 18 to 29 said they would consider emigrating to lower their cost of living.

Younger adults were concerned they couldn't afford to start a family, with nearly three in ten (29%) of 18-29 year olds citing this concern. Those considering emigrating to lower their cost of living was similarly high among renters (43%).

Commenting on the survey results, Aoife

O’Neill, Statistician in the CSO's Social Data Collection division said: "More than half or 56% of respondents to the ‘Our Lives Our Money’ CSO Pulse Survey said they are very concerned with the current cost of living. When asked what they are most worried about, 76% said utility costs are of greatest concern. Other areas of concern respondents highlighted from a maximum choice of three include healthcare (30%), no savings or pension (31%), credit card loan (19%), and mortgage/rent (24%)."

Housing knock-on effects

In December The Irish Times published a story highlighting the problems schools in the Dublin area are having recruiting teachers due to the lack of availability and the cost of housing in the capital. School principals are reporting a drop in applications for vacant posts and the consequent workload increase for teachers.

WISE stands for Water Insight, Safety & Education and has been developed specially for Transition Year Secondary School students to provide a solid introduction to Water Safety. It’s designed to equip students with the knowledge they need to keep themselves, and others, safe on, or near, water.

All teachings resources are free, so get your students involved and help them get WISE to water safety

EVERY TEACHER KNOWS, SMART THINKING CAN SET YOU UP FOR LIFE. THE DIFFERENCE WITH WISE IS THAT THESE SMARTS CAN SAVE A LIFE.

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A range of surveys showing push and pull factors for young people thinking of leaving Ireland

Trinity Old Library in 2022: A year of great change

2022 will be a year to remember for the Library of Trinity College Dublin. The monumental task of decanting the Library collections began last spring as part of the Old Library Redevelopment Project.

All of the Library’s Research Collections housed in the Old Library are being transferred to special storage.

This means removing 350,000 Early Printed books and a total of 700,000 collec-

tion items as part of the Library collections. Readers will continue to have access to all material in an Interim Research Collections Study Centre during the lifetime of the building conservation project.

The first book to be decanted was a 19th century publication, ‘Reeves’ History of the English law: from the time of the Romans to the end of the reign of Elizabeth’ and many more have followed.

Advanced Driving Assistance Systems could prevent a quarter of all road crashes

INSTALLING Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on all cars in Britain could reduce car crashes by 24%, researchers in Ireland and Luxembourg have found.

The researchers from Lero, the SFI Research Centre for Software at University of Limerick and Motion-S, Luxembourg, also found Automatic Emergency Braking is the most impactful technology, reducing three out of the four most frequent accident categories – intersection (by 28%), rear-end (by 27.7%), and pedestrian accidents (by 28.4%).

The research team believe similar outcomes and results could be achieved on roads in

Ireland.

Based on publicly-available road safety reports from Britain for 2019, the research team estimates that a full deployment of ADAS would reduce accident frequency in the UK by 23.8%, thus representing an annual decrease of around 19,000 accidents.

Existing research shows that connected and automated vehicles are expected to improve road safety substantially, including reducing accident frequency and severity.

According to the American Automobile Association, as of May 2018, 92.7% of new vehicles in the United States have at least one ADAS.

Members of the Old Library team with Minister Malcolm Noonan, Provost Dr Linda Doyle and Librarian Helen Shenton.

Dublin Airport North Runway awarded Engineering Endeavour of 2022 accolade

DUBLIN Airport North Runway, the first international runway constructed in Ireland in over 30 years, has been awarded the prestigious title of Engineering Endeavour of 2022 by Engineers Ireland.

Delivered by an international project team, the North Runway was chosen by the public and members of Engineers Ireland as the top engineering project of 2022 having featured in Engineers Ireland’s Engineering Excellence Digital Series, held in association with ESB, and following an online vote.

The development of North Runway, considered one of Ireland’s largest infrastructure projects, involved the building and installation of over 340,000m2 of new runway and taxiways, 6km of internal airport roads, 425km of electrical cable and 2,500 runway and taxiway lights.

The industry-leading decision

to continuously consider whole life costs throughout the project also ensures that North Runway can be operated and maintained in the most efficient and reliable manner, providing a long-term, resilient asset and a safe working environment for operators on a day-to-day basis.

Cork native Mary Hurley is Engineer of the Year

North Runway will play an important role in Dublin’s growing position as a hub for travel between Europe and North America, with the potential to increase connectivity across all regions.

According to daa, the runway will also support the creation of 31,200 new jobs and €2.2 billion in additional economic activity in the coming years.

President of University of Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and FLIARA project Lead Associate Professor Maura Farrell. Credit – Aengus McMahon

Cork native Mary Hurley has been awarded the prestigious title of Engineer of the Year by Engineers Ireland, the professional membership body for engineers. The UCC Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate was awarded the

accolade by Engineers Ireland in recognition of the impact and contribution of her work on communities throughout Ireland. Mary is a Major Linear Infrastructure Project Manager with engineering consultancy firm Arup.

Inflatable Water Park Kayaks SUP Boarding Banana Boad Pedal Boat Aqua Splash is a water based activity zone centred in Dromineer on Lough Derg. Our water activities are suitable for all ages, families, groups and individuals.

UNIVERSITY of Galway is to lead a new research project running across 10 countries in Europe focusing on enhancing the role of women in agriculture, rural life and affairs.

The Horizon Europe project, FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) proposes a unique and innova-

tive approach to improve understanding, awareness and recognition of women’s role in a more sustainable rural future, as well as developing more effective policy and governance frameworks that can support and enhance the capacity of women who live and work in these areas to contribute to it.

University of Galway launches a European project to enhance women’s role in rural life

BLAST residencies extended to 629 schools

THE Government has announced the awarding of BLAST residencies to 629 schools in 2022-2023, the second year of the BLAST (Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers) programme.

This is a increase from the 489 primary and post-primary schools that took part in the programme in its first year.

BLAST aims to provide pupils in primary and post-primary schools all over the country, time and the space to work with a professional artist trained within the Teacher Artist Partnership (TAP) scheme, on creative, imaginative and fun projects.

Making the announcements Education Minister Norma Foley also welcomed the creation of an additional 21 Creative

Clusters for 2022-2024, comprising a further 77 primary and post-primary schools.

Under this scheme to support schools to build capacity in creativity, schools in each cluster will enjoy access to a specialist facilitator or artist, or creative expertise in whatever their chosen area of interest or theme might be. A cluster may receive up to €15,000 funding to help with their plans and ideas in 2022-2024.

threatening conditions

PROFESSOR Veronica Lambert of Dublin City University has received Health Research Board (HRB) funding for a new project to create digital memories for families of children receiving palliative care at home.

The funding for Prof Lambert, who is Professor of DCU's Children and Family Nursing and Head of School, has been awarded under the HRB's Applied Partnership Awards, which aim to bring knowledge users and researchers together at the start of a project.

The scheme is part of the HRB's objective of supporting health and social care research that makes a real difference to people's lives and is taking place in partnership with Barretstown.

"We will work with Barretstown's Children's Charity who deliver recreation therapy to children with palliative care needs in an atmosphere of fun," said Prof. Lambert.

"This will help us to understand, agree and make any changes needed to use digital storytelling in Ireland, and we will evaluate any potential benefits to families, such as how they connect and communicate, create memories, and prepare for death."

This research will support children needing palliative care to record their life stories, plan for end-of-life with their families and provide support when the family is bereaved. "We will do this by making changes to a way of supporting children to tell their story and record it digitally similarly to how it has been used in the United States," said Prof. Lambert.

There are a growing number of children in Ireland, and globally, that require palliative care as with better treatment and care, children are surviving longer than they did in the past. Currently, in Ireland, there is a lack of support for children with palliative care needs to record their memories and of early bereavement support for their families.

It is expected that the research collaboration will begin in March or April 2023.

Creating ‘digital memories’ for families of children with life

SEAI energy report shows climate goal targets proving elusive

SEAI's annual energy report shows that Ireland has an uphill task meeting the climate and emissions goals. The state has committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 4.8% per annum from 2021- 2025 under the first carbon budget, energy related emissions were instead up 5.4% in 2021. They are now back at the same level as 2019 after a reduction due to COVID.

2021 and 2022 Highlights

Emissions

• Although, Ireland has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 4.8% per annum from 2021- 2025 under the first carbon budget, energy related emissions were instead up 5.4% in 2021.

• Provisional data from monthly surveys indicate that energy related emissions will increase by a further 6% in 2022.

• A rebound in car use after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions is a significant contributor to Ireland’s increased emissions.

• The 35.5 MtCO2 of energyrelated CO2 (including international aviation) accounts for over half of all GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland.

• Due to a low wind year for renewable generation in 2021, we used more coal and oil for electricity generation, which increased the carbon intensity of our electricity by 12.5%

Transport

• Energy demand for transport rose by 7.1% from its significant suppression in 2020.

• Provisional data from monthly surveys indicate that energy demand for transport will rebound more fully in 2022 by up to 18%, returning us to roughly pre-COVID levels.

• The transport sector emitted 12.0 MtCO2 in 2021 and

accounted for 34% of Ireland’s total energy emissions.

• Transport remained the most carbon intensive demand sector, with 95.5% of transport energy demand coming from fossil fuels in 2021

• Private car use is by far the largest transport sub-sector accounting for 43% of all transport energy demand in 2021

Residential

• The residential sector emitted 9.8 MtCO2 in 2021, which was 27.5% of Ireland’s total energy emissions

• Oil remains the dominant source of residential energy demand in 2021, and accounted for 41% of all home energy use, followed by electricity at 25% and gas at 19%.

Business

Ireland’s business activities consist of our industry sector, which emitted 6.2 MtCO2 in 2021, and our commercial and public services sector, which emitted 6.3 MtCO2.

• Together, the industry and services sectors accounted for 34.9% of Ireland’s energy demand in 2021.

• The ICT sub-sector, which includes datacentres, accounted for 3.9% of Ireland’s total energy demand, and 16.5% of its electricity demand in 2021.

• Energy demand in the ICT sub-sector increased by 17.9% in 2021.

Why is the Irish language so widely abused on public signs?

THERE is a road in my locality which is called 'the thinking road'. It makes no sense, but that is what the sign on the road means.

A roadwork sign cautions me to look 'at correct'. Should I look at something correctly? Have I been looking at something wrong all this time?

Road markings outside primary schools all over the country, were misspelt in several places. Only in Irish though.

Imagine the embarrassment trying to explain to my Italian neighbour that ‘Gaeilge tbc’ is not actually the Irish for the Physiotherapy unit where he works.

Glaring blunders

There is a Facebook page, Gaeilge Dána, the name of which is itself a clever play on words. It is ‘a home for photographs of all those badly translated public signs that seem to be so prevalent here in Ireland.’ We see well-meaning attempts at translation in supermarkets result in glaring blunders such as ‘Reoite glasraí’, ‘earraí baininscineacha’ and other such nonsense.

Has misspelling signage in the official language of the country become a national pastime? Why does it happen with such frequency? Is it carelessness or ignorance? Is it arrogance? Or might it be a postcolonial hang-up? Who cares about the meaning of the Irish? Sure hardly anyone understands it anyway.

It is common practice to spellcheck the written word. However, it seems that the standard practice for the Irish language is to simply use Google Translate and hope for the best. It should be noted though, that despite much effort, Google Translate does not necessarily provide the correct spelling, syntax or meaning when it comes to Irish.

Translation is the communication

By Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir

Is léachtóir le hOideachas í Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir, ar an Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe

of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. It's the choosing of appropriate terms and words in order not to annihilate the original meaning. Translation needs to be undertaken with care and attention to detail, and as with all translation, the meaning or sense of translated words should be equivalent in both languages.

Translating anglisations

Take place-names for example. Instead of translating, we merely have English phonetic spelling of the Irish place-names all over the country. Anglicised versions of place-names were recorded when map making began in the early 19th century. Understanding the landscape informs us who we are and where we have come from. Understanding the Irish language, to paraphrase Seamus Heaney, is to understand what life in this country has meant and could mean in a better future. It is a way of being at home.

Cloonmore, Blyry, Cappaghtaggle and Knock are all nonsense spelling of Irish sounds, and all that rich and subtle meaning is lost to the population.

Today, the problem is compounded by attempted translations back to Irish, without any care or attention to detail, history, or local knowledge. We are left with entirely contorted versions of the original Irish! It actually just makes a nonsense of both languages. Is it any wonder it makes no sense to people?

Have a close look at our national signage. Have you noticed that all road signs on the major networks across the country have the English word in large, straight capitals and that the Irish language, correct or not, is displayed in smaller, italicised letters? We have given a second, inferior place to our national language, to our

selves.

When misspelling occurs, the entire meaning of the word can change. The transposition of letters, throwing in a fada here and there, sprinkling a séimhiú willy nilly like a cake decoration over the sentence, all seem to be acceptable practice. In Irish, there is a system and there are rules, as there are in every other language.

Spelling matters! Simple proofreading could save us from other bungled attempts such as ‘abahile’ and ‘beolach isteach’ and ‘seomra té’.

‘at least they made an effort!’

A gentle word, not even a complaint, about the misspelling of Irish on a sign can result in the removal of the sign rather than the correction of it. A comment often elicits responses such as ‘well, sure, it’s up now’ or ‘at least they made an effort!’ Is that it?

Is it enough to make an effort? We don’t generally accept misspelling in English. Why do we accept it in Irish? Where has this attitude come from? Are we just not bothered?

In the Government's 20 year strategy for the Irish language, one of the aims is to ‘ensure that Irish becomes more visible in our society (…) in areas such as signage and literature.’

We are celebrating the centenary year of the foundation of the state.

Irish is our official language. It is the repository of our history, our heritage, our essence. It deserves our attention and our care.

As for the thinking road, a little clarification. An cheapach is a plot of land used for tillage. This word ‘an cheapach’ is transformed to Cappagh in many areas around the country.

Bóthar na Ceapaí is the road by the tillage plot. That makes sense, geographically, logically, historically. In my locality, the Irish road sign reads Bóthar a’Cheapadh. A road is thinking. Does anyone care?

Carelessness, ignorance and arrogance mean that badly translated and misspelled Irish language signs have become the norm up and down the country

"Today, the problem is compounded by attempted translations back to Irish, without any care or attention to detail, history, or local knowledge. We are left with entirely contorted versions of the original Irish!"

Study History and Geography in ATU, Mayo

FOR students interested in history, geography, archaeology and wildlife, the BA (Hons) in History & Geography in ATU’s Mayo Campus offers the opportunity to study an area they love while preparing for a career afterwards. The programme combines classroom-based and fieldwork activities to give students a diverse and varied experience that is both academic and hands-on.

Students of the programme study a range of modules including History (European, Irish, Local, Genealogy); Folklore; Physical and Human Geography; Natural Environment and Ecology; Archaeology (Prehistoric and Medieval) and Tourism.

Work experience

Students undertake work experience as part of their studies. Programme Chair Dr Fiona White observes: "the work experience component provides our students with valuable practical experience, in addition to allowing them to build relevant industry contacts".

