Capital funding allocated to three Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) research centres is set to further support the national economic recovery and resilience of Waterford businesses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

WIT’s Pharmaceutical & Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC), South East Applied Materials (SEAM) research centre and Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG) were among the 37 successful applicants to the €6 million Capital Equipment Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland through the Technology Gateway and Technology Centre Programmes.

Waterford-based multinationals, start-ups and local businesses focused on product or process improvement are among those to benefit from the investment.

Kathryn Kiely, Industry Services Manager at WIT in welcoming the announcement, highlighted the vital role that WIT’s Technology Gateway Centres play in supporting companies to innovate, address technical challenges and to develop new product, process or service solutions.

“In the last year researchers at our three technology gateway centres, have collaborated with more than 150 companies in the life sciences, medtech, manufacturing, ICT and services sectors. Investment in research infrastructure is critical for the sustainability and competitiveness of our region. This investment by Enterprise Ireland will better position our research centres to support the technical and research challenges that companies face, enhancing resilience and competitiveness within our SME and industry base.”

A joint initiative between Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland the Technology Gateway Programme allows Irish companies and multinationals to work together on market-focused strategic R&D projects in collaboration with research institutions.

Mark Whelan, Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Programme Manager said: “As part of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, WIT is uniquely positioned with three very diverse Gateways that serve companies both regionally and nationally, helping them overcome challenges in terms of  new product development, manufacturing and more recently dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Since the formation of the programme in 2013, the Pharmaceutical & Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC), South East Applied Materials (SEAM) and Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG) have provided their expertise to over 500 different companies, completing over 1,300 projects worth in excess of €12 million and the presence of the three Gateways in Waterford has had a significant impact on a local and national level.”

Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, recently made a visit to WIT research centre PMBRC which was awarded funding for a state of the art differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) an instrument that measures how material properties change when exposed to different temperatures. The Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC) is an applied research centre which aims to support the sustainable growth of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry in the south east of Ireland. 

Under the funding announcement SEAM will upgrade its x-ray computed tomography (XMT) equipment used for product design, validation, and failure analysis in Irish industry. South Eastern Applied Materials Research Centre (SEAM) is an industry focussed applied research centre, providing innovative materials engineering solutions for companies from a wide range of sectors, including bio-medical devices, pharmaceuticals, micro-electronics, precision engineering and industrial technologies. SEAM offers direct consultancy, characterisation, failure analysis and strategic research partnership programs (short, medium and long term) to support industries throughout Ireland.

Smart clothing is the focus of the Smart Material and e-Textile Innovation Living Laboratory (eTex) and will allow TSSG to engage with Enterprise Ireland clients, start-ups and existing companies that wish to launch, initiate and investigate potential solutions related to new e-Textile based technology services. Telecommunications Software and Systems Group (TSSG) has a proven track record in translating world class research into market-ready products and services and has enabled the establishment of an eco-system of mobile service companies in the South East of Ireland and beyond.

The Head of the Department of Lifelong Learning at Waterford Institute of Technology, Neil Quinlan, has said that the Government’s range of Springboard+ courses and the institute’s part-time and flexible course offering could be key to helping futureproof careers impacted by Covid-19.

Speaking ahead of the 1st July ‘Virtual Open Day’ for adult learners, Quinlan said education will be the answer to future of work worries for many employees, jobseekers, previously self-employed people and people returning to the workforce across the region.

“The impact of Covid-19 will have many people across Waterford looking to futureproof their employability. Our Springboard+, part-time and flexible learning options are delivered in modes that are amenable to people with busy lives.”

The free/highly subsidised courses launched under the institute’s Enterprise Support Initiative last month were in high demand and it is expected more adults will turn to learning this year.

The Virtual Open Day on 1st July will be feature two 1-hour Zoom sessions, lunchtime and evening, and will feature talks from academic experts and the Springboard Team who will explain the application process. Details will be available on the WIT website and on social media ahead of the day. See www.wit.ie and www.wit.ie/parttime.

“Every autumn adults turn to part-time learning and this year we are expecting a surge of applications as people look to re-skill or upskill. Our 1 July Virtual Open Day for adult learners will allow people to ask questions they may have about returning to study, fees, and areas they are interested in,” Quinlan says.

