Irish headquartered company ATC Computer Transport & Logistics launches 2,600km battery electric truck trial in partnership with Chinese electric truck manufacturer Windrose Technology

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  • The second in a series of trials, the test route is a return journey from the Netherlands to Hungary and covers approximately 2,600km

 

  • Aim of trial is to analyse emission reduction of moving from diesel to electric for long distance travel –  proving that battery electric can outperform diesel in every way

 

  • Further trials are scheduled for May with other leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

 

ATC Computer Transport & Logistics (ATC), a leading Irish company providing highly specialised transport, logistics, and technical services to hyperscale data centre operators, high-tech freight forwarders, and original equipment manufacturers worldwide, has successfully completed its second long haul battery electric truck trial, this time in collaboration with Windrose Technology.

 

Windrose is an innovative electric truck manufacturer founded in 2022 and backed by global industrial partners. The company is focused on delivering high-performance, zero-emission long-haul transportation solutions and is currently expanding across Europe.

 

For this trial with ATC, Windrose deployed its latest 6×4 heavy-duty electric truck, specifically developed for the European market. The vehicle features four independent motors, a peak power output of 1,400 hp, a 730 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack, and dual fast-charging ports compatible with both Combined Charging System 2 (CCS2) and Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standards.

 

In previous real-life demonstrations, Windrose has successfully operated its trucks in double trailer configurations of up to 64 tonnes, achieving 520 km of continuous motorway range on a single charge — setting a new benchmark for electric freight under high payload.

 

This collaboration with ATC represents a further step in validating that battery-electric trucks can match diesel in both uptime and productivity on long-haul routes — enabling a new standard for zero-emission logistics across Europe.

 

The journey, which is a round trip starting at the Milence fast charging hub at the TruckStop in Venlo, Netherlands, to Budapest, Hungary, and back, will cover approximately 2,600km in total. This is a typical route operated by ATC for one of their global hyperscale clients, which the company aims to fully electrify.

 

This trial, with support from the Fleet Electrification Coalition from the Smart Freight Centre, forms part of a broader series of real-world evaluations of Battery Electric Trucks (BETs) in different configurations and across multiple OEM platforms. The objective is to collect robust performance data on energy consumption, emissions, and total cost of ownership (TCO) which are all key inputs in ATC’s comprehensive life-cycle analysis framework.

The current trial follows ATC’s first successful run using one of its own Volvo FH Electric tractor units, paired with a TrailerDynamics e-axle trailer. Further long-range battery-electric trials are already scheduled for the Venlo to Budapest and other routes, in collaboration with leading truck OEMs.

Rainer Hoerbst, Head of Green Logistics at ATC, said: “At ATC, our mission is clear –  we want to prove that battery electric vehicles will outperform diesel on long-haul routes across the continent in every way. This is not a lab test, these are real routes, with real loads, serving some of the most demanding logistics requirements globally. We’re actively working to electrify our routes for key global hyperscale clients in the data centre industry. However, a major challenge is the availability of suitable fast-charging infrastructure, particularly around Vienna and Budapest. This is something we’re keen to tackle alongside stakeholders and OEMs across the sector and we’re looking forward to seeing the results from this trial and future test routes.”

 

In 2024, ATC invested €22.5 million over five years to support its companywide ‘Driving Green Strategy,’ which focuses on the transition to battery-electric vehicles and achieving net zero emissions by 2030. A key part of this strategy is the ongoing conversion of ATC’s HGV fleet from traditional combustion engines to battery-electric power.

 

The company has also rapidly scaled up its green initiatives across Ireland and Europe, reinforcing its commitment to zero tailpipe emissions and net zero companywide operations by 2030. As part of this, ATC recently added nine battery-electric Volvo HGVs to its fleet. The fleet was expanded earlier in the year with ten Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric vans, now operating across Ireland and Europe.

 

Visit www.atc-logistics.com to learn more about the ATC

 

To keep up to date on ATC activity, follow the organisation on:

LinkedIn           @ATC Computer Transport & Logistics

Facebook         @ATC Computer Transport and Logistics

Business sentiment is up with 88% of Irish SME’s saying they are confident for the year ahead, and 92% saying they plan to invest in the coming months – new research from Bibby Financial Services

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  • 36% feel more confident making major investments now the General Election is over however opinions remain divided on government supports for SMEs

 

  • SMEs plan to invest an average of €193,000 over the next twelve months, with staff training and recruitment as top priorities

 

  • 30% of SMEs have implemented AI technology in their operations with 27% planning to do so in future – with most using it to enhance customer service

 

  • 14% of SMEs surveyed say they have faced cyber-attacks with 56% of those affected incurring costs of between €10,000 and €50,000 to resolve the issue

 

Business confidence among SMEs in Ireland remains strong with 88% feeling optimistic about their prospects for 2025 despite rising business costs and geopolitical volatility. This is according to research conducted by Bibby Financial Services Ireland, a leading provider of financial support and funding solutions to Irish SMEs. Confidence is highest in the wholesale sector, where 92% feel positive about their future.