Graduates can proceed to a range

of interesting careers using the knowledge and skills gained during their studies.

These include work in environmental conservation, rural and community development, museums, archaeology, tourism and libraries.

Post-grad options

Graduates who wish to become teachers of history and geography may apply for the Professional Master of Education programme. Many graduates of the programme have gone on to complete postgraduate studies at masters and doctoral level.

Dr White notes: "This programme may be of interest to those who do not meet the language requirements to study arts in other colleges. There is no requirement for students applying for the History & Geography to have studied a foreign language".

Liam Loftus is a graduate of the programme and now works as Corncrake Officer for west Connacht. He remarks: "I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in get-

ting a better understanding of natural and cultural environments at both a national and international level. I have found my degree to be a great benefit to finding work both at home and abroad".

There are three routes to studying this programme at Level 6 (AU490), Level 7 (AU591) and Level 8 (AU694), with progression between levels possible.

Contact fiona.white@atu.ie for further details.

"The work experience component provides our students with valuable practical experience"

Childcare Practitionersa valued role

THE role childcare practitioners play in a child’s life often creates a lifetime of happy and fond memories. These formative years are a key time in a child’s life and are so important to a young child’s development and set the foundations for future learning and development.

For many children this can be their first experience of being cared for outside the home and family and the learning and developmental opportunities can be very different to those at home. The focus is on supporting the child’s emotional development, social skills, self-regulation, expressive and receptive language skills - all of which is done through play, and positive social interactions between children and the adults in their lives.

It is important that childcare practitioners understand the value in what they do. Over the last 20 years this role has changed and evolved as the perception of childcare practitioners was often undervalued in many respects.

However, through further education, professionalisation of the role, best practice approaches and mentoring in staff, along with continuous investment in the sector the perception of the childcare sector as a whole has changed and is continuing to evolve. The role is now given the: recognition it deserves and commands respect as being key to

supporting and fostering children’s natural curiosity and lover of learning.

First 5 is the Government’s strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. Part of this plan is to invest and develop the Early Learning and Care system with significant investment in staff development and professionalisation along with a range of initiatives to support quality development in the sector which includes for example:

• the integration of curriculum programmes such as Aistear across primary school which children are first introduced to in preschool

• programmes like the national quality framework Síolta

• Siolta Awards which gives acknowledgement and recognition to the childcare teams

• Inclusion programmes - pilot programmes that were put in place to support young children for speech and language and occupational therapy that are in place across some childcare facilities

Considering your career, promotion and development

There are many different types of childcare settings out there – some community based, sessional care and

others that offer fulltime care. Childcare providers are encouraged as employers to breathe life into their teams and encourage them to see their role more than just a job. It is a vocation and a and it is important that society acknowledges the importance that they play in the lives of our youngest citizens.

“In Giraffe Childcare, we truly value our team” says Tom Cannon, HR Manager at Giraffe Childcare, “we always encourage our employees at interview stage to take into consideration what they envision their career to look like. What they want to achieve for themselves and how the organisation can support them to achieve it."

Ensuring that the organisation that you work with matches your core values is essential in helping you grow professionally as well as personally. The role of childcare practitioner can lead you into many different avenues. With the right supports, foresight and open relationship with your employer there is always opportunity to grow.

In Giraffe Childcare we have seen many of our team develop into many different roles such as supporting the care teams through special needs roles such as LINC co-ordinators and curriculum co-ordinators or grow into alternative career paths such as centre management, Health and

"The role is now given the: recognition it deserves and commands respect as being key to supporting and fostering children’s natural curiosity and lover of learning."

"We always encourage our employees at interview stage to take into consideration what they envision their career to look like"

Safety, Human Resources or parent support.

In Giraffe Childcare, the ethos is to promote and develop from within and to nurture our talented teams. Almost 97% of our management team began their careers in care rooms and others have taken their careers in a different direction such as Centre Support roles like Health and Safety, Human Resources and Recruitment.

We have a trainee management programme in place to assist employee growth and development and are continuously investing in training and development. We work very closely with our teams to help identify training requirements, nurturing skillsets and development of professional interests.

However, developing your team goes beyond career opportunities it is about embedding team appreciation, motivation and wellbeing across the organisational culture. Encouraging our parents and children to get involved in these types of activities is important to us in Giraffe. Regularly, we ask parents to complete a staff appreciation card. It is a great opportunity to acknowledge the great work that is carried out across the centres.

Looking after your team Annually, Giraffe Childcare host a Love Your Team Week event across all 21 centres. The ethos of this week goes beyond one week of the year. It is felt throughout the organisation every day thereafter but by naming it we keep our team in the forefront of our minds.

“It is a fantastic week; we celebrate all things staff related,” says Tom. “During this week, we encourage our centre management teams to take time to take stock and review the role each team member plays and the unique value that they bring to their centre, both to the children and to the team. Our teams are fantastic in what they do. Understanding the unique role that they play in a young child’s life is essential when working in this sector.”

“The personality traits and the emotional intelligence that is required to feel, understand and develop relationships with young children are special. Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is not always easy and we as natural carers must be able to do this. However, in order for, this to happen we must feel respected and cared for. That is why these initiatives are so important. “

An environment where children

are nurtured and loved, excited and encouraged is where they will flourish most.

In order for our staff to do this they to must feel valued, their wellbeing must also be looked after and the environment in which they work in must also be a positive, caring nurturing environment where they feel valued and can develop, grow and be excited by what they do!

As with any career, there can be moments of difficulty or stress especially when we are caring for others. It is important that we empower our teams practice selfcare. We again

"We have a trainee management programme in place to assist employee growth and development and are continuously investing in training and development"

stress the importance of staff wellbeing through monthly staff bulletins and celebrating wellbeing week which coincidence with national wellbeing day. Each of our team members partake in wellbeing training supports that are offered to our childcare care teams and management teams.

The core ethos in a childcare is to provide care, nurture and grow. That is all we want for the children in our care is to reach their full potential. These same values and ethos are applied to everyone in our Childcare Team.

Are micro-credentials the future direction of education systems?

The education world internationally is abuzz with the arrival of micro-credential courses and qualifications. With the EU's seal of approval last June, MicroCreds have added momentum. But what are they and will they change education for good? Niall Gormley has a look.

EDUCATION systems have come in for criticism across the world for their focus on exams and rote learning, their lack of contact with the broader economy and the slow pace of reform.

Educators are now operating in an online world where there is more information available than ever before and yet, paradoxically, it is difficult for learners to get the right information and to then prove they have it.

Big formal programmes, like the Leaving Cert, are easy to criticise. They are designed for mass education with some wriggle room and it's obvious that we can't have an individual Leaving Cert for each student.

We wouldn't, for example, calculate the average weekly supermarket shop and then deliver the same basket of goods to each home. It makes more sense to let the shopper fill their own basket.

Learner centred

There is also the important reality that we're never really finished education because the world is constantly changing. We thus have ideas like life-long learning and continuous professional development.

It is into this mix that MicroCredentials have arrived. MicroCreds, for short, are small qualifications based on short, specific courses that individuals can use to extend their skills, to take on new roles. What makes these courses so useful is that they have formal accredited course contents, with formal learner goals and that they are

recognised and will earn the learners ECTS (See side panel on ECTS). They are like mini degrees with the quality assurance to give them kudos.

Definition of Micro-Credentials

“A micro-credential is the record of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a small volume of learning. These learning outcomes have been assessed against transparent and clearly defined standards.

"Courses leading to micro-credentials are designed to provide the learner with specific knowledge, skills and competencies that respond to societal, personal, cultural or labour market needs.

"Micro-credentials are owned by the learner, can be shared and are portable. They may be standalone or combined into larger credentials. They are underpinned by quality assurance following agreed standards in the relevant sector or area of activity.”

(EU Council Recommendation on a European Approach to Microcredentials, June 2022)

MicroCreds in Ireland

Ireland is aiming to be the first country in Europe to develop a National Framework for quality assured and accredited micro-credentials. The MicroCreds Project in Ireland is led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and involves a €12.3m spend from 2020 to 2025.

Seven universities have been developing MicroCred courses over the past couple of years: UCD, UCC,

"It allows the learner to take control of her own professional journey, to learn at their own pace, to learn the things that they want to learn in their own time in their own way

UL, DCU, TCD, University of Galway, and Maynooth University. Other colleges and organisations are also developing micro-credential courses.

"There are many benefits for learners in terms of micro-credentials. It allows the learner to take control of their own professional journey, to learn at their own pace, to learn the things that they want to learn in their own time in their own way," said Dr Lynn Ramsey, Program Lead for MicroCreds at the IUA.

"It could be entirely online experience, it could be a blended experience or it could be an in-person experience, depending on the nature of the skill or the type of industry we're talking about."

Changes at work

Micro-credential qualifications are also aimed at helping people at work build out their expertise and qualifications, particularly as new trends emerge. For example, many managers might want to improve their knowledge of the issues around climate change and the impact it has on their business activities.

Tony Donoghoe, Chair, Expert Group on Future Skills Needs says that MicroCreds will be an invaluable asset to the world of work.

"Employees are developing in a constantly changing workplace. The requirements of business change frequently, and for the employee, that means constant reskilling, either adaption of existing roles or new jobs which haven’t been thought of before.

"So the world of work changes at

a very fast rate and micro credentials enables employees to upskill to meet those challenges."

The IUA has listed the main projected benefits for enterprise:

• Close skills gaps and improve enterprise productivity

• Meet emerging enterprise needs and trends

• Aid career development and progression for employees

• Expand existing training/ professional development programmes

• Enhance staff retention and improve recruitment

• Address pandemic related job impacts or other socio-economic shifts

Does it stack up?

MicroCreds will earn their learners ECTS credits and thus will be portable and provable. They may also be stacked up to make a bigger, broader qualification.

In order that there will be widespread recognition of these MicroCred qualifications, in June 2022, the Council of the European Union adopted a Recommendation on a European approach to microcredentials for lifelong learning and employability. The Recommendation seeks to support the development, implementation and recognition of micro-credentials across institutions, businesses, sectors and borders.

This broader idea is similar to the QQI's development of minor awards in the National Framework of Qualifications which can be combined to make a major award. Indeed,

many of these minor award modules may be regarded as micro-credentials. The QQI made submissions to the European process.

A micro or macro future

So far mainstream education is relatively unaffected by the move towards MicroCreds.

Is it possible that micro could replace macro, that instead of attending university for a number of years, a learner might go into a kind of apprenticeship and build up microcredentials over the years?

In this scenario there are fears that education will be further warped by the pull of commerce where learners will only get the bare minimum needed to do the job instead of a rounded education.

Concerns too that providers will stop offering broad courses and the finances of third level institutions will be undermined.

There's no doubt that there's a ferment in approaches to education. Apprenticeships and traineeships have re-emerged as education options, the latter akin to MicroCreds in their short course, focused content.

Online education is now a reality with blended learning a preference in many courses, so physical location is not as important as it once was.

What is clear is that competencies can be broken down into their component parts and that qualifications can and must be added as careers progress. Micro-credentials have the potential to fill this role in the education system and beyond.

What is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System?

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a tool of the European Higher Education Area for making studies and courses more transparent. It helps students to move between countries and to have their academic qualifications and study periods abroad recognised.

ECTS allows credits taken at one higher education institution to be counted towards a qualification studied for at another. ECTS credits represent learning based on defined learning outcomes and their associated workload.

ECTS enhances the flexibility of study programmes for students. It also supports the planning, delivery and evaluation of higher education programmes. It is a central tool in the Bologna Process, which aims to make national education systems more comparable internationally. ECTS also helps make other documents, such as the Diploma Supplement, clearer and easier to use in different countries.

ECTS has been adopted by most of the countries in the European Higher Education Area as the national credit system and is increasingly used elsewhere.

Why is ECTS needed?

Differences between national higher education systems can lead to problems concerning the recognition of qualifications and mobility periods abroad. This issue is addressed in part by enhancing the comprehension of the learning outcomes and workload of programmes of study.

ECTS also makes it possible to blend different learning styles, such as university and work-based learning, within the same programme of study or through lifelong learning.

How does it work?

60 ECTS credits are the equivalent of a full year of study or work. In a standard academic year, these credits are usually broken down into several smaller modules. A typical 'short cycle qualification' typically includes 90-120 ECTS credits. A ‘first cycle’ (or bachelor's) degree consists of either 180 or 240 ECTS credits.

Usually a ‘second cycle’ (or master's) degree equates to 90 or 120 ECTS credits. The use of the ECTS at the ‘third cycle’, or Ph.D. level, varies.

ECTS is applied to support student mobility between higher education institutions. The course catalogues, Learning Agreements and Transcripts of Records help the recognition and transfer of credits earned by students during a mobility period abroad. The ECTS Users' Guide describes the system and how it is used in greater detail.

Award for presentation on the impact of menstrual cycle on athletic performance

SCIENCE graduate Colette Collins has won a national award, the “2022 SURE Network Award for Best Oral Presentation”, at this year’s Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Network Conference for her research presentation entitled, 'Exploring the relationship between the menstrual cycle and markers of physical performance in intercounty Ladies Gaelic Football player'.

For the study, 20 inter-county players were recruited during the pre-season training phase. All players completed a detailed online survey. Two distinct phases of the menstrual cycle were subsequently identified, the early follicular phase (day 1-5) and the mid-luteal phase (20-25).

Over the next month, the participants were tested during these two phases, via a 20m sprint test and a maximal jump height test. Overall, the participants had a significantly slower sprint time in the early

follicular phase in comparison to the midluteal phase with no difference in jump height observed.

“Qualitatively, all players reported experiencing menstrual cycle symptoms and 50% believed that these symptoms affected their playing performance,” says Colette, an Atlantic Technological University graduate.

“In addition, the qualitative survey analysis highlighted the lack of player awareness or understanding of the potential impact of the menstrual cycle on sport. Furthermore, despite the prevalence of symptoms, only 15% of players had previously discussed this issue with their coach.

“Completing this research was an eye opener from start to finish”, she says. “The taboo surrounding the menstrual cycle is still evidently present in today’s society at all levels in sport. A huge thank you to my supervisor Dr Siobhan Leahy for her help and guidance throughout this process”.

Career options in healthcare School of Nursing and Midwifery

THE School of Nursing and Midwifery in University College Cork offers a wide range of programmes for enthusiastic and caring people interested in a career in the health services.

Now, more than ever before, we all understand why a well-educated, professional health care workforce is so critical to the health and wellbeing of all our society.

We have a range of undergraduate honours degree programmes including:

■ Childrens and General Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck712/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 554

■ Midwifery www.ucc.ie/en/ck740/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 495

■ General Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck710/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 464

■ Mental Health Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck720/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 464

■ Intellectual Disability Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck730/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 419

"Qualified nurses and midwives work in all settings from the acute hospital to a variety of settings in the community and primary care, as well as roles in management, education, industry, and research"

All our courses are at BSc (Hons) level 8 and include registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Students undertake clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, and community settings throughout the 4/5 years of the programmes. In the final year students undergo an extended placement as an ‘intern’ where they become part of the paid healthcare workforce.