The list of WIT Springboard and Part-time courses for 2020/21 will be launched at the Virtual Open Day. Quinlan says courses will be available in a wide variety of areas including business and management, construction engineering, biopharmachem sciences, biomedical engineering, fintech, computing and data analytics, childcare, hospitality and more. Courses may be 1-year courses to add to existing qualifications or it’s also possible for adult learners to do a variety of full degree qualifications part-time.

Among these will be free or highly-subsidised Springboard+ higher-education courses from WIT which are open to both employed and unemployed people.

“Springboard+ courses are designed to allow people to re-boot their career through significant upskilling within one-year of less.  Courses are fully-funded for the unemployed, previously self-employed and people returning to the workplace. For employed people level 6 Springboard Courses are 100% - funded and Level 7 - 9 Springboard courses are 90% - funded,” concludes Quinlan.

Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF programme or Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

Visit Waterford launches its first domestic consumer campaign in response to the impact of COVID-19 on local tourism sector.

The campaign “You’re invited, come and see” will be aired on national TV channels, national and local radio stations, and print media and across social media platforms throughout July.

Highlighting the extent of what the city and county has to offer in terms of culture, scenery, adventure, activities and entertainment, the Visit Waterford campaign is aimed at the domestic market.  COVID-19 has had a widespread effect on international tourism, which accounted for approximately 75% of Ireland’s tourism economy last year but is not expected to return to Ireland until 2021.

According to David McCoy, Visit Waterford Chair, the campaign will focus on domestic visitors and will have a broad appeal to all ages and all tastes.

“The strapline is very simple, and very apt “Waterford, you’re invited, come and see.”  Whether you are lucky to live in Waterford or are just an hour’s drive from the county, Waterford has so much to offer for a staycation holiday, short break, or family days out.  The history and culture associated with Ireland’s oldest city is fascinating and facets of it are dotted liberally around the city and county.  Waterford was awarded the title of Ireland’s No.1 Foodie destination last year, so quality restaurants and cafes supplied by great local producers are the rule, rather than the exception.”

“Mountainous and rugged scenery is only a stone’s throw from our five Blue Flag beaches, East meets West via a spectacular 46km greenway and the Purple Flag accreditation recognises Waterford as being a safe and welcoming place to socialise and have a good time, with plenty of accommodation to choose from.”

The Visit Waterford drive is supported with investment from Waterford City and County Council, Failte Ireland, local hospitality, amenity, and entertainment providers. 

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John Pratt welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of the community supporting local. “Waterford is steeped in culture, heritage, scenery with excellent hospitality and leisure amenities.  With people reticent to travel too far this summer, there is a host of things to do, see and experience in Waterford for people of all ages.  With all this on our doorstep there really is no better time to be a tourist in our own county.”

“While the current pandemic has had a devastating impact on the international tourism market,  we have the opportunity, the vision, and the drive to emphasise all that is utterly unique about Waterford to a local, regional and national audience.”

Tina Darrer, Co-owner of Dooley’s Hotel, explains why she got behind the initiative. 

“With international travel very much restricted for Irish holidaymakers, there can be a rediscovered joy in exploring what’s in our locality.  Whether it is for an afternoon of adventure or a fun-filled family staycation, Waterford truly has something for everyone.”

Follow Visit Waterford’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts or #VisitWaterford for more updates or visit www.visitwaterford.com

As the country moves into Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap to Recovery, small businesses that have managed to operate through the pandemic, recently reopened or are due to reopen are being encouraged to apply for the Local Authority Restart Grant through Waterford City and County Council.

The Restart Grant gives direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures and is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover up to June 30th, 2020.

Businesses due to reopen under Phase 2 (June 8th) include small retail outlets and marts.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said the grant, is based on the equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019 and if a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply.

“Now that we are moving into Phase 2, more and more small businesses will be in a position to reopen. Some will have continued to operate but will have experienced a loss in revenue and staff numbers while bearing ongoing costs. For others, the cost of reopening will be a challenge. The Restart Grant, which is a minimum of €2,000 and maximum of €10,000, can be used to help defray ongoing fixed costs or meet the cost of reopening, such as replenishing stock or implementing the necessary health and safety protocols to ensure customer and employee safety.”