7 out of ten businesses say they expect sales to rise over the next six months, with only 5% anticipating a decline. Again, optimism is very strong in the wholesale sector.

Businesses surveyed said their top opportunities for the next six months are attracting new customers (50%) and expanding their workforce (37%). In the services sector, 61% see customer acquisition as their biggest opportunity, while in the transport sector, hiring staff remains vital. However, businesses engaged in international trade see fewer growth opportunities over the next six months compared to the previous waves.

Irish SMEs have big plans to invest in the coming months, with 92% intending to do so. When asked how much they plan to invest in their business over the next year, the average figure quoted by businesses, excluding those with no plans, was approximately €193,000. Staff training, recruitment and digital technology are among the top priorities for this investment:

  • Staff training & development (35%) – up 7% since 2024
  • Recruitment (34%) – up 6% since 2024
  • Digital technology and IT, including AI (33%) – up 5% since 2024
  • Machinery or equipment (manufacturing businesses) (42%)

 

36% say they feel more confident making major investments now the General Election is over, however, opinions remain divided on whether the new government will provide better support for SMEs, with one-third expecting improvement and another third anticipating no change. The top government measures SMEs would like to see include:

  • Providing low-interest loans or grants for expansion and job creation (38%)
  • Lowering or stabilising business energy costs (36%)
  • Simplifying taxes and introducing tax incentives (33%)

 

30% of SMEs have now implemented AI technology in their operations, with another 27% planning to do so. AI adoption is highest in the wholesale sector (44%) with SMEs primarily using AI for enhancing customer service (57%), marketing and sales (38%), automating operations (36%) and data analysis and decision making (32%). However, some of the barriers to AI adoption included lack of knowledge (41%), high costs (31%), data security concerns (23%) and fear of using technology (19%).

14% of SMEs surveyed also said they have faced cyber-attacks, with small businesses particularly vulnerable to breaches and ransom demands. Among businesses with a turnover under €250,000, 24% have faced a cyber-attack issue or breach. Of those affected:

  • 86% reported the incident to the Data Protection Commission
  • 50% had a ransom demand
  • 56% incurred costs between €10,000 and €50,000 to resolve the issue

 

Mark O’Rourke, Managing Director of Bibby Financial Services Ireland, says the results of this survey demonstrate the optimism and hunger for growth among the Irish SME community despite the challenging geopolitical factors influencing the wider industry.

“It’s always positive to hear that 88% of SME’s are optimistic and remain bullish about the months ahead and expect an increase in sale, regardless of outside influences causing uncertainty.

With 36% of respondents saying they feel confident making major investments now that the general election is over, it is crucial that the government support SMEs both large and small by introducing measures such as tax incentives, lower energy costs and low interest loans to encourage job creation and expansion.

Additionally, 14% of SMEs surveyed have experienced cyber-attacks, with 56% incurring significant costs to resolve these issues. This highlights the critical need for robust framework to protect businesses, particularly smaller operations, which are more vulnerable to these threats.

While there are promising signs of recovery, the market is changing and geopolitical divisions are continuing to grow. We must be prepared for these changes and it is vital the government takes action now to safeguard the future of these businesses.”

 

Read full report here: https://www.bibbyfinancialservices.ie/sme-business-confidence-tracker-report-q1-2025.pdf

 

 

Coolmain Castle Coolmain, Kilbrittain, County Cork

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An extremely attractive and magical 18th-century castle gloriously positioned within private parkland that enjoys a prominent position overlooking the sea and up the estuary to Courtmacsherry Bay and just 18-minute drive from fashionable Kinsale town. In all about 56 acres (23 Hectares). 6-receptions, 9-bedrooms, 6-bathrooms.

 

Pastoral views over undulating countryside combine gloriously with expansive sea views to give impressive and panoramic vistas from the castle and grounds. A tree lined avenue provides a magical approach, from where a stone arch leads to an inner courtyard. Attractive stone walls providing an extremely pleasant aesthetic. The house is presented in superb condition and is simply magical, the symmetrical five-bay original Georgian house wonderfully augmented by the 19th-century castellated tower and battlemented parapet walls to create a beautifully attractive and fun house.

 

The accommodation is well laid out and updated to readily allow comfortable living, seamlessly incorporating modern convenience whilst retaining fantastic historical character. The reception rooms are impressive with large windows and generous ceiling heights and link excellently to allow superb entertaining yet are each of a scale to be comfortable. The generous kitchen with the wonderfully large table is a great space and superbly designed to allow congenial informal gathering for family and guests. There are ample bedroom suites, and the first-floor sunroom conservatory is exceptional.

 

The original L-Shaped Stable yard has been carefully upgraded and features a modern self-contained 3 Bedroom Caretakers residence, 3 well appointed loose boxes and an abundance of overhead lofted storage – itself ripe for further conversion if desired. This Ivy-clad local cut stone finish allows the building to blend seamlessly into the castellated surroundings with a traditional stone archway highlighting its period features.