Interests and specialisations

As a qualified nurse or midwife, you may choose to continue your interests and specialisations by choosing a Postgraduate Programme. The career options available are endless. Qualified nurses and midwives work in all settings from the acute hospital to a variety of settings in the community and primary care, as well as roles in management, education, industry, and research.

As a School we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are working hard to encourage greater diversity among applicants to our programmes. For example, we are actively encouraging more men to consider entering our undergraduate programmes

We are very proud of our modern School and what it has to offer. One such example is the state-of-the-art

healthcare with the Midwifery UCC

Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre.

In this centre our students can practice skills on hifidelity mannequins in a safe but very realistic ‘clinical’ environment. Have a look at the video online to see more at https://youtu.be/KpTnHzV7vQI

More information

You should find all the information you need to help you make decisions about rewarding careers in Nursing and in Midwifery, and all the information about our various courses and course options on our website at www.ucc.ie/en/nursingmidwifery/study/undergrad/ but if there are any questions you have, that are not addressed, please feel free to drop us an email to nursing.studies@ucc.ie.

On the website you will also find information about entry requirements for our programmes, videos showing you our facilities and testimonies from our students and past graduates.

"We are very proud of our modern School and what it has to offer. One such example is the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre"

Facts about the School of Nursing and Midwifery UCC

■ Ranked 41st in the 2022 Global QS rankings for 'Nursing' as a subject. Ranked as the top School of Nursing in Ireland, and the top ranked subject in UCC.

■ Over 1,300 students are registered on 26 programmes with opportunities for nurses and midwives to study for undergraduate, postgraduate, masters and doctoral level qualifications.

■ For the past four years, 95-100% of our nursing and midwifery graduates are in employment and/or engaging in further study.

■ A strong and increasing track record in attaining research funding.

■ Seven internationally connected active research clusters producing a consistent scholarly output of over 100 publications per annum.

■ Students and staff who regularly win national awards for their work.

■ An ERASMUS programme of placements within the European Union for undergraduate students.

■ International students from the wider EU and beyond for example US, Brunei, Malaysia, Nigeria, India, China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Philippines, and Lebanon.

■ The support of a dynamic and enthusiastic team who facilitate the education and support of students and engage in futureorientated person-centred research.

■ Students experience exceptional teaching resources including a world-class Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre located in our Brookfield Health Sciences Complex.

STEPS Engineers Week, run by the Engineers Ireland STEPS programme, gives children the opportunity to discover engineering, facilitated by their teachers, parents and local community.

Download our free primary and secondary school engineering resources, and:

Explore sustainability through the Sustainable Engineering Challenge Discover more about the engineering found in our Irish Heritage sites

Learn about engineering from our STEM Stories reading and film lists and access 30+ more resources, available to download from early 2023.

Learn how you can get involved and access free resources here: www.engineersireland.ie/Schools/Engineers-Week

Play a part in nurturing Ireland’s future engineering talent

AT Engineers Ireland, we believe that Ireland’s youth will play a key role in pushing the boundaries of innovation to protect and enhance our environment and society.

Students, who are currently sitting in primary and secondary schools across Ireland, will become our future engineering graduates. They will join our innovative and creative engineering community and will play a vital role in the successful delivery of ambitious infrastructural and technological initiatives, and our continued transition to a low-carbon and resilient society.

However, in order to support students to play their part in achieving our climate goals and to develop creative solutions for society, educators, engineering organisations and third-level institutions must work together to inspire and empower this next generation of innovators to pursue a career in engineering.

Inspiring future engineering talent

Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme, which is the only national full-time STEM outreach programme with a focus on engineering, plays a key role in inspiring future generations of engineers by supporting teachers, industry and community leaders to engage with primary and

secondary school pupils through a portfolio of projects.

In 2022, over 170,000 children directly interacted with the programme — an achievement made possible because of the dedication and commitment of teachers and volunteers from industry, academia and the wider engineering community nationwide.

Our goal is to ensure that all children across Ireland are given the opportunity to experience the creative and dynamic world of engineering.

Providing opportunities to discover engineering

STEPS Engineers Week provides children with the opportunity to discover engineering, facilitated by their teachers, parents and the local community by engaging in fun activities, online events and much more.

Engagement in the classroom is an essential component of the weeklong campaign, and with STEPS Engineers Week 2023 now on the horizon and taking place from 4–10 March 2023, we are encouraging teachers to open their doors and timetables and utilise the fantastic, free resources that are available for primary and secondary school children.

"With the support of engineering professionals, educators and community leaders, our goal is to ensure all children across Ireland are given the opportunity to experience the creative and dynamic world of engineering"

Fun, free resources for the classroom

From engineering challenge packs to sustainability challenges, quizzes, and more students and teachers can access free to download resources in both English and Irish. Additionally, in early February, educators will also have the opportunity to sign-up for free, on-demand virtual engineering shows.

In addition to resources and interactive shows, secondary school teachers can also utilise free engineering mini-series, including Engineers Ireland’s Engineering Excellence Digital Series.

Held in association with ESB, this five-part video series showcases Ireland’s talented engineers and how they play a pivotal role in connecting communities, supporting development, and driving economic growth.

Inspire, empower and engage

With the support of engineering professionals, educators and community leaders, our goal is to ensure all children across Ireland are given the opportunity to experience the creative and dynamic world of engineering and we hope you can join us from 4 – 10 March 2023.

For more information, visit: www.engineersireland.ie/schools

Education & Training Boards are celebrating 10 years since their establishment as Ireland’s leading statutory providers of Education and Training. ETBs are unique in providing lifelong learning for all.

The 16 ETBs have responsibility for 27 Community National Schools and 250 Post Primary Schools with over 117,000 students and are the largest provider of education through the medium of Irish at Post Primary level with 48 schools. ETBs also play a central role in the delivery of apprenticeships and traineeships in partnership with employers

deliver Further Education and Training to over 200,000 learners in over 560 FET locations.

Personal ‘maps’ of life after prison in Cork city created

THREE men who experienced prison life, have created ‘life after prison maps' of Cork that reveal a personal picture of homelessness in the city.

The maps are part of a University College Cork (UCC) research entitled Clean Slate Cork that engages men with past criminal convictions as peer-to-peer researchers to document and analyse their challenges of navigating social reintegration with a criminal record. The project works in partnership with Cork Alliance Centre, a voluntary sector organisation based in Cork City who support people to make a fresh start after prison.

Three peer researchers with criminal justice experience, Paul O’Rourke, Tony Kenny and Keith Purcell, conducted research interviews with other men about their experiences of life after prison, focusing also on the challenges and opportunities of accessing education and employment after prison.

Biographical walking maps

They created biographical walking maps on the topic of ‘life after prison’ in Cork City. The maps were designed in collaboration with UCC Geography cartographer Mike Murphy and the titles of the biographical walking maps included: ‘homelessness after prison’; ‘finding your way in life’ and ‘places of safety.

11 stops across a map of Cork city chart a walk of hopelessness and happiness and provide a very personal experience of homelessness. “I found going to the hostel after prison soul destroying” states Stop 1 at St Vincent’s Hostel in Cork city “Sending a person there with addiction issues after prison, it’s like setting them up to fail.”

Across the city the map charts the experience of life after prison and homelessness in Cork. The care of charity services is contrasted with the bleak experiences of both women and men on the streets of the city.

The peer researchers’ motivation to participate in the project was in their own words to ‘..use this experience to raise awareness that people with difficult pasts can create great futures’ and to ‘…raise awareness for men and women coming out of prison in future to not be put into homeless accommodation, but rather into safe places where they can prosper in a healthy environment’.

Professor Chris Williams, Head of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences at UCC said: ‘I congratulate the CLEAN SLATE team on their well-deserved award. The research team has developed an innovative and impactful project that is communicated movingly through some wonderful cartography. This is research that makes a difference in the present and hopefully will improve the lives of persons leaving prison in our city.’

Award winning

The CLEAN SLATE Cork project recently won a 2022 Cork City Council Lifelong Learning Award in the Category ‘Adult education in the community’.

The CLEAN SLATE project, funded by under the New Foundations Scheme by the Irish Research Council, was initiated by Dr. Katharina Swirak, Department of Sociology and Criminology and Sheila Connolly, CEO of Cork Alliance. The project was supported by research assistant Barbara O’Driscoll and psychotherapist Anna Dudek.

A RECENT report shows that Queen’s University makes a multi-billion-pound contribution to the UK economy.

The Report, published by economics and policy consultancy London Economics, reveals that activity relating to areas such as research exchange and knowledge exports has an estimated annual impact of over £3billion. This represents a 45% increase in 5 years.

The research estimates that on average, a degree from Queen’s is worth over £100k to the graduate, with a further benefit to the public purse of some £93,000.

This means that every £1 invested in Queen's generates £8.20 within the UK economy. This compares to £5.50 for the average Russell Group university.

A NEW study from the School of Nursing and Midwifery has found that factors influencing a clinician’s decision to perform a caesarean-section on a first-time mother, are complex and multifactorial.

More than one third of first-time mothers are giving birth by caesarean section (CS) in the Republic of Ireland despite evidence suggesting no additional benefits to mothers and babies. There has been a steady rise (over 30% increase), year on year, in caesarean birth rates, over the last decade.

The study has found that factors that influence a clinician’s decision to perform a CS on a first-time mother, are complex and multifactorial. Researchers found that decisions are driven by a clinician’s fear of adverse outcomes and subsequent litigation, personal preference, and their threshold to intervene and the culture of practice within the system, and finally by organisational guidelines and policies.

UCC Sociology and Criminology and Cork Alliance CLEAN SLATE team with UCC President Prof. John O’Halloran at Cork City Lifelong Learning Award Ceremony

Queen’s degree is worth £100k to a graduate

TCD research shows complex reasons for rise in caesarean births

A career in getting things moving

ORGANISING, co-ordinating, managing, and moving goods is what logistics and supply chains are all about. They involve planning, implementing, and controlling the movement of products and information.

Logistics and supply chains are integral to every industry in the world and operate around the clock facilitating international and domestic trade in all sectors of the economy.

The industry offers a wide variety of career paths, including operational roles e.g.: picking orders in a warehouse or driving heavy goods vehicles, and management and supervisory roles primarily based in the office that involve developing and implementing logistics plans, analyses and optimisation of logistics frameworks.

In addition to competitive salaries, logistics and supply chain careers

"There are nearly 100 companies registered with the program that offer placements throughout Ireland"

offer opportunities for advancement, and career growth as well as opportunities for international travel.

Critical thinking and problemsolving skills are vital for anyone looking to pursue a career in this vibrant and fast-paced industry.

Earn as you learn

The ‘Earn as you learn’ Logistics Associate Apprenticeship (LAA) offers career and education options for school leavers and mature students who prefer paid, on-the-job training while studying for a qualification over a full-time college course.

My interest in logistics attracted me to the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship.

The best part of the apprenticeship is working with industry experts who provide mentoring throughout the programme.

As part of my role, I am responsible for Imports and exports in both air and sea freight, and I'm gaining vast experience as I learn more about these aspects of freight forwarding.

The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship is a great way to earn while you learn, gain work experience, and get to experience life at a college at the same time. Anyone considering a career in logistics should oon ider this apprenticeship.

I decided to Join the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship as I wanted to further my career in the logistics world, and I thought that the apprenticeship would be the best way to do it.

The apprenticeship is a great way to learn and obtain an Industry qualification while earning a salary at the same time.

Anyone who wants to advance a career in logistics should consider this programme and I highly recommend it.

As a Working professional, I decided that the Apprenticeship would be the best way for rne to broaden my knowledge, enhance my skills, and earn a qualification in logistics that will benefit both my career development and my employer.

Throughout my apprenticeship journey, my employer has been very supportive and encouraging. Being able to attend college one day a week during working hours, and being reimbursed for my annual college registration fees by my employer, has given me a sense of great value as an employee.

The programme provides apprentices the opportunity to develop their skills, learn about the industry, and put what they have learned in college into practice in their workplace.

I highly recommend the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship programme to both future candidates and logistics companies.

There are nearly 100 companies registered with the program that offer placements throughout Ireland, representing manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, shipping, and freight forwarding sectors and 305 apprentices have been enrolled since the program was launched in 2018.

How does the logistics apprenticeship work?

The LAA is a two-year programme providing academic education and practical on-the-job training across the logistics industries.

Apprentices enter a contract of 2 years duration, where they will work on a full-time basis with an employer while being paid a salary and spend one day a week with TU Dublin or MTU in Cork for their academic studies. Successful completion of this program will lead to a QQI Level 6 Award on the NFQ - Higher Certificate in Logistics.

Shane Ryan Logistic Apprentice, Hamilton Shipping

Shane Buckley Logistics & Supply Chain Apprentice. DPD lreland

Kevin Casey Logistics Apprentice, DSV

From that point, there are many routes of progression into Level 7 and even Level 8-degree courses which is one of many key strengths of this program.

Throughout the apprenticeship journey, apprentices acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies to carry out the core tasks and responsibilities within the logistics sector and upon completion of the program are fully equipped to progress into professional employment.

As part of the programe apprentices complete a work-based project in year 2, which will help them to develop their analytical and problemsolving skills, and which will also directly benefit the employing organisations.

In addition to project work, the apprentices complete a variety of industry modules developed by the LAA consortium throughout program, which are then assessed to achieve certification.

For those seeking a career in this field, an apprenticeship is undoubtedly an attractive option. The apprentice gets an overview of the profession, gains practical work experience, and acquires the necessary qualifications while earning a salary.

What are the Apprentiechip entry requirements?

• H7/O6 or above in five leaving certificate (or equivalent) subjects. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English. A minimum of grade O6 or a B2 or above in Foundation level must be obtained in mathematics

• Holders of a QQI Level 5 or Level 6 (or equivalent) in cognate areas

• Applicants may also be eligible to become apprentices via Recognition of Prior Learning

Interested in applying for the apprenticeship?

The next apprenticeship intake will take place in September 2023, and employers are already beginning their recruitment drives.

The first step toward becoming an apprentice is to register your interest at www.laa.ie or to contact us by email: info@laa.ie

Upon registering, you will receive an information pack containing tips on finding job placement and a list of registered companies as well as email notifications of apprenticeship position openings.

More information can be found at www.laa.ie

Apprenticeship Programmes

What We Offer

- Earn while you learn

- QQI Level 6 qualification (internationally recognised)

- Both theory & practical “hands on” experience

- Career for life

- Opportunities to work overseas

- Opportunities to progress your career

Jones Engineering are the largest trainer of construction apprentices in Ireland with 250+ apprentices in our employment annually.

We are proud to say we have had two gold medal winners in the World Skills competition and one bronze medal winner in the Ireland Skills competition. Such competitions require skill and determination and we encourage and mentor our apprentices to become the best in their field.