“Small retail businesses due to open in Phase 2 should apply for the grant via Waterford City and County Council and they will be prioritised. As we gradually move into the next phases and more sectors open up, these businesses should apply. Over the coming weeks and months in Phases 3, 4 and 5 more retail outlets, offices, restaurants, hotels, cafes, pubs, childcare facilities and indoor recreational centres are scheduled to reopen. These businesses too should begin the process of applying for the Restart grant in order to avoid delay.”

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and the closing date for receipt of applications is August 31st, 2020.

Processing of applications and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial surge of applications but, as far as is feasible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national Roadmap.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a wave of extraordinary challenges and uncertainty to Irish businesses, Local Enterprise Office Waterford provides a wide range of business services to SMEs such as free HR, digital and finance advisory clinics.

With the gradual easing of restrictions and many businesses re-opening, Local Enterprise Office Waterford has appointed Mary Darlington of Darlington Consulting, Health and Safety Consultant to its mentor panel, to advise businesses on implementing Return to Work Safely protocols.

Mary has over 30 years’ experience in health and safety both in industry and as a consultant. She established Darlington Consulting in 1996 and specialises in Safety Leadership as well as general health and safety. Her other services include training for Boards, Senior Managers, Team Leaders and employees, including Safety Representatives and Safety Committees. She also carries out safety audits, develops safety policies and prepares safety statements

Having consulted in many sectors including manufacturing, retail, wholesale, SMEs, hospitality, the arts sector and not for profit organisations, Mary is ideally placed to advise on health and safety laws and regulations.

“There is so much COVID-19 information available, so it is imperative for all businesses to drill down to find the most accurate, reliable and practical advice for their situation as they plan to return to trading, reemploy staff and reconnect with customers.”

Mary’s skills lie in simplifying these guides in order to create a practical road map for employers in all businesses to safely operate and/or re-open, while fully safeguarding their employees and their customers.

Mary advises that the key issues that SMEs need to consider before returning to work are:

• Consultation with employees (appointing a Lead Employee Representative)
• Social distancing measures (now being called physical distancing which is more accurate)
• Regular cleaning and the prevention of infection for both employees and customers.

“Complying with these new requirements will result in changes to the way we work, how the job is done, by whom and most importantly how it is recorded so that it can be verified.”

Mary explains that when this current crisis is over how we react to the crisis now will have a huge bearing on how we work in the future, so implementing early best practice is vital.

“Remember firstly that your employees are your greatest asset and they need to be protected. Secondly, you need to consider your customers and how you can deliver your goods or services them while safeguarding them. We are all learning as this pandemic continues and best practices are emerging which will enable businesses to operate and hopefully thrive.”

If your business has been affected by Covid-19 and you need advice about implementing safety measures and protocols, call Local Enterprise Office Waterford and a dedicated specialist will get back to you to discuss your business issue. This is a free confidential service and is open to all businesses. LEO Waterford will also endeavour to signpost you towards further Government and State agency business supports.

To book your free virtual consultation, via Skype or phone, call 0761 102905 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a dedicated mentor will get in touch with you.

As retailers and business owners across Waterford City and County begin to prepare for the reopening of the City and Town Centres a new Shop Waterford Support Local campaign is being launched. The campaign, which is supported by business owners from Waterford City, Tramore and Dungarvan aims to encourage all Waterford people to support local in every purchase we make. The campaign wants the people of Waterford to support each other as when we act Together Waterford is Stronger.

The business owners and retailers of Waterford have shown resilience and innovation throughout the COVID19 restrictions and although City and Town centres were largely deserted many businesses continued behind closed doors. Initiatives such as Waterford Online and the Back Soon #Love Waterford responses encouraged local support and provided hope for a gradual return for business and society. The Waterford Online campaign is continuing to update trading arrangements on a daily basis on its Facebook page and reminds us that Local Businesses employ local people and sponsor local teams and generously give raffle prizes to local fundraisers.

The Shop Waterford Support Local campaign is aimed at building on the momentum of the massive amount of support shown by Waterford people and to encourage a continuation of this support. Some outdoor businesses reopen this week and many of the City and Town Centres businesses open in Phase 2 which is planned for 8th June. A Shop Waterford Support Local video campaign has been developed by Waterford.fyi in partnership with the City and Town Centre Management groups and is launching this week to coincide with Phase 1 reopening. The camapign features 17 business owners from Waterford City, Tramore and Dungarvan. The City and Town Centre Management Group membership includes Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Chamber of Commerce, Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber of Commerce, Waterford Business Group and the Local Enterprise Office.