 

The gardens and grounds are glorious. Extremely private and sheltered but with excellent sea views still afforded. A blend of formal terraces and manicured lawns within the immediate gardens into less formal gardens and the wider parkland works superbly. The use of manicured pathways throughout the parkland working extremely well to seamlessly link the gardens to the wider lands and providing highly useable walks. The outer coastal lands very much connect the estate to the sea and provide some lovely private coves and beaches. Coolmain beach is noted for its pristine powdery sand. Overall, the various component parts of the estate all combine to present a truly magical and attractive circa 56-acre estate.

 

Coolmain Castle has a rich and magical provenance and has been home to the Disney family for the past 35-years.  Purchased by Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney and vice-charman of the Walt Disney Company, in 1989 and comprehensively restored and updated Coolmain Castle has been meticulously maintained ever since. Notable owners before the Disney’s have included The Honourable Henry Boyle Bernard, Thomas Wyse, Hibernicus Scott, the novelist Donn Byrne, photographer Bob Willougby ‘the man who virtually invented the photojournalistic motion picture still’ and most recently and fittingly the Disney family.

 

Dating to the early 18th-century a magical fusion of various additions and amendments in keeping with changing architectural fashions over the preceding centuries presents a wonderfully textured and layered architecture that combined with the gloriously coloured local stone walls and being positioned in an extremely picturesque location, set overlooking the sea, makes Coolmain Castle truly authentic and attractive.

 

Positioned in the scenic and vibrant southwest of Ireland many thriving and bustling nearby coastal towns include popular Kinsale, a popular historic sailing town with a wide selection of fine restaurants, a deep-water harbour and the famed Old Head golf links. Walking trails, golfing and sailing amenity is in abundance. Cork city is within easy reach, just 27-miles or 44-km away and Cork International airport less than a 30-minute drive.

 

The castle is available fully furnished and with garden tools and equipment included.

Quoting Price €7,500,000.

 

Restaurants in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Mayo and Belfast feature in 10 Hottest Dining Rooms list, as part of 100 Best Restaurants, compiled by The Sunday Times sponsored by Cully and Sully

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The Sunday Times, Ireland’s leading quality Sunday news brand, has unveiled its definitive Top Ten Hottest Dining Rooms list as part of its annual 100 Best Restaurants list – the ultimate guide to eating out in Ireland.

 

Goldie in Cork takes the number one spot, followed by Allta in Dublin and Daróg in Galway. New opening Lena, located in Portobello, Dublin, enters the list for the first time in the top ten, showing that Irish diners are hungry for new restaurants and experiences.

 

Three restaurants in Cork, three in Dublin, two in Galway and one in Mayo and Belfast, also feature in the top ten list as the most sought after restaurants to book a table at in 2025.

 

Additionally, the McKenna’s created a new category this year, Tried and True restaurants. This list focuses on classic choices that remain the pinnacle of contemporary and fine dining in Ireland and includes favourites such as Chapter One, Ballymaloe House and Grano.

 

The annual 100 Best Restaurants list also includes a number of other categories including Best for Breakfast, Best for Cheese Boards and many more. A new Hot Contenders list features ones to watch for 2025 and highlights new openings and buzzy casual dining options.

 

Compiled by renowned food critics John and Sally McKenna, this is their fourth decade covering the 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland and their ninth edition with The Sunday Times. The full list of the 100 Best Restaurants is available in The Sunday Times on Sunday, 23rd March.

 

The complete Top Ten list of Hottest Dining Rooms in Ireland, selected by John and Sally McKenna, is below:

 

  1. Goldie, Cork

www.goldie.ie

 

  1. Allta, Dublin

www.alta.ie

 

  1. Daróg Wine Bar, Galway

www.darogwinebar.com

 

  1. Dede at the Customs House, Cork

www.customshousebaltimore.com

 

  1. Lignum, Galway

www.lignum.ie

 

  1. Lena, Dublin

www.lena.ie

  1. Kicky’s, Dublin

www.kickys.ie

 

  1. Glass Curtain, Cork

www.theglasscurtain.ie

 

  1. Waterman House, Belfast

www.watermanhouse

 

  1. Savoir House, Mayo

@savoir_fare

 

John and Sally McKenna say this year’s Top Ten is a combination of great food and a memorable dining experience: “In this year’s Top ten, more than half of the hottest rooms in the country are run by restaurant professionals who manage more than one room. Goldie, this year’s Number one, is one of five restaurants in Cork’s Market Lane Group. Dublin’s hottest new arrival, Lena in Portobello, is one third of a trio of wildly successful city rooms. Sure, there will always be dreamers who envisage opening a little place somewhere because they love to cook. But the hard-nosed reality is that only the pros thrive in a business that is tough, competitive and demanding.”

 

Róisín Healy, Editor of Ireland’s 100 Best Restaurants “The Sunday Times is thrilled to work alongside John and Sally McKenna to bring you 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland. This essential guide captures the kitchens and dining rooms with the best energy and creativity on the culinary scene in Ireland. John and Sally’s focus as always is on outstanding food, atmosphere and an exciting dining experience from start to finish. I’m sure our readers will be eager to make their bookings for the year ahead.