- Electrical

- Electrical & Instrumentation

- Plumbing

- Pipefitting

Who You Are

• Minimum of four passes at leaving certificate level (must include mathematics)

• Successfully pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test

• Valid manual handling & safepass certificates

Do you want to be part of the team connecting our communities to a clean electric future?

AT ESB Networks, we build and maintain Ireland’s electricity network, connecting over 2.4 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future. We’ve been connecting customers to Ireland’s electricity network since the foundation of ESB in 1927.

We’ve also been making new connections, building a network that’s stronger than ever so we can all be kinder to the planet. We are connecting over 2.4 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future and ESB Networks’ apprentices play an important role in delivering this.

We have recruited over 300 apprentices in the last four years. Our recruitment campaign runs each year in February/March.

Recruitment for our 2023 Apprenticeship Programme will be open for applications in Feb/Mar 2023. There are a number of interesting Apprentice Videos on our website that will give you an idea of the type of work our Apprentice Electricians/Network Technicians are involved in on a day-to-day basis.

As an Apprentice Electrician, you will receive on-thejob training and work as part of front-line teams. As well

as classroom-based learning, our Apprentices benefit from varied work experience, working both indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure. Our Apprentices learn a variety of electrical and practical skills and, upon completion of the programme obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate which is recognised around the world.

Seven Phases

The ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship is SOLAS standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks (four years). During this time, there are seven SOLAS Phases which include on-the-job training during phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 where apprentices work closely with a qualified Network Technician constructing and maintaining the electricity network on varied sites across their assigned area of the country.

SOLAS Phase 2 is in one of the many SOLAS Training Centres while their Phase 4 and 6 are in the IT College around the country. Finally, there are 24 weeks of ESB Networks off-the-job training which takes place in the

"As well as classroombased learning, our Apprentices benefit from varied work experience, working both indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure"

If so, ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme might be for you.

ESB Networks Training Centre, Portlaoise.

"Although the job requires an element of physicality there is much more to the programme than climbing poles, this apprenticeship combines both physical effort and logical thinking"

Having completed the four-year programme, Apprentices will have gained experience working with a leading utility company.

The Role

Our Customers are at the heart of ESB Networks, through their on-the-job experience, ESB Networks’ apprentices will be at the forefront in delivering and providing a world class service to our 2.4 million customers.

Although the job requires an element of physicality there is much more to the programme than climbing poles, this apprenticeship combines both physical effort and logical thinking.

No two days are the same in the programme, apprentices will be assisting and dealing with a wide range of our customers’ needs.

In their day-to-day work activities they may be responding to electrical faults and fault finding to maintain a reliable supply of electricity for our customer, connecting new customers, both residential and com-

mercial to the electricity network, replacing and maintaining electrical assets and installing new elements to the electricity network both overhead and underground technologies.

Peer Support

A critical part of the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme is the training and peer support given to the apprentices. Throughout the programme apprentices work alongside and closely with experienced Network Technicians.

While the job may be challenging, the apprentice is always part of a team who will be there to assist and support throughout the programme. ESB Networks greatly fosters and encourages the idea of creating a team and peer support network.

For more information and to learn how to apply visit

www.esbnetworks.ie/apprenticeships

Engineering Design and Innovation at Munster Technological University

THE development of ground-breaking innovative product development multi-disciplinary modules and individual capstone projects, implementing safety, sustainability, engineering ethical and transformative social responsibility considerations as primary driving design imperatives, has dovetailed with the implementation of major initiatives including MTU student start-up company internships, MTU innovation week and MTU student prizes for innovation and entrepreneurship to engineer a college-wide student innovation eco-system leading to a great flowering of Irish educational student achievement on the national and international stages.

Developed action-learning programmes bring multidisciplinary teams together to collaborate in conception, research, design, development, experimentation, validation, prototype production, proof of concept testing and commercialization of self-conceived and inspired novel products.

Commercial realities and practicalities

Many of the emerging products and start-up companies while critically cognisant of commercial realities and practicalities, are also driven by student idealism towards the use of engineering, business and innovation to better mankind with many projects addressing global application transformative biomedical and societal needs and issues.

The promotion and application of universal design - the design and composition of a product, service or environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size or ability - to the groundbreaking innovative product development multi-disciplinary and individual capstone projects by the students and staff at Munster Technological University has enriched the learning experience and enhanced and optimised the undertaken innovative design.

The application of the 7 principles of universal design - equitable use - flexibility in use - simple and intuitive use - perceptible information - tolerance for error - low physical effort - size and space for approach and use - as espoused by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) of the National Disability Authority has been central and crucial to the conception, development, optimization and advancement of the novel products.

Students are encouraged to conceive and develop their novel projects cognizant of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing – to act in a global partnership. The Goals recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all the while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Interdisciplinary teamwork

The promotion of engineering design and innovation to the student body is underpinned and supported by the practical development and inculcation of engineering systematic product research, design, development and production skills, experimental and modelling techniques, commercial investigation / assessment, marketing, communication and interdisciplinary teamwork management. Environmental impact, lifecycle, safety and hazard analysis techniques are introduced and implemented in the innovative product design, production, validation, optimisation, utilisation and disposal.

The fostering and promotion of an engineering design and innovation eco-system at Munster Technological University is critically based on the development of the highest levels of competence in design and technical expertise at the core of all developed engineering programmes.

Critical design skills

The great success of MTU mechanical engineering students Evin Coughlan and Luke McCormack First Place and Finalist CAD Award Winners World Skills Ireland Finals RDS Dublin 2022 , prepared under the tutelage of Lecturer Dan O’Brien, Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Manufacturing Engineering, Munster Technological University ( with World Skills Ireland guidance and support from Ray O’Mahony, Technical Manager, Symetri Ireland and in MTU from Niall Morris, Head of Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Manufacturing Engineering, Michael Hourihan, Head of Centre of Craft Studies and Lecturer Tim O’Halloran) is just one example of the achievement of these critical design skills by the MTU engineering student cohort.

World Skills Ireland Finals - RDS Dublin September 2022

First Place and Finalist CAD Award Winners Evin Coughlan and Luke McCormack Mechanical Engineering MTU

World Skills Ireland 2022 First Place and Finalist CAD Award Winners mechanical engineering students Evin Coughlan and Luke McCormack of Munster Technological University prepared under the tutelage of Lecturer Dan O’Brien, Department of Mechanical Biomedical and Manufacturing Engineering, Munster Technological University (with World Skills Ireland guidance and support from Ray O’Mahony, Technical Manager, Symetri Ireland and in MTU from Niall Morris, Head of Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Manufacturing Engineering, Michael Hourihan, Head of Centre of Craft Studies and Lecturer Tim O’Halloran)

In March 2022 at the MTU Prize for Innovation, an absolutely wonderful result ensued for the Innovative Product Development courses with 9 major Awards achieved by self-conceived student projects of the Innovative Product Development Multidisciplinary Teams:

• MTU Entrepreneur of the year 2022 €4,000 - Tulipa

• Best Concept - €1,500 - Marafind

• Best Business / Best Market Opportunity €1,500 - Autoclip

• Most Positive Environmental Impact €1000 - Honeyroam

• Best Cross Campus Project €1000 - Mindvoice

• Best Design Award €500 - Steady Step

• Best Prototype €500 - True Speech

• Best Pitch €500 - Marafind

• Best Presentation Stand €500 - Tulipa

Critically based on the fostering and promotion of a design, innovation and ethical engineering eco-system at Munster Technological University, a quite remarkable period of sustained achievement both nationally and internationally over the past decade and beyond - recognized by the prestigious European Commission for the European Enterprise Promotion Award "Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit" National Award - has flourished at MTU and is delineated hereafter:

National Prize-Winners in Engineering Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship include:

● Thirteen Engineers Ireland Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year First Place Awards (2022 L9/L8/L7, 2018 L9/L8/L7, 2014 L8,2013 L8,2012 L8,2011 L7, 2009 L7,2008 L8,2007 L7,2006 L8,2005 L8,2004 L8,2003 L8)

● Ten Engineers Ireland Siemens Innovative Student National Finalist Awards sponsored by Siemens - / Combined L9/L8/L7 Competition - (2022(x2), 2018(x2), 2017(x2), 2016(x2), 2015(x2))

● One World Skills Ireland Finals RDS Dublin - First Place and Finalist CAD Award Winners (2022)

● Two James Dyson Design National Award Ireland First Place (2021, 2016)

● Fifteen Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland National Awards of Merit (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007)

● Eleven MEETA Asset Management and Maintenance National Awards (2020, 2019, 2016(x2), 2015(x2), 2014, 2013(x2), 2011, 2006)

● One BICS - Board of Irish College Societie National Society Awards 'Best New Society' in Ireland Small Colleges Category Winner - MTU WiSTEM Team (2021)

● Two Enterprise Ireland Grant Thornton First Place National Awards (2020, 2016)

● Seven Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Cruickshank Most Technologically Innovative Project First Place National Awards (2019, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2007)

● One National Startup Awards Dublin City Hall 3rd Level Spinout Category Gold Award (2019)

● Two National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Grand Challenge Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation National Award (2019, 2016)

● Four Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Young Entrepreneur of the Year First Place National Awards (2018,2016,2013,2007)

● One Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) Graduate National Award - First Place - Product Design - Medical Devices Category (2018)

● One National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Grand Challenge Judges’ Choice ICT Award (2018)

● One National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Grand Challenge People’s Choice National Award (2018)

● Two Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Intel ICT First Place National Awards (2017,2016)

● Three Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Academic Innovation National Awards (2016,2012,2009)

● One Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow First Place National Award Accenture HQ Grand Canal Square Dublin (2016)

● One National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Grand Challenge Judges’ Choice Award Technology Trophy National Award (2016)

● One Early Career Awards Special Recognition National Award (2016)

● Two Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards - “ Best in Class ” Engineering Education Award (2015, 2011))

● One Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management - AECOM Student Environmental Award Winner-Sligo (2015)

● Five Enterprise Ireland I.Mech.E Speak Out for Engineering Awards (2014, 2013, 2007, 2006, 2004)

● One CADFEM Ireland and Ansys Users Conference EI HQ Dublin Best Presentation Paper (2014)

● One GradIreland Graduate Employee of the Year First Place Award Mansion House Dublin (2012)

● One NCBI Inclusive Technology Showcase Grand Prize Wood Quay Dublin (2012)

● Three Abbott Ireland Intern of the Year Awards (2012, 2011, 2009)

● One Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards - ESB Award for Outstanding Contribution to Engineering (2011)

● One Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards - Chartered Engineer of the Year (2011)

● One Inaugural Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Young Entrepreneur Solving Problems for Industry €7,500 Award (2009)

● Two HP Invent Awards for Best Science/Engineering/IT project in Ireland

● Three William Eccles Institution of Production Engineers National Awards

International Prize-Winners in Engineering Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship include:

● Ten First Places and Seven Runner Up Finalists in the Healthcare Technologies Student and Early Career Awards Institution of Mechanical Engineers Best Medical Engineering and Design and Development of a Biomedical Device Competitions, London (2021, 2015, 2014, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005)

● Two University Start Up World Cup Finals Short-listed Projects Wenzhou, China (2021)

● ICBBBS Barcelona 2020 - International Conference on Biotechnology,

Bioengineering and Biological Solutions - Best Presentation Award (2020)

● Four Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Think Outside the Box Academic Innovation Awards (2020, 2016, 2012, 2009)

● One Global Student Innovation Challenge, i-CREATe, Canberra, Australia - Global First Place Technology - Gold Award (2019)

● One Global Student Innovation Challenge, i-CREATe, Canberra, Australia - Best Presentation Award (2019)

● One Global Student Innovation Challenge, i-CREATe, Canberra, Australia - Public Choice Award (2019)

● One University Startup World Cup Finals - USWC19 Contribution Award - Copenhagen Denmark (2019)

● One University Startup World Cup Finals - Health Category – Top 2 Global Award - Copenhagen Denmark (2018)

● Two Dubai Design Week -Global Grad Show - Invited Exhibitor (2018, 2017)

● One University Startup World Cup Finals - Global HealthTech Leadership Award - Copenhagen Denmark (2017)

● One European Commission Award - European Enterprise Promotion Awards - “Delivering Innovative Product Development, Multidisciplinary Engineering and Ground-breaking Education” Luxembourg (2015)

● One University Startup World Cup Finals Sole Irish Finalist Category Finalist Award Winner Copenhagen Denmark (2015)

● Two European Laureate of Innovation First Place Award - European Student Innovator of the Year 2014 and 2012 - European Student Innovation Finals - Innovact Reims France (2014,2012)

● European Science Engineering and Technology Best European Mechanical Engineering Student One First Place and One Runner Up Babcock Award - SET Finals London UK (2013,2011)

● One European Laureate of Innovation Third Place Award – European Student Innovation Finals - Innovact Reims (2010)

● One First and One Second Place in the ISEA International Sports Engineering Competition, London

● Two Queen’s Silver Jubilee awards for Best Mechanical Engineering Degree Project in Ireland and Britain

● One Genius 2000 Award for Best New Invention at the Nuremburg Inventors’ Fair

● Two Society of Manufacturing Engineering Outstanding Young Engineer Worldwide Awards

● Three First Places for Best Published and Presented Paper at the International Manufacturing Conference

World Skills Ireland 2022 First Place and Finalist CAD Award Winners Evin Coughlan and Luke McCormack with Lecturer Dan O'Brien

Tulipa Multidisciplinary Team

First Place and MTU Student Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 First Place and Siemens Innovative Student Engineers of the Year 2022

Innovative Product Design project group and MTU Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 Tulipa has since been named as the Siemens Innovative Student Engineers of the Year 2022 National Award Winners.

Tulipa is a modern, universal take on the vaginal speculum designed not only with the patient in mind, but also the practitioner. The device aims to restore comfort, reduce fear and increase the attendance of women at these vital exams.

Commenting at the national finals, Joe Walsh, General Manager of Siemens Ireland, said: “On behalf of Siemens, I would like to offer a warm congratulations to the MTU student team who created the Tulipa device on being awarded the prestigious title of Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year. This innovative device has the potential to transform the lives of women globally and will help to support early medical intervention and diagnoses of cervical cancer worldwide.”

Marafind Multidisciplinary Team

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Concept and Best Pitch Award Winners 2022

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Concept and Best Pitch Award Winner 2022 Marafind undertook the design and development of a novel device to locate and tracks the position of divers as they travel through the water.

Consultation with and guidance from Cormac Gebruers, Director of the National Maritime College of Ireland, has been critical to the novel design advancement and is a prime example of the MTU innovation eco-system fostering an ethical and worthy student conceived project.

Diving is becoming an increasingly popular sport with over 6 million active divers worldwide. There are over 20 diving centres in Ireland alone.

Circa 200 people lose their lives annually due to SCUBA diving accidents. Major safety issues exist with current methods of tracking divers including surface marker buoys snagged lines, diver pulled by current, loose lines tangling other divers or equipment and following divers’ bubbles is fraught with danger as it is easy to lose track of divers.