Darragh, Haven Pharmacy, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
“This pharmacy dates back to 1915. My father tells me stories of how the Spanish flu affected people here in Dungarvan, so we have a long insight and history here in Dungarvan. What pharmacies did back then, and what we do now was to give accessible healthcare to their communities and to be there for people when they needed them. What we are doing now is no different.”

Jack Molloy, Molloy’s Butchers, Waterford.
“People are coming back to the butcher shops and they’re enjoying cooking again. It’s great talking to our customers and finding out what life is like for them. Life’s tough out there, but the one thing that we are finding is that family and people have gotten to come together again and are enjoying it. It’s gone to ‘comfort cooking’ now rather than comfort eating. It’s an interesting concept.”

Seamus Reynolds, Morris’s DIY, Waterford.
“I would be a major, major fan of shopping local. I think it's really critical, and particularly in this time, that we support local businesses, it’s so important. Instead of ordering online and it takes two or three weeks to come, what we try and do with my kids, is go into the retailer because chances are, they might be able to order it and get it in for you.”

A new website has also been developed by the Waterford City and Town Centre Management Groups and can be found on the Waterford Council website. The website is a one stop shop for all information relating to all supports for business across Waterford. There is information on financial supports, keeping customers and staff safe, minding our health and wellbeing and sharing good news stories about Waterford’s ongoing determination and drive to reopening business and society over the coming weeks and months.

(25 May 2020) To assist non-domestic customers preparing to re-use buildings after a period of closure or under-utilisation, Irish Water has launched a new section on water.ie with advice and practical tips to help ensure internal water and wastewater systems are made safe for staff, customers and visitors.

A number of issues can arise when buildings are left un-used for a period of time. These include leaks that cause damage to premises and stock; blockages in pipes from fats, oils or greases; dead rodents in water tanks that can cause contamination; and stagnant water in plumbing and cooling systems that can create serious health risks such as Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and hospitalisation is generally required to treat symptoms.

There are number of measures that business owners and facility managers can take to mitigate these risks and these are all outlined on water.ie.

Yvonne Harris, Head of Customer Operations, says: “Business owners and facility managers can reduce water related risks when reopening buildings and premises by following our guidelines. Irish Water has detailed some simple steps on water.ie that business owners and facility managers should take that will help to protect the health of staff, visitors and customers. The safe re-opening of buildings will require the use of considerable amounts of water, which is one of the reasons we emphasised the need for water conservation in the home recently. The priority must be the health and safety of anyone entering or working in a recently closed building so business owners and facility managers should take all the necessary steps.”

When bringing water systems and devices safely back into use businesses should:

• Flush water pipes by running taps until the water temperature is constant and mains water is drawn through the system;
• Clean all drinking water outlets with suitable disinfectants;
• Flush all toilets, and run water through sinks and shower basins, to ensure that the water trap seal is replenished in the u-bends;
• Inspect all storage tanks and cisterns, and drain, clean, disinfect and refill as necessary;
• Clean shower-heads with disinfectant and flush water through until clean, with a minimum temperature of 60°C for hot water showers;
• Empty hot water tanks and refill with water heated to 70° C for at least an hour before use;
• Replace filter cartridges in water filters and clean & disinfect the cartridge holder according to manufacturer’s instructions, then run water through to flush clear;
• Check pumps on the building’s water/wastewater system to ensure that they are operating correctly;
• Check sewer & drains and clear any blockages promptly;
• Check on-site wastewater treatment systems to ensure they are operating correctly.

Full information, as well as a booklet are available on https://www.water.ie/for-business/covid-19-reopening-busine/

As every building is different, building managers should get specialist advice if in-house expertise is not available. Some businesses, such as the hospitality sector, healthcare providers and leisure centres, may need more detailed measures associated with water-using equipment. The HSE has useful resources on its website such as its Checklist for Leisure Centres.

Irish Water continue to work with our Local Authority partners to maintain a safe and reliable public water supply and to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public as Covid-19 restrictions are eased and businesses begin to re-open.

Following the success of its week of virtual open days in April, Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), which one in three higher education-going school leavers in the south east attended last autumn, has announced further supports for the CAO applicants of 2020 at a dedicated website www.wit.ie/cao.