 

 

The complete list of the 100 Best Restaurants, can be found

here –  thesundaytimes.ie – or pick up The Sunday Times on 23rd March 2025

 

Hashtag #ST100Best2025
Facebook @thesundaytimesIE
Twitter @ST__Ireland
LinkedIn @The Sunday Times Ireland
Instagram @sundaytimesireland
McKenna’s Guides @McKennasGuides

 

Mulveys, Ireland’s premium destination for bespoke wooden floors, unveils new matching wooden floor and stairs range to create a seamless flow between upstairs and downstairs in your home

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Realwood Stair Solutions available in four colours and smooth transition from floor to stairs enhances the sense of light and space in your home

 

Mulveys, Ireland’s premium destination for bespoke wooden floors, has launched a new matching wooden floor and stairs range that allows home owners create a seamless wooden floor flow from their hallway, up their stair steps and onto the upstairs landing.

 

Available in a choice of four colours, ‘Realwood Stair Solutions’ are made from engineered oak and feature a brushed surface that highlights the natural grain and knots. The end result is a stylish cohesive flow between downstairs and upstairs, enhancing the sense of space and light throughout your home.

 

Realwood Stair Solutions are available in four timeless shades – Mountain Chalk Oak, Mountain Rustic Oak, Mountain Ridge Oak, and Mountain Mist Oak.

 

By combining natural beauty with modern elegance, the range adds warmth and distinctive character to any home. The stair solutions can be paired with deep, rich hues for a bold statement or soft, muted tones for a serene and understated entrance.

 

In addition to Realwood Stair Solutions, Mulveys also features 250 stunning flooring options in a variety of styles, making it one of Ireland’s largest collections of quality wooden flooring. The range includes everything from laminate and engineered to solid wood flooring, in various patterns such as plank, herringbone, and chevron.

 

Mulveys also specialises in premium quality door options to complement the flooring, as well as a selection of classic and stylish door handles and accessories – the perfect final touch for any hallway or landing.

 

Mulveys have showrooms in Dundrum Village Centre and Rathfarnham Shopping Centre

 

A team of experts are on hand in Mulveys stores to offer advice and guidance on all flooring, doors and accessories. They also offer an installation service, ensuring a seamless experience for customers from selection to completion.

Visit www.mulveys.com to learn more

 

Keep up to date with Mulveys on Facebook @mulveyshome and Instagram @mulveyshome

Over €40,000 raised for Children’s Health Foundation by Haleon and Tesco Ireland during recent ‘These Packs Give Back’ campaign

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  • Children’s Health Foundation will use the funding to support sick children and their families, delivering vital lifesaving equipment to hospitals and urgent care centres nationwide
  • Campaign was supported by in store oral care advice clinics run by Sensodyne

 

  • Three-year charity collaboration has now raised nearly €80,000 for Children’s Health Foundation

 

Haleon and Tesco Ireland have raised over €40,000 for the charity ‘Children’s Health Foundation Ireland’ through a three month ‘These Packs Give Back’ campaign.

 

For each pack of Sensodyne toothpaste purchased in a Tesco Ireland store between November 2024 and January 2025, 25c went towards Children’s Health Foundation.

 

Children’s Health Foundation raises vital funds to support sick children and their families in Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres in Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly.

 

To support the campaign, Sensodyne delivered advice clinics and materials for customers in store offering tips on how people across Ireland can best look after their oral health.

 

Tesco Ireland and Haleon, the consumer healthcare company which owns leading oral health brands like Sensodyne and Corsodyl, have ran this campaign since 2022.

 

The latest figure of €40,000 brings the total raised for the charity over three years to around €80,000.

 

Nessa O’Reilly, Head of Strategic Giving at Children’s Health Foundation, said: “We are extremely grateful to Haleon and Tesco Ireland for making this generous donation to support sick children and their families through the ‘These Packs Give Back’ initiative. This funding is extremely important to us as we deliver vital lifesaving equipment to hospitals and urgent care centres.”

 

Marie Bruckert, Country Manager, Ireland, Haleon said: “The team behind Sensodyne is extremely proud of our commitment to the Children’s Health Foundation. Haleon’s purpose is to deliver better everyday health with humanity, and we are honoured to give back to the children and their families, and to do it with Tesco, on behalf of our consumers. Visiting the Children’s Health Hospital with the Children’s Health Foundation team showed us all how important this commitment is.”

 

The Sunday Times to remove paywall for two days this weekend – March 15th and 16th – to allow readers enjoy free access to world-class journalism

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  • Readers can sample all website content including extensive local and international news, superb interviews, groundbreaking investigations, unrivalled sports coverage and inspiring travel and home content

 

  • The initiative, in association with Raisin Bank, will be supported by an extensive advertising campaign across radio and digital

 

The Sunday Times is removing the paywall on all content for two days this coming weekend to allow readers enjoy free access to world class journalism.