The developing novel Marafind wireless and automatic tracking solution is designed to greatly enhance the safety of all involved in recreational, rescue and commercial diving sectors.

Tulipa Multidisciplinary Team Engineers Ireland Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the

Year National Award 2022

First Place and Siemens Innovative Student Engineers of the Year 2022 Munster Technological University

Multidisciplinary Tulipa Team represented by Andy Leahy, Mary O’Riordan, and Sean O’Shea, third year mechanical and biomedical engineering students Primary supervisor Dr. Paul Keane

MTU

Prize for Innovation Best Concept and Best Pitch Award Winners 2022

Munster Technological University Multidisciplinary Marafind Team

Caoimhe Sexton, Megan Mc Carthy, Tung Yap, Steven Murphy, Liam Foley, Shane Kelleher, Edward O Connor, Callum O'Shea, Eoin Roddis, Rory Slye, Mechanical and biomedical engineering and business students from MTU -

Supervision: Professor Sean F. O’Leary, Lecturer Lisa Murphy, Lecturer Christine Russell

Pictured (L-R): Joe Walsh, General Manager of Siemens Ireland, Dr. Paul Keane, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Lecturer at MTU Cork (Supervisor), Andy Leahy, Mary O’Riordan and Sean O’Shea representing Tulipa and John Power, President of Engineers Ireland Photos by Julien Behal

Photography

First Place and MTU Student Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 Munster Technological University Multidisciplinary Tulipa Team

Mary O’Riordan, Daineadh Power, Sean O’ Shea, Eoin McGrath, Joe O’ Reilly, Andy Leahy, Ali Rezk, Jamie O’ Hanlon Mechanical and biomedical engineering and business students from MTU – Supervision: Dr. Paul Keane, Lecturer Lisa Murphy, Lecturer Christine Russell Innovative Product Development Module Mentors: Dr. Paul Keane (primary supervisor), Dr. Hugh O'Donnell, Professor Sean F. O' Leary

First Placed Tulipa Team at the 2022 Siemens Innovative Student Engineer Award -

Innovative Product Development Module Mentors: Professor Sean F. O' Leary (primary supervisor), Dr. Paul Keane, Dr. Hugh O' Donnell

Honeyroam Multidisciplinary Team

MTU Prize for Innovation Most Positive Environmental Impact Award Winner 2022

Finalist Award Siemens Innovative Student Engineers of the Year 2022

Finalist Award Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards 2022

MTU Prize for Innovation Most Positive Environmental Impact Award Winner 2022

Innovative Product Design project group Honeyroam were also honoured as one of the top 3 projects at the Siemens Innovative Student Engineers of the Year 2022 National Finals for their project on the design and development of an artificially intelligent smart hive system.

Honeyroam was inspired by student team member and beekeeper of 7 years experience, Harry Sweetnam, who had

noticed a significant decline in his bee population.

Indeed U.S. beekeepers have lost nearly 40% of their honeybee colonies during the winter of 2020 – the largest rate of deaths in 14 years.

The Earthwatch Institute has declared bees as the most important living species on this planet.

The Honeyroam student project is a hugely worthy project both nationally and globally.

Autoclip Multidisciplinary Team

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Business / Best Market Opportunity 2022

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Business / Best Market Opportunity 2022 Autoclip was inspired by the experiences of a student team member in relation to bicycle clipless pedals.

Clipless pedal advantages include allowing for a more efficient pedal stroke, reduces the ‘dead spot’ when pedalling, the user can transfer more power from their legs to the pedals and there is no chance of feet slipping off.

However, it can be difficult to use clipless pedals, especially in traffic in close proximity to other road vehicles. Clipless pedals can cause problems for all cyclists, especially those making the transition from flat pedals. Twisting the foot is not a natural movement so it can be easy to forget to do it.

Accidents can happen on the road when a clipless pedal user forgets to clip out and topples over when coming to a stop. When clipping back in, the rider might not have enough speed to keep going forward and can fall over, without having a leg free to stop the fall.

Possible injuries include fractured femurs, dislocated ankles, fractured scaphoid, wrist, pelvis and collarbone injuries.

Autoclip is designed, developed and tested to create a safer and more enjoyable experience for cyclists who wish to explore the advantages of clipless pedals. The Autoclip novel device is centrally designed as sustainable, long lasting and affordable.

Finalist Award Siemens Innovative Student Engineers of the Year 2022 Munster Technological University Multidisciplinary Honeyroam Team

Harry Sweetnam, Olin Hennessy, Sam French, Beverly Jones, Philip Healy, Niall Marley, Dylan Hogan, Ben Donovan. Third year mechanical and biomedical engineering students from MTU – primary supervisor Dr. Paul Keane.

Innovative Product Development Module Mentors: Dr. Paul Keane (primary supervisor), Dr. Hugh O'Donnell, Professor Sean F. O' Leary

Munster Technological University Multidisciplinary Honeyroam Team Harry Sweetnam, Olin Hennessy, Sam French, Beverly Jones, Philip Healy, Niall Marley, Dylan Hogan, Ben Donovan. Third year mechanical and biomedical engineering students from MTU – primary supervisor Dr. Paul Keane

Innovative Product Development Module Mentors: Dr. Paul Keane (primary supervisor), Dr. Hugh O' Donnell, Professor Sean F. O' Leary

Congratulations also to Dr. Andrew Cashman - supervisor of a level 8 student further investigating the Honeyroam smart hive.

MTU Prize for Innovation Most Positive Environmental Impact Award Winner 2022

Harry Sweetnam and Olin Hennessy representing Honeyroam at the 2022 Siemens Innovative Student Engineer Award

Photos by Julien Behal Photography

Honeyroam is an artificially intelligent smart hive system

Innovative Product Development Module Mentors: Dr. Hugh O' Donnell (primary supervisor), Dr. Paul Keane, Professor Sean F. O' Leary

Mindvoice Multidisciplinary Team

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Cross Campus Project Award Winners 2022

Finalist Award Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards 2022

DEMENTIA is a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions that interfere with doing everyday activities.

Symptoms include forgetting loved ones, being unable to travel unaccompanied, loss in motor function, difficulty in reasoning or problem-solving and difficulty in communicating.

The Mindvoice novel product combats these challenges

to make living with dementia an easier experience.

Currently 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia - this number expected to rise to 152 million by 2050.

Currently 64,000 people in Ireland live with dementia.

There are 7 stages of dementia based on the extent of progression. Mindvoice is designed to help those in stages 1-4, approximately 55% of all cases.

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Design Award Winner 2022

Munster Technological University

Multidisciplinary Steady Step Team

Adam French, Jennifer Brett, Abbey Sweeney, Charles Moloney, Aaron O Connor, Shane O Driscoll, Evan Seymour, James Crowley

“Innovative Product Development Module Mentors: Professor Sean F. O' Leary (primary supervisor), Dr. Paul Keane, Dr. Hugh O' Donnell”

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Cross Campus Project Award Winners 2022

Munster Technological University Multidisciplinary Mindvoice Team

Sinéad Cadogan, Damilola Afolabi, Callum Ambrose, Olan Fehily, Cian Hayes, Luke Horgan, Oliver Mc Kenna

Mechanical and biomedical engineering and business students from MTU – Supervision: Dr. Paul Keane, Lecturer Catherine Moylan

Steady Step Multidisciplinary Team

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Design Award Winner 2022

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Design Award 2022 Steady Step is an innovative enablement and mobility device designed to reduce falls in those using canes as walking aids. Globally, over 684,000 deaths by fall occur annually with in excess of 37 million falls severe enough to require medical attention.

The novel Steady Step solution is designed and developed to improve user stability when ascending or descending steps, curbs or stairs, to reduce joint wear of the individuals and to restore confidence and improve independence.

The SteadyStep initial primary focus was on senior

citizens with limited mobility. However, the application of universal design principles enhances Steady Step suitability for people of all ages, and sizes.

According to the 2016 census, 13.5% of the Irish population had a disability, with 35% of these over the age of 65 and 56% between the ages of 15 and 64. Europe has a prominent cane user market in countries such as Germany with 17.78 million people over the age of 65. 15.9% of the population in the EU have mobility issues. The Steady Step novel design ethos promotes independence and mobility.

EleSkate Multidisciplinary Team

MTU Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 - James Dyson Design Award Ireland First Place National Award 2021

INNOVATIVE Product Design project group and MTU Entrepreneur of the Year 2021, EleSkate, has been named as the National Winner of the prestigious James Dyson Award. The EleSkate developing product, inspired by team leader Shannon O’Shea’s dual passion for ice skating and engineering, addresses challenges associated with the measurement of technical aspects of skating performance.

EleSkate is designed to improve the safety and effectiveness of training for the athlete. The team has designed EleSkate to accurately measure jumps, which make up the highest portion of technical marks in skating competitions.

Prior to the invention, it had been left to subjective assessment as to why particular jumps are successful or not. The EleSkate design overcomes this issue through

providing multi-axial analysis of a figure skater’s movements, which can then be compared with those of others.

“As a figure-skating enthusiast of 10 years, I was unable to successfully measure my jumps during training, which impacted my competition performance. EleSkate exists to quantify elegance and optimise the figure-skating training process. ” said Ms O’Shea.

The multidisciplinary team (from Cork and Kerry MTU campuses) - Shannon O Shea, Rebecca O'Neill, Bronagh McCarthy, Aaron Ahern, Mark Cummins, Ellen Keating, William Kingston, Jamie O Leary, Krzysztof Przestrzelski and Bartlomiej Rys - is comprised of third year Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering students and also Accounting students with primary supervision and mentorship by Dr. Hugh O’Donnell.

Innovative Product Development Module Mentors: Dr. Paul Keane (primary supervisor), Dr. Hugh O’Donnell, Professor Sean F. O' Leary

True Speech Multidisciplinary Team

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Prototype Award Winner 2022

MTU Prize for Innovation Best Prototype Award Winner 2022 True Speech is a novel enablement device for persons with a stutter or stammer.

A stutter or stammer is a speech disorder that involves frequent and significant problems with normal fluency and flow of speech.

The person knows what they want to say but has difficulty saying it, thus resulting in prolonging a word or sounds within a word, broken words, repetition of a certain syllable or sound or most commonly, trouble starting a word or sentence.

Around 70 million people

world wide suffer from a stutter – circa 1% of the total population. Despite the Irish stereotype of the “Gift of the Gab”, the Irish Stammering Association ISA has estimated that almost 50,000 people have a stutter.

The design, development and testing of the True Speech device is being undertaken to address this major problem.

The True Speech early stage prototype is designed to aid the user in feeling more confident in speech, more relaxed in public speaking situations, increasing the users social confidence and reducing public anxiety.

Ciara

Innovative

StrydeTech Multidisciplinary Team Global Student Innovation Challenge 2019

iCreate International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Canberra Australia First Place Technology Gold AwardStrydeTech

The

The Best Presentation Award - a really quite remarkable achievement for Muireann and Kevin following an arduous 35 hour outward journey and under the bright lights of Australian National TV Live Recording during the Adjudication (the only team whose entire adjudicated presentation was selected for recording by Australian National TV )

The Public Choice Award - This award has been emphasised by the organisers of the Global Student Innovation Challenge as a hugely significant award as it was viewed as the independent convention industrial / biomedical / clinician / healthcare delegate validation of the international judging panel gold award

StrydeTech represented by Team Leader Muireann Hickey and Design Lead Kevin Hayes has won three significant awards at the Global Student Innovation Challenge in Canberra:

Overall First Place Technology Gold Award presented at the Great Hall, Australian Parliament House by the Princess of Thailand - HRH Princess MAHA Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand

Victorious StrydeTech Team Members Muireann Hickey (Team Leader), Kevin Hayes, Cian O’Leary and Jonathan Mullane

Inaugural Johnson & Johnson MTU Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D)

Undergraduate Awards December 2022

JOHNSON & Johnson announced in December 2022 its prestigious Women in STEM 2 D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Award recipients from Munster Technological University. The Award recognises outstanding female students in STEM 2 D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design.

Each recipient will receive a student award, industry mentoring and leadership training, along with the opportunity to attend careers workshops, visit Johnson & Johnson sites and participate in WiSTEM 2D events designed to support them with pursuing future STEM careers.

Women in the STEM disciplines

WiSTEM 2 D refers to Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design. The Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM 2 D programme fuels the development of the female STEM 2 D talent pipeline by awarding and sponsoring girls and women at critical points in their educational experience and their careers, in STEM disciplines.

The Undergraduate programme was first introduced at University of Limerick in 2016. Since then, it has expanded to include University College Cork in 2018, and University of Galway in 2021, and Munster Technological University in 2022, supporting more than 400 female students over the last 6 years.

Colm Hynes, Site Lead at DePuy Synthes Ireland said: “As part of our effort to ignite the

power of women, create healthier societies and improve human health, Johnson & Johnson is committed to building a diverse WiSTEM 2 D community.

"We are delighted to welcome Munster Technological University into the programme this year, and further reinforce our commitment to developing a pipeline of diverse STEM leaders for the future.

Bridging the gap

"As leaders in the STEM industry, we recognise the important role we have to play in helping to bridge the gap, which still exists in terms of gender equality in leadership positions. Programmes like WiSTEM2D help allow us to partner with academic institutions to develop high-impact strategies which can inspire and support the STEM workforce of the future.”

“On behalf of Johnson & Johnson, I would like to congratulate the ten students who have been chosen as recipients of the WiSTEM2 D award for the programme’s inaugural year at Munster Technological University. I am sure that they will enjoy the benefits that the programme has them to offer in supporting career development, including visits to our facilities, and the opportunity to engage with a Johnson & Johnson mentor.

"We are delighted to welcome Munster Technological University into the programme this year, and further reinforce our commitment to developing a pipeline of diverse STEM lead-

ers for the future.”

Munster Technological University President, Professor Maggie Cusack, commented: “My warmest congratulations to this year’s ten scholarship recipients. I wish these talented young women every success in their studies and hope they enjoy their workshops, mentoring and leadership training. While 2022 marks MTU’s first year as part of Johnson & Johnson’s WISTEM 2 D Awards programme, both our organisations have a long history of encouraging women into STEM.

Strengthened commitment

"At MTU we are proud to have a strong pipeline of female STEM graduates who have gone on to lead rewarding careers, many in senior management roles. This new collaboration with Johnson & Johnson will see us strengthen our commitment to helping women reach their full potential across the sector.”

The awards ceremony was held in DePuy Ireland, Ringaskiddy, and was also attended by Mairead O’Meara, Director of Operations, DePuy Synthes; Maria Dalton, Director of Engineering, Sciences and Technology, DePuy Synthes; Michael Loftus, VP for External Affairs, Munster Technological University; and Eveleen Clancy, Senior Process Engineer, DePuy Synthes.

Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award scholarship were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork created by Fermoy-based artist, Suzanne O’Sullivan.