Last year over 1,600 of the 5,000 plus new higher education-going students in the region in 2019, or almost 1 in 3 (30%) chose WIT. When it comes to individual counties, well over 50% of higher education-going students from Waterford choose WIT. The data shows something similar in Wexford where 30% of higher education going students go to WIT. In Kilkenny and South Tipperary, 1 in 4 students go to WIT.

One of the highlights of ‘Ask WIT’ is the facility for individual consultations with members of WIT’s outreach team. Pre-booked virtual drop-in slots are available from 25 May to 1 July, the CAO Change of Mind deadline.

Lecturers from across the institute’s 70 CAO courses have come onboard to support their future students with 24 discipline-specific WIT Talks scheduled over a five-week period.

In addition, web chat and virtual tours are also available.

Dr Derek O’Byrne, Registrar and Vice President for Academic Affairs at WIT said that while we may have a very different Leaving Certificate, students still have to make career choices.

“Indeed, more than ever, applicants should be reflecting on their true interests and abilities in making those important career choices, and our supports will help people find out what they are best suited to.”

“The CAO change of mind facility opened on 5 May and many prospective students and their parents will need to start thinking about confirming their CAO choices, before the 1 July deadline,” Dr O’Byrne added.

John Power, an outreach officer at the institute explained that following on from the success of the Virtual open days it was clear that there was an appetite for one-to-one chats and virtual talks around wider discipline areas.

“Our WIT Talks will be hosted on Zoom and are designed to give CAO applicants interested in studying a WIT course a forum to ask course questions. They will be hosted by lecturing staff in that area. They are ideal for anybody who wants to understand the differences between courses or who have a few questions before they confirm their choices. Participants can get involved, ask questions and have the chance to meet and see other prospective students.”

Two members of the institute’s outreach team John Power and Claire Holden will be on hand for more detailed queries via the Virtual Drop-In. These pre-booked session will give applicants or their parents the opportunity to have a private discussion about individual scenarios.

For full details see www.wit.ie/cao and follow Waterford Institute of Technology for updates on social media.

The Government’s €250m Restart Grant, which gives direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures, is now open for applications through the Waterford City and County Council website.

The grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover up to June 30th, 2020. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers.

It will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, or a minimum payment of €2,000, whichever is the higher, and will be subject to a maximum payment of €10,000.

If a company is currently in a rateable premise but was not rate-assessed in 2019 it is still eligible to apply. The local authority can pay the grant based on an estimate of what the rates demand for 2019 would have been.

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, said, “I want to ensure that eligible companies with the most immediate need to get back up-and-running receive the grant support as quickly as possible.  For this reason, the businesses listed in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Roadmap, as well as those who stayed open all along, will be prioritised. Businesses know the dates on which their premises can reopen, and we want to avoid long waiting times for the grant. As a result, I am urging businesses to wait until a few weeks before their business is due to reopen before submitting their application to the local authorities.”

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council welcomed the initiative and said that these grants will help local small businesses that were forced to close or were financially impacted by COVID-19.

“The grants available will match an individual business’s 2019 commercial rates and can be used towards the cost of reopening, replenishing stock, defraying fixed costs or putting in place measures to keep its customers and staff safe.”

“We would encourage any business that stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those that reopened under Phase 1 (from 18 May) or are due to open under Phase 2 (8 June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, to apply now for the Restart Grant.”

“Whether the business is up to date with its 2019 commercial rate payments or not, the Restart Grant will help in some way to take the financial burden out of the costs associated with getting back up and running and the return to viability.”

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and the closing date for receipt of applications is August 31st, 2020.

Processing of applications and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial surge of applications but, as far as is feasible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national Roadmap.

About the Restart Grant

Micro and small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic effects of Covid-19. Many businesses, even while closed, continue to incur costs including fixed costs without being able to generate revenues. It is recognised that businesses will also incur costs in preparing their businesses to reopen and meeting the needs of employees and customers. The Restart Grant is designed to alleviate the pressure on businesses in this context.

To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and: 

1. have an annual turnover of less than €5m and employ between 1 to 50 people
2. have closed and/or suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020
3. commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed
4. declare the intention to retaining employees that are on The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and to reemploy staff on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment where applicable.