 

Over Saturday March 15th and Sunday March 16th,  readers will be able to sample all the premium content available on www.thesundaytimes.com website including the latest interviews with cultural icons and world leaders, groundbreaking investigations and unrivalled sports coverage, to inspiring travel and home content. Readers will also enjoy the latest analysis on the Taoiseach’s visit to the United States from The Sunday Times award winning team of journalists and reporters.

 

The ‘Open Weekend’ paywall removal initiative is in association with Raisin Bank, who will engage in a takeover of the homepage on the website across the weekend.

 

Laurie Kelly, Group Marketing Manager of News Ireland, says the initiative will be supported by an extensive advertising campaign: “We are looking forward to opening up The Sunday Times website for Irish readers this weekend, particularly as it’s been a very exciting week politically with the Taoiseach’s visit to the United States. This is a fantastic opportunity for new readers to experience the incredible award winning journalism and analysis generated by our dedicated team both at home and internationally. We are supporting this initiative with radio advertisements and a range of digital advertising across the weekend, as well as engagement via The Sunday Times’ newsletter and own other owned channel communications.’

 

To enjoy this weekend’s free access to

The Sunday Times, simply visit www.thesundaytimes.com

 

Advertising Standards Authority releases latest Complaints Bulletin

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  • 6 advertisements across Print, Social Media, Online and Radio were found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code on grounds related to a range of issues including Misleading, Health and Beauty, Substantiation, Promotional Marketing, Recognisability and Alcoholic Drinks

 

  • One Intra-industry / Interested Party complaint was upheld

 

The Advertising Standards Authority’s independent Complaints Council has released its latest Complaints Bulletin which contains 9 case reports on complaints recently investigated by the organisation.

 

7 of the 9 cases were upheld in full, one of which was an Intra-Industry / Interested Party complaint. Advertisements across Print, Social Media, Online and Radio were found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code on grounds related to Misleading, Health and Beauty, Substantiation, Promotional Marketing, Recognisably and Alcoholic Drinks. The Advertising Standards Authority chose not to uphold two complaints, one of which was an Intra-Industry / Interested Party complaint.

 

The Complaints Council is a completely independent arm of the Advertising Standards Authority and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body. The Council is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors. See further details here – https://adstandards.ie/about-us/

 

Commenting on the latest Advertising Standards Authority rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, stated: “Our goal at the Advertising Standards Authority is to ensure consumers are protected from advertising that is harmful, misleading of offensive. Our latest complaints bulletin demonstrates the crucial role we have as an organisation in maintaining honesty, integrity and transparency in Irish advertising standards – while also ensuring compliance with the Code.

 

We are committed to promoting adherence to the Code across the industry and this goes beyond removing non-compliant advertising. We work proactively to educate brands and consumers about advertising standards and through these efforts, we aim to foster trust in advertising for all.

 

To assist advertisers, we offer a free and confidential copy advice service, guiding them in creating responsible and compliant advertisements. This service provides invaluable guidance for advertisers, agencies and media that carry advertisements who may have questions or concerns about the compliance of marketing communications. We encourage anyone in the industry to take advantage of this resource to ensure their advertising is both responsible and effective.”

 

Below is a list of 6 advertisements that have been found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code:

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
 

Bio Cleaning Solutions

  

Brochure

  

Misleading / Household

 

The advertisement appeared as a brochure and featured a number of statements including “Last year, over 52% of all households failed their septic tank inspections. This means that one in every two households will face heavy fines, prosecutions and expensive repair work”, “because new water laws mean the county council is inspecting all septic tanks right now”, “keeping your septic tank working perfectly doesn’t take a lot of money, or effort. All you need to do is flush one sachet of Muck Munchers down the toilet every month” and “The little Muck Munchers literally eat through the waste in your septic tank, reducing it to

harmless water and organic waste.”

 

Two complaints were received against the advertising.

 

Issue 1:

Both complainants considered that the advertisement grossly exaggerated the risk and consequences of prosecution with the aim of frightening consumers into purchasing the product on offer.

 

Issue 2:

One complainant also considered the advertisement inaccurate and misleading. They pointed out that there were approximately 500 failures out of 500,000 septic tanks leading to a fail rate of only 0.1% not 52%. While they acknowledged that 52%

of the tanks inspected failed, they pointed out this was not what was claimed in the advertisement.

 

The complaint also said  just over 1,000 inspections were carried out last year and that out of 500,000 septic tanks, this led to a figure of less than 0.2% which was very far from “all septic tanks” as claimed in the advert.

 

The complainant objected to the claim that Muck Mulchers would keep septic tanks “working perfectly” as no matter what chemical action was elicited from the product, this would not be enough to make good any physical shortcomings or defects in a tank.

 

The complainant considered that the wording

“harmless water and organic waste” was misleading as while the quality of waste could be improved, there would always be a residue and little or no reduction in the concentration of phosphates or other similar pollutants.