Multi-talented MTU STEM student wins €5,000 Huawei scholarship 2022

Uzoma Ogwudiegwu, Third-year Biomedical Engineering, Munster Technological University has been awarded a Huawei “Seeds for the Future” scholarship, worth €5,000, at an award ceremony in the Royal College of Physicians, Dublin, on 1st December, 2022

A GLOBAL Huawei initiative, the ‘Seeds for the Future’ programme aims to develop skilled local ICT talent and bridge communication between countries and cultures. Launched in 2015, the programme invites third-level university students studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and leaving certificate students considering a thirdlevel course in STEM to apply to the programme for access to the €250,000 scholarship fund.

Coveted scholarship

Uzoma won the coveted scholarship following a week-long programme involving shortlisted students from Ireland and The Netherlands.

Throughout the week, the students engaged in lessons on subjects from AI to cloud computing, as well as visiting Huawei’s campuses online and taking part in other cultural experiences such as panda tours, tours of famous landmarks and insights into modern Chinese businesses. There were also guest lectures on digital transformation, sustainable technology, and strategic leadership delivered by Huawei senior engineers and industry thought leaders.

In addition to the programme’s course work, all student participants worked on team projects in which they collaborated to develop solutions to problems with the objective of addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Uzoma, who was elected as leader of her team, won a Best Team Leader Award and her group finished in the top three. At the close of

the programme, the fifty top performing students from the overall group of 500 participants were each awarded a €5,000 scholarship.

Commenting on her experience, Uzoma said: “I am so glad I was able to participate in the ‘Seeds for the Future’ programme which gave me valuable insight into topics on ICT and new communication technologies. A highlight of the competition for me was competing in the Huawei #tech4good programme and leading our team to the finals. I am so honoured to receive this scholarship which will be of enormous benefit as I pursue my STEM studies.”

A line of STEM achievements for Uzoma

The ‘Seeds for the Future’ scholarship is the latest in a line of STEM achievements for Uzoma. As a pupil of the Sacred Heart Secondary School Clonakilty, she participated in the BT Young Scientist and Technologist 2017 Competition, receiving a Highly Commended award in the Intermediate Category for her team’s project, ‘Can music help to retain memory?’

In 2021, having completed her second year in Biomedical Engineering, Uzoma successfully secured a four-month summer internship at Boston Scientific through their prestigious GROW programme, where she worked as a product builder in a cleanroom environment while attending specific GROW classes covering topics such as quality assurance, project management, lean engineering, emotional intelligence problem solving and presentation skills.

Her most recent work placement was a sixmonth Co-op engineering internship at DePuy Synthes earlier this year. Uzoma was also a member of the all-female MTU team of engineering and business students that represented Ireland on the international stage in the prestigious Engineering and Commerce Case Competition 2022 (ENGCOMM), hosted by Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, with teams participating from Canada, America, Ireland and Egypt.

Uzoma is the founder and co-Chair of the MTU African and Caribbean Student Society, and former committee member of the awardwinning WiSTEM (Women In STEM) MTU Cork Student Society.

High calibre graduates

Niall Morris, Head of the Department of Mechanical, Biomedical & Manufacturing Engineering at MTU, said: "I, along with my colleagues in the department, am very proud of Uzoma as with all our students in the department.

"This competition adds to a long list of competitions won by our students as we continue to strive for excellence. Our graduates are of a very high calibre and future employers are constantly engaging with us to attract them into their companies.

"Congratulations to all staff in the department who demonstrate commitment and encouragement to all our students. Huge congratulations to Uzoma who has a bright successful career ahead of her.”

Uzoma pictured with Mr, Niall Morris, Head of the Department of Mechanical, Biomedical & Manufacturing Engineering

Graduates careers and awards...

The Engineering of an Innovation EcoSystem through the development of innovative and new product development multi-disciplinary engineering / business laboratories modules, innovative individual

capstone projects and supporting structures has led to a great flowering of Irish engineering educational achievement and will play a major part in the future development of a powerful, vibrant,

Myles Murray

Mechanical Engineering Graduate, CEO and Founder

PMD

Solutions

A PRIME example of a highly successful student start-up company is PMD Solutions, whose founder and CEO is Myles Murray, Mechanical Engineering Graduate. PMD Solutions won The Irish Times Overall Innovation of the Year Award and Life Sciences & Healthcare Category Award at the Irish Times Innovation Awards on 31st March 2022 for RespiraSense, a continuous, motion-tolerant respiratory monitoring device that can detect a change in a patient’s breathing before it becomes a problem.

Myles initially began investigating a solution to this problem in his final year at college.

Following winning First Place in the MTU Prize for Innovation and the coveted Award of MTU Entrepreneur of the Year, Myles founded PMD Solutions to develop innovative and patient friendly technologies to support health providers early prevention model of patient care.

PMD Solution’s novel respiratory monitor device achieved EC Horizon 20/20 Funding of €4.2 Million in 2016.

prosperous and knowledge-based Irish economy. Some examples of graduates progressing to found and lead knowledgebased innovative start-up products / companies follow:

Vincent Forde Mechanical Engineering Graduate, CEO and Founder Gasgon Medical

The Irish Times

Overall Innovation of the Year Award and Life Sciences & Healthcare Category Award 31st March 2022

A FURTHER example of a highly successful start-up company is Gasgon Medical founded by Mechanical Engineering Graduate Vincent Forde. Following winning First Place in the MTU Prize for Innovation and the coveted Award of MTU Entrepreneur of the Year 2016.

Vincent was also adjudged Overall Winner and Student Entrepreneur of the Year at the Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards National Finals held in Limerick that year.

Initially based in the Rubicon Centre, Vincent founded Gasgon Medical - a start-up company developing innovative medical tools that enable clinicians to deliver quality healthcare and better

April

patient outcomes. Gasgon Medical manufactures AirVault, a device for removing air bubbles from flowing fluids aimed primarily at medical IV infusions, the most common invasive therapy in modern healthcare.

AirVault technology eliminates the need for manual nurse intervention by automatically capturing air bubbles before they become a problem – saving medical professionals time and preventing IV drug exposure.

CEO Vincent Forde and Gasgon Medical have been named as winners of the InterTrade Ireland's Seedcorn Award 2021 and the European Innovation Council EIC Fast Track to Innovation Award 2020.

Irish

See

https://www.businesspost.ie/pharma-med-tech/irish-medtech-firm-gasgon-fundraises-eur225m-to-solve-iv-infusion-issues-f1f6b045

Gasgon

See RTE News Report

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/1126/1263360-gasgon-medical-namedintertradeireland-seedcorn-winner/

Originally published in The Irish Times Innovation Awards Special Magazine

L-R: Edmond Harty, Judging Chair, Prof Philip Nolan, Science Foundation Ireland, Myles Murray, CEO PMD Solutions, Paul Mulvaney, Group Managing Director, The Irish Times and Ciaran Hancock, Business Editor at The Irish Times at the presentation of the Irish Times Innovation Awards. Photo: Conor McCabe See

Vincent Forde Founder and CEO Gasgon Medical at the Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards

Journalism, Photography & New Media (Journalism 5M2464)

Sound Engineering and Music Technology (Sound Production 5M2149)

Advanced Certificate in Audio/Visual Media (Advanced Certificate in Media Production 6M5130)

Art & Design Portfolio (Art Craft & Design- 5M1984)

Photography and Digital Media (Photography 5M2094)

Beauty Therapy Year 1

Advanced Beauty Therapy & Make-Up Artistry Year 2

Retail Practice with Beauty Consultant (Major Award 5M2105)

Hairdressing Year 1

Hairdressing Year 2

Hairdressing Apprenticeship

Alternative Health & Wellbeing Therapies

Business Studies (5M2102)

Advanced Certificate in Business (6M4985)

Office Administration for Business, Medical and Legal Practices (5M1997)

Legal Studies and Criminal Law (Legal Studies 5M3789)

Accounting Technician Apprenticeship (Advanced Certificate in Accounting)

Construction Technology (5M5010)

Computer Systems and Networks (5M0536)

Multimedia Production (5M2146)

Security Systems Technology (5M2109)

Canine Grooming (Animal Care 5M2768)

Animal Care (5M2768)

Advanced Animal Science (6M5153)

Pharmacy Assistant (Community Health Services 5M4468)

Laboratory Techniques (5M3807) NEW COURSE

Applied Psychology (Community Health Services 5M4468)

Applied Ecology (5M5028)

Healthcare Support /Health Service Skills (5M4339/5M3782)

Nursing Studies (5M4349)

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care

Special Needs Assistant (Intellectual Disability Practice 5M1761)

Advanced Special Needs Assistant (Inclusive Education & Training 6M2263)

Advanced Certificate In Early Childhood Care and Education (6M2007)

Applied Social Studies (5M2181)

Advanced Certificate in Social Care (Social & Vocational Integration 6M2218)

Pre Third Level Arts (General Studies 5M3114)

Tourism and Travel Industry Studies (Tourism with Business 5M5011)

Sports Studies, Coaching & Performance (5M5146)

Sports Studies, Physiology and Massage (Sports & Recreation 5M5146)

Sports Therapy and Injury Management (Level 6 Sports & Recreation 6M5147)

Fitness and Health (Sports & Recreation 5M5146)

Pre Further Education Course (Component Certificate 5M3114)

Pre Apprenticeship Programme Level 4

VTOS - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

• Office Administration

• General Studies in Health Sciences

• General Studies in Childcare & Youthwork

• Employment & Academic Skills

Looking for adventure? Looking for a challenge?

The Irish Naval Service is recruiting now

THE Naval Service is the State’s principal seagoing agency with a general responsibility to meet contingent and maritime defence requirements.

It is tasked with a variety of defence roles include defending territorial seas, deterring intrusive or aggressive acts, conducting maritime surveillance, maintaining an armed naval presence, ensuring right of passage, protecting marine assets and contributing to a blockade if required.

Who do we want?

The Naval Service is currently recruiting across a range of disciplines and are looking for motivated, physically fit and team orientated individuals who are a minimum of 18 years of age and under 27 years of age on the date deemed as closing date for applications for General Service Recruits or under the age

limit as per the terms and conditions for the technical careers within the organisation that are currently being recruited for.

What does a career in the Naval Service offer?

A life less ordinary, where no two days are ever the same. A challenging and unique working environment, where you learn skills that are transferable across the spectrum. The Naval Service offer a wide range of courses for continual professional development with pathways to third level education and other roles.

Life at sea is at all times varied. Naval Service personnel regardless of rank and branch are much valued members of the ships crew. If you are interested in a career at sea, as part of a dynamic, professional and highly motivated team, then the Naval Service is for you.

Our personnel are our most important asset and the Naval Service is committed to providing you with an interesting, rewarding and challenging career.

The Naval Service is currently recruiting in the following areas:

Naval Service General Service Recruit:

Recruits are trained in basic military training, foot drill, arms drill, weapons and tactical training. Naval Service Recruits go on to form the backbone of the Irish Naval Service.

Recruit training is 22 weeks in duration and is designed to develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated individual using basic military and naval skills in order to prepare them for their future in the Service.

On successful completion of Recruit training, the Recruit advances to Able Rate where they proceed into one of the Naval Service four Branches which consist of Seaman's, Communications, Mechanicians and Supplies.

Branch Training gives them the specialised skills required to fulfil their role at sea and ashore. After this initial specialisation training, the Able Rate proceeds to sea and takes up an appointment on board one of our ships. There are no formal education qualifications required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit.

Naval Service Direct Entry Technicians:

Candidates for the below vacancies must be a minimum of 18 years of age and less than 29 years of age on the date of their application. Candidates for the below vacancies

must meet the minimum education qualifications as laid down in the terms and conditions for each of the respective vacancies. Successful candidates for the below vacancies will receive full military and on the job training prior to taking up the respective vacancy on board a ship.

• Direct Entry Radio Radar Technician

As a Radio Radar Technician (RRT) within the Irish Naval Service you will be responsible for the Installation, Operation, Maintenance and Repair of all Navigation and Communications equipment on board.

"Life at sea is at all times varied. If you are interested in a career at sea, as part of a dynamic, professional and highly motivated team, then the Naval Service is for you. "

nance team onboard.

• Direct Entry Engine Room Artificer

As an Engine Room Artificer Technicians (Marine/Mechanical), you will become an integral part of the maintenance team providing technical support on board the Naval service Fleet.

•

Direct Entry Electrical Articifer

As an Electrical Artificer within the Irish Naval Service, you will be responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of all electrical/electronic equipment on board.

•

Direct Entry Carpenter/Hull Artificer

As a Hull Artificer within the Irish Naval Service you will become an essential part of the ships mainte-

•

Direct Entry Chef

As a Chef within the Naval Service you will become an essential part of the Logistic Team providing nourishment and supporting the ships

company through various roles on board.

Naval Service Officers

Candidates for the below vacancies must be a minimum of 18 years of age and be less than 32 years of age on 31 December in the year of application.

Candidates for the below vacancies must meet the minimum education qualifications as laid down in the terms and conditions for each of the respective vacancies.

• Direct Entry Operations Branch Officers

Operations Branch Officers of the Naval Service are responsible for the efficient running of the ship. The Operations Branch Officers responsibilities include Bridge Watchkeeping, where they are responsible for the safe navigation of

the ship and safety of the ships company along with the weapons and communications systems on-board.

Operations Branch Officers also lead boarding teams in fishery protection and anti drug running boarding operations and are therefore prime leaders and motivators of the ship’s company.

• Direct Entry Marine Engineering Officer

A Marine Engineering Officer in the Naval Service is responsible for the hull and structure of the ship, its main engines and all auxiliary machinery.

They are responsible for the main electrical generators, the electrical distribution system, air conditioning, ventilation, heating systems as well as all fuel and water systems. They also manage, lead and train personnel on-board ship.

Be More

"A life less ordinary, where no two days are ever the same. A challenging and unique working environment, where you learn skills that are transferable across the spectrum"

THE NEW INNOVATIVE STUDENT MEAL SOLUTION

Your students deserve only the best

Food Village is an innovative new hot & cold meal service provider for the post-primary & 3rd level education sector which launched in September 2021.

Richie Nangle managing director of Freshtoday (A market leader in the DEIS meals market) is the creator behind Food Village, offering over 12 years’ experience in the school meals market with a current weekly service for over 250,000 students across Ireland.

After much market research, a significant lack in options, range, efficiency and vendors were noted for post-primary and 3rd level education meal service and options. Hence the founding idea for Food Village was born. Developement and testing over the past 3 years has produced this innovative all encompassing meal service.

Food Village was created specifically to allow students the ease of access to fresh, hot, tasty & affordable meals everyday!

Think uber eats and a leap card combined! Students receive their exact order every single time and in a matter of mere minutes. Food Village was developed using a mobile ordering app, allowing an unprecedented range, while minimising waste, optimising productivity and garnishing excitement for the students.

The Food Village ordering app allows users to pre-order their meals in advance or instantly purchase items on the same day. Users can be independent students or linked with parents who can access optional control of ordering, budgeting and scheduling their child’s school meals. The Food Village system is completely cashless with options for automatic top-up using the latest machine learning technologies or manual top up where users choose a top up amount. There is no limit or requirement for Food Village orders, users simply order every day of their choosing.