Business Categories, based on the Government’s Roadmap for a phased re-opening of the economy, are as set out below:

Phase 1 (18 May) Hardware, garden centres, opticians, motor/cycle repairs, office products, electrical, IT equipment, phone sales/repairs, outdoor construction, public amenities.

Phase 2 (8 June) Small retail outlets, marts.

Phase 3 (29 June) Creches for essential workers, retail outlets with street entrance, cafes, and restaurants for on-premises consumption.

Phase 4 (20 July) Creches, ‘high-risk’ services including hairdressers, tourism accommodation.

Phase 5 (10 August) Bars, theatres, cinemas, gyms, shopping centres.

Some of Waterford’s most innovative and entrepreneurial students will be eagerly logging online next week for the National Final of the Student Enterprise Programme. For the first time since the programme began in 2003, the National Finals will take place online and the region will have 2 student enterprises involved on behalf of Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

Rooted Solution, winner of the Senior award from St. Augustine’s College in Dungarvan created a business selling affordable tree saplings with biodegradable packaging to help sustain the environment.

The county’s intermediate entry is DownWriteGood! from Our Lady of Mercy secondary school, Waterford. It is a stationary enterprise which offers eco-friendly and sustainable products with superior functionality that maximise desk space and efficiency

Having originally been scheduled to take place in Croke Park on the 1st May, the Local Enterprise Office run awards, will be announced virtually on Wednesday 27th May via live stream on the Student Enterprise Programmes Facebook and YouTube channels.

Waterford has a proud tradition on the Student Entrepreneur Programme through its Local Enterprise Office, including a former national winner, Cathal Daly.

The students and teachers from across the country will watch along online to the event hosted by RTE’s Rick O’Shea and will be joined during the ceremony by previous winners and Student Entrepreneur Programme Ambassador, Josh Van Der Flier. The rugby star previously took part in the initiative when he was a student at Wesley College in Dublin.

The Finalists have been announced this year with a record number of 85 student enterprises competing in Ireland’s largest entrepreneurship programme for second level students. The initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, close to 26,000 students from almost 500 secondary schools across the country take part.

Some of the finalists this year include an alarm that helps wake small children who can sleep through regular high frequency alarms, eco-friendly products such as beeswax film, an alternative to clingfilm, a bottle stopper to help prevent drinks tampering, germination balls that can be thrown on soil to help generate new wildlife, and stress hampers filled with stress relieving products.

The National Final students are competing across three categories, Junior, Intermediate and Senior and judging is ongoing virtually with the finalists nationwide via electronic submissions. Each student enterprise is challenged with creating, setting up and running their own business, which must show sales of their service or product. The judging panel includes business owners and representatives from enterprise agencies and associated bodies.

This year’s Programme also saw two new pilot competitions across the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories. The first, the “My Entrepreneurial Journey” pilot was run in the Junior and Intermediate cycle and open to any students involved in wider competition. It required them to map out the life of a successful entrepreneur and how that could be achieved.

In the Senior category there was a new “Go Green: Be Sustainable Creative Business Competition”. In this new pilot competition students could push their most innovative business ideas via a video pitch, without having to produce a product or service and was open to all senior students taking part in the wider competition.

Chair of the Enterprise Education Committee with the Local Enterprise Offices, Michael Nevin, said; “As a programme we are lucky in that much of the work that students were doing in relation to their Student Enterprises was done well before this pandemic broke out. So, there is no reduction in the quality of entries, if anything we have bigger final this year and some outstanding entries. Looking through the Finalists you can see that students are more conscientious than ever when it comes to solving problems they see in everyday life, affecting the environment and the people around them. It’s encouraging to see the focus that the next generation are putting on making the world a better place and irrespective of who wins, we will see some great student businesses coming from this.”

Since 2003, over 200,000 students have taken part in the Student Enterprise Programme. Last year again there was great variety across the entries, and the winners. In the Junior category, Specrest from Fingal in Dublin designed a 3D printed biodegradable clip that will secure glasses on clothing. Smooth Remove from North Cork, a device for shoe removal won in the Senior category while Crios Mhadra from Kerry, a dog safety harness for car travel took home the Intermediate prize.

Full details of all this year’s 85 national finalists are available on the Student Enterprise Programme website at www.StudentEnterprise.ie