 

 Issues 1 and 2:

Upheld

 3.10, 4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-44/
Revive Active Online (Advertisers’ Social Media) Misleading / Health and Beauty  

The advertisement was seen as a sponsored post on Instagram and featured an image of a young, excited woman holding two sachets of the product on offer.

 

The caption of the post featured a number of statements including “1 Sachet, Once a Day – Everything you need.”

 

The complainant said that as the advertisement featured an image of a woman of childbearing age, this in addition to the claim “everything you need” implied that the product had everything a woman would require. However, the complainant said the sachets did not contain enough folic acid for the age group as it only had 300 micrograms whereas women of the age depicted in the advertisement needed 400 micrograms.

 

The complainant said that a separate supplement would be needed to meet the requisite amount of folic acid for the woman of the age depicted in the advertisement and that this was not made clear in the advertisement, therefore making it misleading.

 

 Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-80/

 
Caffreys Furniture  Online (Advertisers’ Social Media) Misleading / Promotional Marketing   

The advertisement was seen as a post on the advertisers’ Facebook page and promoted a stock clearance sale. The advertisement made a number of statements including “We are having a MEGA STOCK CLEARANCE SALE this weekend”, “Up to 50% OFF across the store”, “Beds, Bedroom Furniture, Sofas & Dining all reduced” and “INSTORE ONLY”.

 

The complainant contacted the Navan store to check the level of stock on a bedside table, however, they were informed that in stock items were not included in the sale and that it was only certain floor models / former display items. They therefore considered the advertisement to be misleading as it did not stipulate which items exactly were included in the sale.

 

The complainant also said the advertisement did not give a link to any specific Terms and Conditions.

 

 Upheld 4.01 and 4.04 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-43/

 
POCO Online (Influencers’ Social Media Account) Misleading / Recognisability  

Two posts appeared on the Influencer’s Instagram stories promoting products from her own brand POCO.

 

The complainant considered the posts to be in breach of the Code as they had not been identified correctly as advertising material given the absence of a primary identification label such as #AD.

 

 Upheld 3.10, 3.31, 3.32, 4.1 and 4.4 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-81/
Sazerac Ireland Online (Audio Streaming Website) Misleading  

The advertisement was featured on an audio streaming service. It featured two voices, the second of which was comparative to a demonic voice.

 

Part of the script stated:

 

Voice 1: New mini technology puts the power of Fireball in the palm of your hand. Now

small enough to fit in your pocket. Pop in your bag.

Voice 2: Shove it up your…

Voice 1: Sleeve! He was gonna say sleeve.

 

Issue 1:

The complaint objected to the advertisement on the grounds it was offensive and encouraged poor decisions around alcoholic use.

 

Issue 2

The complaint said the advertisement was served to them at 6:05am which was inappropriate as their 8 year old son could have heard it and would have been frightened by the tone of the demonic voice.

 

 Issues 1 and 2:

Upheld

 3.03, 3.10, 9.01, 9.07 (e) and 9.08 (a)(b) https://adstandards.ie/complaint/alcoholic-drinks/
Digiweb Online (Advertisers’ Own Website) Misleading  

The advertisement was on a page of the advertiser’s website which outlined the benefits of their ‘Lightning 500 Saver’ plan. Under the listed benefits was a price of €49.95. This price had an ‘x’ struck through it and beside it a price of €34.95 was displayed.

 

Beneath this was a dropdown message. When the dropdown message was clicked it stated “Special Offer! Available to new customers only at €34.95 per month for 6 months (€49.95 per month for balance of 12-month contract). €54.95 per month thereafter. One time €24.95 activation fee applies.”

 

The complainant believed that the advertisement gave the impression that the price was €34.95 for the entire 12 month period. They did not consider that the price increase to €49.95 after six months was sufficiently visible and as such, a consumer could be misled.

 

 Upheld 4.01, 4.04 and 4.06 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/telecommunications-97/

 

 

The Advertising Standards Authority received two complaints from an Intra-industry or Interested Party. One was upheld and the other was not upheld:

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
PhoneWatch Online (Advertisers’ Social Media) Misleading / Substantiation  

The advertisement was seen as a post on the advertisers’ Instagram account and featured a red sketch of a clock. In the top right corner was an image of a house alarm with the advertisers’ brand name written on it. Text included on the image stated “Ireland’s fastest alarm response rate: with 15 seconds.”

 

The complainant considered the advertisement to be misleading to consumers as it was not simply possible for the claim to be substantiated. The complainant said it was not possible for the advertisers to have knowledge of how quickly every other alarm monitoring company responded to alarm activations.

 

 Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09, 4.10, 4.32 and 4.33 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-45/

 
Vodafone Outdoor & Radio Misleading / Substantiation  

A poster advertisement and radio advertisement featured a number of statements including “You can always rely on Vodafone, Ireland’s best mobile network for 9 years in a row”, “Best in Test” and “Certified by Umlaut.”