Contact us today to view a demo of our service and arrange a tasting.

Food Village are changing the landscape of academic lunches. A team of chef’s prepare fresh, nutritious, meals everyday, these meals are then delivered using our fleet of delivery vans into school where they are heated in specifically designed regeneration ovens and distributed using state of the art technology with a fully trained and vetted operative.

Food Village use unique regeneration ovens which are supplied to each site, require no ventilation and utalise minimum space. Each oven with a rating of 1.9 kW uses less electricity than a conventional kettle. Regenerating the fresh meals in the school, means they remain moist and delicious with nutrients preserved to the maximum

Every meal includes a full listing of nutritional information within the ordering app allowing users to make educated decisions in line with Healthy Eating Ireland

Allergy management is controlled and excluded by the user simply inputting their allergen on their profile which will automatically eliminate all items containing that allergen from the user’s menu.

All

Food Village offers teaching staff & students a choice from over 160+ full meals, snacks, treats and drinks all at a very competitive price.

From start to finish, Food Village looks after your entire school meals service from suppling the I.T and ordering systems, meeting with each year to show them how to download our unique ordering app and linking their collection key tag, which ensures no mobile phones are required in school if that is the school’s policy. All aspects of the Food Village service are managed by a dedicated fully trained support team.

The Food Village service, choice and technology is not a system available with any other company in Ireland.

The flexibility of the Food Village service ensures no stone will be left unturned to deliver and guarantee a service that works for your school.

For more information about the Food Village service, please get in touch.

Food Village menu items are competitively

Loneliness increases risk of premature death for those with cardiovascular disease

NEW research from University of Limerick has revealed that loneliness, social isolation, and living alone is associated with premature death for those with cardiovascular disease.

Results from the new international study, just published in the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, found that people with cardiovascular disease that have higher levels of loneliness, social isolation, and that live alone, tend to die prematurely.

The research, which encompasses studies from around the world, sheds new light on the negative health impact of loneliness, social isolation, and living alone for people with cardiovascular disease, which is among the leading causes of death and disability in Ireland.

Cardiovascular disease most commonly refers to coronary heart disease, stroke, and other blood vessel diseases.

The research was led by Róisín Long, a student on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology at UL, under the supervision of Dr Páraic Ó Súilleabháin and Dr Ann-Marie Creaven.

Long-term mortality risk

Working with a team of collaborators from the Department of Psychology at UL, the College of Medicine at Florida State University, and the Department of Psychology at Humboldt University Berlin, the researchers wanted to investigate if loneliness, social isolation, and living alone status would predict long-term mortality risk in people living with cardiovascular disease.

“Social health factors such as loneliness and social isolation have gained a significant amount of attention recently and are really important to think of within the context of cardiovascular health,” explained lead author Róisín Long, who is a professional clinical psychologist.

“What was unclear is to what degree they impact how long people live when they have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Our review found that each of these factors are critically important to consider in the treatment of cardiovascular

disease, as increased levels of loneliness, social isolation, and living alone appears to lead to premature death.

“There are likely several reasons for this ranging from support from another individual to how an individual biologically responds to stress.”

The review included studies that followed people for decades across multiple regions including Europe, North America, and Asia. Each factor was found to be predictive of mortality risk.

Living alone

Interestingly, the effects of living alone appeared stronger in European countries, perhaps reflecting the large number of those living alone in parts of Europe.

“While supporting public health concerns surrounding loneliness and social isolation, the study points to the need for rigorous research in this area across a greater range of geographical regions,” the researchers concluded.

Research coordinator on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology and Director of the Personality, Individual Differences, and Biobehavioural Health Laboratory (Pathlab) at UL Dr Páraic Ó Súilleabháin explained: “This work provides very important insights into the importance of these factors in health and longevity.

"On our Doctoral Programme we place a strong emphasis on the importance of rigorous research that has international impact, and this work clearly represents this.

“These are clear factors that need to be considered and resulting development of interventions for anyone with cardiovascular disease.”

Key genes linked to

successful racehorses

identified by international team

A CRITICAL set of genes linked to successful racehorses has been identified by an international research team.

Scientists from Asia, Europe, North America, and the Irish equine science company Plusvital compared the genomes of Thoroughbred, Arabian and Mongolian racehorses to horses bred for other sports and leisure, and were able to pinpoint a set of genes that play a significant role in muscle, metabolism, and neurobiology.

These genes were found to be clearly different in racing horses, and were common to all racing breeds compared to those from non-racing breeds.

“Since the discovery of the ‘Speed Gene’ in 2009, we have generated genetic data for thousands of Thoroughbreds and horses from other breeds,” said UCD Professor Emmeline Hill (pictured), project lead scientist and Chief Science Officer at Plusvital.

“This is the first time this set of genes has been linked to the success of racing breeds. Two of the genes were previously identified for performance in Thoroughbreds and Arabians, but the approach we took was to ask what genes were common to all racing breeds and different from non-racing breeds.

“The very large number of horse breeds developed over the last hundreds of years all over the world have been carefully shaped by selective breeding for different traits desired by breeders. This has led to tall horses, small horses, powerful draft horses, useful riding horses, and fast racing horses.

“We have discovered a set of genes common to racing horses, but not all horses within a racing breed have the advantageous gene version, so these findings will be useful to identify the most suitable individuals within a breed for racing or for breeding.”

Your Future Starts Here

APPLY NOW to study at Monaghan Institute in September 2023 – with many NEW progressive courses on offer

MONAGHAN Institute is a Further Education centre of excellence located in Monaghan town. For 30 years, Monaghan Institute has been offering an ever-expanding range of further education and training courses to learners from the locality and further afield.

Courses available include Digital Media & Web Design, Liberal Arts, Teaching and Training, Computer Software & Games Design, Business & Office Administration, Early Learning & Care, Nursing, Healthcare, Applied Social Studies, Travel & Tourism, Sport & Recreation, Engineering, Animal Science, Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, plus a suite of very successful Pre-University Programmes.

In 2023, Monaghan Institute will commence offering the following NEW courses to students:

CS02 Occupational Therapy Assistant, a course ideal for those wishing to pursue a career within the field of Occupational Therapy.

CS05 Mental Health Support , which is a relevant field currently and in growing demand. The course is designed for a broad spectrum of health care workers or individuals who would benefit from a greater understanding of Mental Health

ELC3 New Stage 2 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Level 6 with option of SNA, this course can help graduates of Stage 1 (Level 5) to advance their skills and knowledge in the ELC sector. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training.

CE06 Journalism and Podcasting for new Media , a course ideal for both school leavers and experienced mature learners seeking the necessary preparation to work or study further in the field of print and podcasting journalism.

CE09 Construction Engineering and Renewable Energy Technology , an opportunity for learners to study several different branches Construction Engineering with focus on new and emerging areas of Renewable Energy Technology.

LTS1 Physiotherapy Assistant , this course aims to equip the learner with the necessary skill required to progress on to potential employment as a Physiotherapy Assistant or a Health Care Assistant.

PU04 Pre-Uni Engineering, this course has been designed to meet the needs of a variety of students wishing to study Engineering and Construction at third level. Core competencies in Engineering are studied giving students an excellent foundation to their studies.

Fully equipped

The College has fully equipped practical rooms, science and IT labs, Multi-media laboratories, two hispec iMac labs, a Hairdressing Salon, Beauty Therapy rooms, a Dog Grooming Parlour, Nursing Practical room, Electrical and Engineering Workshops.

In addition, there are regular/general classrooms, tiered lecture halls, a library, consulting rooms, restaurant and study areas. The Institute also has access to the Garage Theatre

"The range of courses available provides a comprehensive and professional education for learners who then have enhanced opportunities to enter the workforce or proceed to further study"

on the campus, and shared use of a Sports Hall with a fitness suite.

In summary, it is a first-class facility, which staff and students are delighted to be part of. If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit the MI campus our Open Day takes place on 9th March, 2023 and we would be delighted to show you around.

Professional education

Leading certification authorities such as QQI, VTCT(ITEC), City & Guilds, MOS, SEC and CompTIA ensure that learners completing oneyear or two-year courses at Monaghan Institute may obtain qualifications of the highest standard.

The range of courses available provides a comprehensive and professional education for learners who then have enhanced opportunities to enter the workforce or proceed to further study at Institutes of Technology, Further Education Colleges or Universities. Employers who seek graduates from our courses speak highly of our training programmes.

Applications for 2023-2024 courses that start in September are currently being accepted. You can browse all our courses and apply online @ www.monaghaninstitute.ie.

The first round of applications will close on 28th February 2023. Applications received after this date will be processed in the second round of offers. If you have any queries, we can also be contacted via email: info@monaghaninstitute. ie or by telephone: 047-84900.

Whitehall College Education for All

SINCE Whitehall College was established in 1970, it has developed a reputation for its pro-active and innovative approach to provide excellent education and training opportunities.

Situated in Coláiste Caoimhín on St Mobhi Road it offers a fantastic range of courses designed to give students the skills necessary for progression to employment or progression to Higher Education. Whitehall College has great links with local Universities where learners progress to various third level courses through the links scheme or through direct entry.

Reputation

Whitehall College of Further Education and Training has a long standing reputation in providing courses in Business, Information Technology, Social Care, Education and Training and ESOL.

A course in Whitehall College of

Further Education is one of the most adaptable foundations for which you could ask. The investment you make in your future now can bring huge rewards in terms of career success and personal confidence.

We are constantly reviewing our programmes to update and improve while making sure that students gain thinking skills analytical frameworks, interpersonal and communication skills which will be advantageous to them in the future.

Recognition

All courses carry certification. Most courses carry QQI awards at Level 5 and Level 6 certification. In addition we can provide programmes certified by internationally recognised bodies, professional institutes and industry. These include Cambridge University, Insurance Institute of Ireland, Institute of Bankers in Ireland and CISCO Certified Network.

We also ensure to provide stu-

"Whitehall College of Further Education and Training has a long standing reputation in providing courses in Business, Information Technology, Social Care, Education and Training and ESOL"

dents with a supportive and welcoming environment in which they will be encouraged to develop themselves personally and professionally. We prepare students for a bright and positive future in the world of work or further educational study.

New apprenticeship

Whitehall College is delighted to announce the launch of the National Sales Apprenticeship. This is a 2-year programme in Sales and Marketing (Level 6 QQI) with blended mode of delivery - learners are 85% in the workplace and 15% workshops or online. This programme is fully funded for apprentices with no fees and employers are eligible for a grant of 2k for any apprentice per year.

For information and to learn more about our College go to www.whitehallcollege.com or email info@whitehallcfe.cdetb.ie

Research helps shine a light on future sea levels

STUNNING art installations on Ireland’s coastlines projecting future sea level rise have been developed by the Línte na Farraige project team, in a unique collaboration of artists, climate scientists and geographers from Maynooth University and Trinity College Dublin.

The recent art installation in Wexford town (pictured), follows a similar event in the Claddagh, Galway, with more planned in coming months. In February 2014, Wexford town was flooded following Storm Darwin. The line of light indicated by the Línte na Farraige installation at Commodore John Barry Monument, Ballast Bank and Wexford Town Promenade, indicates the predicted rise in sea levels in a similar storm surge in 2150 when sea levels have risen by 1 metre — a moderate climate change scenario.

Art and science

Línte na Farraige is a collaborative project inspired by the light installations of Finnish artists Timo Aho and Pekka Niittyvirta. This art and science collaboration involves climate scientists from Maynooth University and Trinity College Dublin, the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) and Local Authorities, as well as designers from Algorithm and Native Events.

The coastal installations are based on emissions scenarios from Irish tide gauge data and the recently published Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 6 (AR6).

Línte na Farraige is a recipient of the inaugural Creative Climate Action fund, an

initiative from the Creative Ireland Programme in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Solar panels and renewably powered battery packs are used as part of the installation to power the lights, which will only turn on twice per day during a rising tide.

Outlining the goal of Línte na Farraige the one of the scientists involved in the project, Maeve Upton, Department of Geography, Maynooth University, commented:

"We hope to shine a light on the risks of rising sea levels and storm surges by selecting a number of Irish locations to connect with a diverse array of communities. Our project aims to spark discussion around future sea level rise, emphasising the need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and inspiring Irish communities that the future is still in our hands."

Sea level rise and storm surges

Extreme coastal flooding is classed as one of the most threatening and hazardous elements which impacts on human life and infrastructure. The threat of coastal flooding is growing due to changes in extreme weather events and sea levels.

Sea level rise predictions used in this project are largely based on data in IPCC AR6, which was released in August 2021. These data predict a global sea level rise of between 0.28 and 1.01 m depending on the emissions scenario (low to very high respectively) by the end of the century.

For more information, see the project website: www.lintenafarraige.ie

A TEAM of researchers at Munster Technological University (MTU) has developed a retrofittable energy management platform that enables energy cost savings of approximately 20% and a similar reduction in CO2 emissions.

The O-PENS team plans on spinning out the platform into a start-up company later this year and is currently in talks with potential customers and investors.

The innovative energy management platform, O-PENS (Optimise Predict Energy Saver), is designed to facilitate off-setting of peak load tariffs for commercial, agricultural, and domestic end users and enable energy managers in high energy consuming organisations to meet their carbon emissions and energy cost reduction targets.

The system incorporates a real-time pricing structure to enable end users to engage with I-SEM (Integrated Single Electricity Market) pricing.

AT THE UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December, the University of Oxford and UN Environment Programme announced the launch of the Nature Positive Universities Alliance, of which Trinity College Dublin is a member.

The alliance is a global network of universities that have made an official pledge to work towards a global Nature Positive goal in order to halt, prevent and reverse nature loss through addressing their own impacts and restoring ecosystems harmed by their activities. This push is part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a movement to avert climate catastrophe and mass extinction.

The Alliance brings higher education institutions together to use their unique power and influence as drivers of positive change.

Trinity joins worldwide Nature Positive Universities Alliance committed to reversing biodiversity decline

MTU Researchers Develop Automated Energy Management Platform

Línte na Farraige art installation in Wexford town shows possible sea level rise along Ireland’s coastlines, based on climate research at MU and TCD

Liberties College

A well deserved reputation

ESTABLISHED over 50 years ago, Liberties College has earned a welldeserved reputation as a major centre for Further Education and Training in Dublin.

Situated in the heart of the Liberties and just a stone’s throw from bustling Grafton Street, we attract students from all corners of Ireland, throughout Dublin and from the surrounding areas. Our wide range of courses cater for school leavers, mature students who wish to upskill or re-skill, as well as people returning to education.

With around 600 students across our city centre campus, the mix of nationalities, ages, backgrounds, and experiences makes for an exciting culture and atmosphere in the College. In addition to the academic schedule, our students engage in a variety of extracurricular activities including practical workshops,

"Liberties College is as much about personal development as it is about academic development and it helped me believe in myself and showed me what I could achieve"

seminars, educational and cultural trips, visits, shows and a range of hobby and relaxation options. So, in such a busy college, with so much happening, you’ll always have an interesting calendar.

This year, Liberties College offers some exciting new courses:

Childcare: The CERTIFICATE IN EARLY LEARNING AND CARE (ELC) STAGE 1 course is a completely revamped approach to childcare education that aligns to the new National standard. This course features extensive work experience and opportunities for practical engagement with young learners. It is ideal for both schoolleavers and experienced mature persons seeking a formal qualification. This growth area offers excellent employment opportunities.

Preparation for 3rd Level: Complimenting our well-established reputation for 3rd level access, the FOUNDATION BUILDING FOR 3rd LEVEL SUCCESS course provides students with the skills to thrive in the university and work environments. It is ideally suited to those who had not yet decided on what they want to do next, prompting them to explore their preferences and decide what they are best suited to. Students study a range of subjects that promote critical thinking, learning, and how their own contribution leads to future success by examining issues which will arise in work and learning contexts.

Event management: Linking our established Creative Arts and Tourism management departments is the new ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS MANAGEMENT

course.

This dynamic course is ideal for students who want to build a career delivering worthwhile experiences to audiences across the full spectrum of the arts, culture and entertainment industry. Students who are creative and have a passion for arts and culture will gain practical, hands-on learning and work experience, balanced with experience of the administrative skills required to run successful events.

Liberties College have well established courses in Healthcare, Social Care, Media, Performance, Tourism, Tour guiding, Arts and Crafts and IT. Check out our website www.libertiescollege.ie for details on each course, including the entry requirements, employment prospects and progression to third level courses. We have great Pre-apprenticeship opportunities in IT Networks and Software Development where you can progress to “pay as you learn” apprenticeships with some of the major IT employers in Ireland.

Positive feedback

The feedback received from graduates of Liberties College has been excellent over the years. Many highlight the new skills and confidence gained, which enabled then to take up employment in their chosen area or gain entry to third level institutions to complete Level 7 and Level 8 Degrees and progress to Masters Degrees.

“I enjoyed every moment of TAP. This eye-opening course has reversed my attitude towards education and prepared me for university. Most importantly, it lighted a spark of interest in the world around me, which I’ll keep forever.

"I believe the unique opportunity to study at Trinity College afterwards puts TAP ahead of most other PLCs in the country.”

Daniel C. - TAP student.

“Completing my Travel & Tourism Level 5 Course at Liberties College has opened up a world of opportunities for me.

"I have since graduated as an official Cabin Crew Member with Emirates and have been travelling all over the world”

Shannon F. Travel & Tourism Student.

“I received huge amounts of support and encouragement from all the tutors at Liberties College.

"I currently work as a Programme Facilitator in a day service for adults with disabilities, whilst completing my degree in Social Care at night.”

Mairead - Social Care Student.

Our Guidance and support services take great pride in helping students to reach their potential and we provide a range of student supports to enable this. It is gratifying each year to see our students blossoming, as they engage in courses and activities that interest and inspire them. Many discover individual skills and qualities they did not know they possessed.

So, if you’re looking for a way to kick start your career, in a progressive and supportive environment, just log on to www.libertiescollege. ie for more information.

You can find out about our activities on Facebook (@ libertiescollege), Instagram (#libertiescollege) and Twitter (@ LibertiesCollD8). We look forward to seeing you in Liberties College, the pathway to your future career.

With QQI Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications, our students greatly improve their prospects for a third level qualification. Our new pre-apprenticeship courses in ICT/Networking and Software Development open doors to careers in IT.

Apply online today at www.libertiescollege.ie

Liberties College Bull Alley Street Dublin 8

T: (01) 454 0044

E: info@liberties.cdetb.ie @libertiescollege @LibertiesCollD8

Our practical courses meet the needs of students and employers and are focused on emerging employment and 3rd Level opportunities.

Louth & Meath ETB launch

AMTCE FET Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project

THE LMETB Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) is a state-of-the-art training facility based in Dundalk, Co Louth which was established in January 2021.

The purpose of the AMTCE is to provide training on state-of-the-art equipment and processes which will underpin the transition of Irish companies to industry 4.0 based operations. The centre provides a dynamic catalogue of training courses which are tuned to the needs of industry and delivered by leading industry training practitioners.

New opportunities

With the opening of the AMTCE, LMETB schools and colleges were provided with exciting and innovative new opportunities to enhance the student learning experience by establishing linkages with the Centre.

The AMTCE Further Education and Training (FET) Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project forms an intrinsic part of LMETB’s vision for training the nextgeneration of students. The project, which is a collaboration between the FET and Schools Directorates in

LMETB, is being offered as part of the FET structured Pathways and Transitioning opportunities for students and learners to participate in and experience FET.

The aim is to inspire students to consider high-skilled STEM careers, and to broaden teachers’ views of the careers on offer.

Combination of activities

The AMTCE F E T A d v a n c e d Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project programme includes a combination of activities including visits to the schools, visits out to the AMTCE and other research centres, brainstorming sessions with groups of students, idea generation, concept and prototype development and practical workshops.

Through engagement with the project, the programme’s project challenge introduces students and teachers to real-world applications of STEM and technologies used in advanced manufacturing, enabling both teachers and students to learn new skills that allow them to better contextualise what is taught in schools with the requirements of the modern workplace.

"Students also have opportunities to interact with engineers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting potential career paths available to them in all areas of STEM"

Students also have opportunities to interact with engineers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting potential career paths available to them in all areas of STEM, whilst teachers also have the opportunity to upskill in design software and 3D printing technologies.

New realities

The project incorporates the latest technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Robotics and as part of the programme there is also a focus on the importance of and skills of cyber security.

The project, which was piloted in four LMETB Post Primary schools in the last academic year, is now being rolled out across all LMETB Post Primary Schools for the 2022/2023 academic year as part of the Transition Year Programme.

Further information on the programme is available by emailing fclinton@lmetb.ie

Further information on LMETB is available on www.lmetb.ie and more information on the AMTCE is available on www.amtce.ie

SCFE - expanding students’ horizons through the Erasmus Programme

IN SCFE we aim to support the educational, professional and personal development of our learners. One way learners can develop skills of cooperation, inclusion, creativity and innovation is through our Erasmus programmes.

What is Erasmus?

Erasmus+ is an EU programme that can help you travel to experience work, study or train in another EU country. Students who participate in Erasmus+ programmes get funding to cover travel costs and living expenses such as accommodation and food.

Erasmus at SCFE

Our first groups of students to participate in Erasmus was in February 2020.

Six learners from the Advanced Early Childhood Care and Education travelled to participate in a two-week work-study programme with KVT, a VET college in Trondheim, Norway. This aimed to provide learners

Enroute to Tenerife

with an immersive learning experience featuring examples of international best practice in Early Childhood Care and Education. Our partner KVT organised a comprehensive programme of activities. The learners spent a total of 10 mornings on placement in Early Years settings in Trondheim.

They also attended classes with their Norwegian counterparts at KVT college and engaged in cultural activities.

This once in a lifetime opportunity has not only greatly improved the professional skills and employment potential of the students involved but has also enhanced their lives in many other ways.

In 2021, six students from the Travel and Tourism Department travelled to Tenerife to undertake a 3-week work placement in hotels, activity centres and tourist offices. The learners stayed in two apartments and engaged in cultural activities on the Island related to their vocational field.

This experience ensured that our students had a very attractive CV to present to employers when they graduated in 2022.

Current students

We are continuing to build on our engagement with Erasmus. In 2023, as well as our programmes in Spain and Norway, we are offering students on our Social Studies, Criminology and Youthwork programmes, the opportunity to take part in a programme in Portugal.

Students will get the opportunity to work alongside professionals in services for people experiencing homelessness and drug addiction. Our Youth Work students will take part in placements in a variety of services for young people.

Benefits for students

Students who have taken part in Erasmus programmes are overwhelmingly positive about the experience. They have reported an increase in their skills and competences in their work area as well as

Childcare Students In Trondheim

Experiencing early learning care services in Trondheim

SCFE student on placement at reception in Tenerife hotel

increased confidence in their own abilities. They feel better able to cooperate with people from other backgrounds and cultures and believe that the experience has improved their chances of getting employment in their chosen areas.

Open Day

If you would like to find out more about our courses or the Erasmus programme in SCFE, why not visit us for our Open Day on 18th January between 10am and 2pm. Our staff and students will be happy to talk to you.

SCFE - Your Choice for a Broad Range of Career Opportunities

SCFE provides courses to school leavers and mature students in a broad variety of areas from Childcare to Social Studies, Fashion, Art and Floristry, Hairdressing & Beauty, Travel and Tourism, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre and Fitness and Wellbeing.

SCFE continues to ensure that our courses are up to date, relevant and future proofed to give our students the edge in their chosen field. To find out more check out our website www.scfe.ie.

Course Coordinators are available to answer specific questions about individual courses and their contact details are listed on each course page.

Apply online at www.scfe.ie or contact Reception@scfe.ie Tel: 01 2852997

Come and visit us on our next Open Day on 18th January 2023. See www.scfe.ie for more details.

Students had an opportunity to try outdoor activities in Norway

students on work placement in a water sports centre in Tenerife

€26m for energy efficiency and towards decarbonisation in higher education

THE Government has announced funding of €26 million for the third call of the Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme for the higher education sector.

This is a climate action measure which will support higher education institutions in making progress towards 2030 targets of a 50% improvement in energy efficiency and a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The pathfinder programme will continue to test a range of building retrofit approaches to build evidence and capability in the sector, and to inform decisions as larger scale programmes are rolled out in the future.

Environment minister Eamon Ryan said: “The Programme also continues to be highly successful in testing retrofit and decarbonisation solutions in higher education campuses across the country, meaning that we are gathering the evidence needed to

scale up and speed up our transition over coming years."

Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes in the HEA, added: “We welcome the funding available for another round the Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme.

“The investment announced is key in advancing the climate action agenda in the higher education sector and will support the sector in progressing towards our ambitious 2030 energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets.

“This programme will also expand on the body of knowledge which has been built through previous rounds of this programme in relation to the retrofit pathways for the higher education estate. We look forward to delivering this programme for the sector and continuing to work with Higher Education Institutions on this important and ambitious agenda.”

Ireland’s energyrelated CO2 emissions heading in wrong direction

THE SEAI has published its annual analysis Energy in Ireland, which shows that Ireland’s energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 5.4% in 2021.

Emissions are returning to pre-Covid levels of 2019, and further increases are anticipated based on initial data for 2022. Two significant drivers of the increase included a rebound in car use as the economy returns to pre-Covid activity levels, and an increase in the use of coal and oil in electricity generation. The current level of progress in moving to renewables and eliminating our fossil fuel use is not at the rate required to achieve our climate ambitions.

The increase in 2021 emissions was driven by electricity generation (+ 17.3%), transport (+ 7.3%) and industry (+ 3.3%) and compensated by decreases in residential (-6.1%) and commercial and public services (-2.7%) emissions.

Making Sense of a United Ireland

By Brendan O'Leary

THROUGHOUT the century since partition the unification of the two parts of the island seemed impossible.

However, by 2030, if not sooner, Ulster unionists' demographic and electoral advantages will be over. And in the light of Brexit, the rising popularity of Sinn Féin, political developments both sides of the border, and within Great Britain, Irish unification referendums will become increasingly likely. Yet even those who want these to happen are not prepared.

Making Sense of a United Ireland is a landmark exploration of this most contentious of issues. Distinguished political scientist Brendan O'Leary - a global expert on divided places, who has been profoundly engaged with the Irish question for nearly four decades - argues that the time to consider the future of the island of Ireland is now.

Sandycove • Around €18

Rotten Prod - The Unlikely Career of Dongaree Baird

By Emmet O'Connor

JAMES 'Dongaree' Baird, a boilermaker in Harland and Wolff's shipyard, was one of hundreds of 'rotten Prods', and thousands of Catholics, driven from their place of work by loyalists in 1920. The expulsions marked the end of Belfast's 'two red years', distinguished by the massive engineering strike in 1919 and the municipal elections in 1920, in which Baird was elected to Belfast Corporation.

Baird's case offers a rare insight into the city's brief radicalisation, the mentality of Protestant workers who opposed the partition of Ireland, and the reasons why loyalists targeted Labour as their most insidious enemy.

UCD Press • Around €30

Major-General Oliver Nugent: The Irishman who led the Ulster Division in the Great War

By Nicholas Perry

Nugent’s career provides a unique insight into the political decline of the Irish landed class as well as their enduring military tradition – from his financial struggles as a young landlord in the 1880s, his regimental service on India’s north-west frontier and in the Boer war, and his involvement with the UVF in Cavan in 1914, to his role in quelling political unrest in post-war India, his return to an Ireland convulsed by revolution and his adaptation to life in the Irish Free State.

Ulster Historical Foundation • Around €19

Irish Sporting Lives

By Turlough O'Riordan, Terry Clavin

SERIAL winners and glorious losers, heroes and villains, trailblazing women, role models and rogues, all are here; so too are audacious sporting founders, enduring legends and forgotten or overlooked greats. Through a selection of sixty lives from the Dictionary of Irish Biography, this book celebrates the diversity of Irish sporting history.

The Dictionary of Irish Biography is a project of the Royal Irish Academy. It tells the island’s life story through the biographies, at home and overseas, of prominent men and women born in Ireland, north and south, and the noteworthy Irish careers of those born outside Ireland. The online edition of the Dictionary of Irish Biography now features nearly 11,000 lives and continues to grow.

Turlough O’Riordan is a historian and the online and digital editor of the Dictionary of Irish Biography. Terry Clavin is a historian with over 400 biographies with the Dictionary of Irish Biography. Royal Irish Academy • Around €20

Saint Brigid

and

Other Amazing Irish Women

By Lorraine Mulholland

IRELAND – The Land of Saints & Scholars. But how many of them were women? Lorraine Mulholland has penned an encyclopaedia of Irish women from all walks of life who made a place for themselves in the annals of history as saints, scholars, healers and more! Staying true to the original stories as much as mythic and folkloric influences would allow, Lorraine aims the tales at young readers interested in learning about Old Ireland and its female heroes.

Accompanied by riveting illustrations, the book is a must-have for budding Irish readers with an interest in history, mythology, and folklore.

Columba Books • Around €20

Where I End By Sophie White

My mother. At night, my mother creaks. The house creaks along with her. Through our thin shared wall, I can hear the makings of my mother gurgle through her body just like the water in the walls of the house…

Teenager Aoileann has never left the island. Her silent, bed-bound mother is the survivor of a private disaster no one will speak about. Aoileann desperately wants a family, and when Rachel and her newborn son move to the island, Aoileann finds a focus for her relentless love.

A novel about being bound by the blood knot of family, Ringu meets Ian McEwan’s Enduring Love in Sophie White’s thrilling horror debut.

Tramp Press • Around €15

OLIVER Nugent, Ireland’s longest-serving divisional commander of the Great War, led the Ulster Division on the western front from 1915 to 1918.