 

Issue 1:

The complainant considered the advertising misleading as the report referred to in the advertising was a commissioned report by the advertisers which had not been stated in the advertising. They said that they assumed the locations and dates of testing had been agreed in advance between Vodafone and Umlaut, and that other operators had not been contacted to explain when or where testing was to be carried out.

 

Issue 2:

The complainant considered that the advertising had misrepresented the results and the independence of the tests, inaccurately representing Vodafone as showing a higher performance in mobile broadband and fixed broadband than other providers.

 

 Not Upheld N/A https://adstandards.ie/complaint/telecommunications-98/

 

One consumer complaint was not upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority:

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
 

Very

  

Online (Advertisers’ Own Website)

  

Misleading

  

The advertisement was online information regarding the advertisers’ ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ scheme.

 

The scheme was described as being “available to customers who have held a Very credit account for 6 months subject to the account status.”

 

The website outlined the scheme in its Terms and Conditions. Towards the bottom of the page it said “Credit provided subject to eligibility and lending criteria.”

 

The complainant considered the advertising material was misleading as when they attempted to avail of the ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ option using their account they were refused use.

 

The complainant alleged that they were told they could not avail of the facility as the advertisers decide who can avail of the scheme and that it was a promotional offer.

 

They considered the advertising had been

misleading as they said that no reference had been made on the webpage that eligibility for the scheme was at the advertisers’ discretion and that it was a promotion.

 

  

Not Upheld

  

N/A

  

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/retail-11/

 

 

 

The Advertising Standards Authority conducts ongoing monitoring of advertising across all media and since 2007, has examined over 27,000 advertisements, with an overall compliance rate of 98 percent. The Advertising Standards Authority Monitoring Service monitors compliance with the Complaints Council’s adjudications.

 

Media are reminded that advertisements found to be in breach of the Code cannot be accepted for publication.

 

Visit adstandards.ie to learn more

 

To keep up to date on Advertising Standards Authority activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X                      @AdStandardsIRE

Instagram        @adstandardsireland

LinkedIn          @Ad-Standards-Ireland

Half of Irish people aged 50 – 60 say they don’t know much about shingles despite being at increased risk – new research from GSK Ireland1

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  • More than half of those surveyed (51%) say they feel younger than their age – potentially overlooking their shingles risk1

 

  • Over half (52%) of those with co-morbidities or a compromised immune system have little or no knowledge about shingles1

 

  • 72% of respondents say they are under significant stress – which can further weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing shingles1

 

  • Globally, shingles will affect up to 1 in 3 people in their lifetime,2 and its pain is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like2

 

  • ‘Shingles Awareness Week Global Survey’ research unveiled to coincide with Shingles Awareness Week 2025 (24th February – 2nd March)1

 

Half of Irish people aged between 50 – 60 say they don’t know much about shingles, according to new research conducted to coincide with Shingles Awareness Week 2025, which is taking place from 24th February – 2nd March.1

 

Considering that over half (51%) of those surveyed also say that they feel younger than their age1, a positive indicator of healthy ageing, this is a concern since 90% of adults carry the varicella zoster virus putting them at risk of shingles.2 As immune function declines with age this virus, which remains dormant in the nervous system, can reactivate causing shingles.2

 

48% of respondents in the survey reported long-term health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease1. This may indicate that a large proportion of the population aged between 50 and 60 have a degree of immunocompromise which could place them at increased risk of shingles.

 

Despite that, just 9% say they are very concerned about contracting shingles, with 45% saying they are a little bit concerned, and 37% saying they are not at all concerned1.

 

Only 24% of those surveyed are very aware of age-related diseases and take proactive steps to limit their impact, 55% are somewhat aware and try to stay healthy by taking some precautions, while 12% of respondents are not aware of any conditions that may affect them now or in the future1.

 

In addition to age, pre-existing health conditions and ongoing medical treatment, stress and negative feelings such as loneliness and depression can further weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of developing shingles. 56% of respondents report that stress is affecting daily life, while 16% ‘struggle to cope most days’ and 2% are at ‘crisis level’1, which may potentially increase their risk.

 

Over one quarter (28%) of Irish people are also not aware that you can develop shingles more than once and over four in ten (42%) did not know that blindness is a rare complication of shingles. Additionally, over four in ten (41%) incorrectly believe that shingles is contagious, while a quarter of people surveyed (25%) did not understand the link between chickenpox and shingles. 21% are also unaware that shingles can cause long-term nerve pain.4

 

One-in-three people who have had chickenpox are at risk of developing shingles in their lifetime.2 The disease, which typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face,5 is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like. Following the shingles rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks or months and occasionally persist for several years. 2, PHN occurs in around 20% of all shingles cases, with the over-50s particularly at risk.6 10-15% of shingles cases can affect the eye which in some cases can result in serious eye complications.7

 

Eavan Daly, Country Medical Director at GSK Ireland, commented: “Many people have misunderstandings about shingles and are unaware of the risk factors linked to developing shingles., Shingles Awareness Week provides an opportunity to talk about shingles and address knowledge gaps about shingles risk, particularly among those who are aged 50 and over. Our data shows that many individuals in this age group underestimate their susceptibility to age-related diseases and are unaware of their potential risks. Shingles can have a severe impact on a person’s health and quality of life, particularly for those with existing long-term conditions, which continues to drive our efforts to raise awareness and encourage people to speak with their healthcare provider to learn more.”

 

GSK Ireland is also running a shingles disease awareness campaign across radio and social media in March and early April, encouraging people to speak to a healthcare professional or visit understandingshingles.ie to learn more about shingles.

 

www.understandingshingles.ie

 

 

About Shingles Awareness Week 

Shingles Awareness Week (24 February – 2 March 2025) is an annual global awareness week dedicated to addressing the lack of knowledge about the risks and severity of shingles. In collaboration with the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), Shingles Awareness Week was set up to encourage informed conversations between adults, particularly if aged 50 and over, and their healthcare professionals about shingles.

 

About Shingles:

Shingles is most common in people +50 years of age and older, and those with a weakened immune system.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. By age 50, VZV is present in almost all adults,2 and may reactivate with advancing age. As people age, the strength of the immune system response to infection wanes, increasing the risk of developing shingles.

 

Shingles typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen, or face.2,5 The pain is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like.

 

Following the rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks or months and can occasionally persist for several years.2 PHN is the most common complication of shingles, occurring in 20% of all shingles cases.6 10-15% of shingles cases can involve the eye which can in turn lead to a range of serious eye complications.7

 

Shingles Awareness Week 2025 Global Survey

The Shingles Awareness Week Global Survey was conducted by Ipsos, on behalf of GSK.1 The online research involved 8,400 adults aged 50-60, including 400 respondents from Ireland. Additional countries surveyed included: Brazil, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and USA. The survey was undertaken in 10 languages.1

 

This survey was developed to explore perceptions of ageing in adults aged 50-60, and their understanding of how age-related decline in immune function may affect their bodies’ ability to protect them from infection and disease, like shingles. Data was collated from 10 questions covering shingles awareness, age-related decline in immunity, chronic conditions and healthy ageing. Participants committed to full transparency regarding data monitoring and the use of their anonymised data.1

 

The Shingles Awareness Week Global Survey was commissioned and funded by GSK.

 

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.

 

About GSK Ireland

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. We have a long heritage in Ireland, operating here for almost 100 years. Today, our Dublin headquarters is home to our commercial business. Through our sales, marketing, market access and medical teams, we make a range of over 100 prescription medicines and vaccines available to adults in Ireland. Find out more at gsk.com/en- gb/locations/ireland/

Irish company DP Energy finalises sale of Saamis Solar Park to City of Medicine Hat, Canada

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  • 325MW Saamis Solar Project in the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada will be the largest urban solar development in North America

 

  • Construction is anticipated to begin this year

 

  • DP Energy is headquartered in Cork and operates across the world

 

DP Energy, an Irish company that develops large renewable energy generation projects in Canada and across the world, has completed the sale of North America’s largest urban solar project, Saamis Solar Park to the City of Medicine Hat in Alberta, Canada. The transfer was approved by Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) which has enabled the City to finalise the acquisition of the 325MW project.

 

DP Energy secured the development rights to the site in 2017, then proceeded to obtain a Development Permit in 2021 and ultimately the necessary approval from the AUC in 2024 to construct and operate the project. With the transfer of the approval, the City of Medicine Hat has acquired a ‘ready-to-build’ solar project with all necessary planning and environmental approvals in place.

 

The City now intends to seek an amendment to allow it to construct the Saamis Solar Project in phases, with the first phase adding 75MW of additional generation to the City’s existing fleet of generating units.

 

Situated in the northwest of Canada’s sunniest city, when fully built, Saamis Solar Park is expected to generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of approximately 100,000 households and offset around 350,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

 

Home to more than 600,000 solar panels, Saamis Solar Park will create a significant number of direct employment opportunities during the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases, as well as extensive indirect opportunities across the full supply chain.

 

DP Energy’s development portfolio in Canada includes a range of solar, onshore wind, storage and offshore wind projects across the country, including the 400MW Nova East Wind project, a joint venture with SBM Offshore targeted as being Canada’s first offshore wind project.

 

 

Headquartered in Cork, and operating for over 30 years, DP Energy has enabled 1.6W of renewable energy generation through 22 significant infrastructure projects worldwide. Currently, DP Energy has a 4.5GW pipeline of renewable energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada. The Company is also now active in Southern Africa.

 

DP Energy was founded with a commitment to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all its energy developments whilst also minimising impact on other species. This commitment remains at the core of the company’s activities today.

 

Damian Bettles, DP Energy’s Head of Development Canada, said: “As the largest urban solar development in North America, Saamis Solar Park is a project we are proud to have developed. With the sale to the City of Medicine Hat, it adds a dual aspect to the success story. Not only is it a productive use of a large area of contaminated land, it now also has the potential to contribute to the City’s energy transition to clean, renewable power. DP Energy are pleased to have worked with the City of Medicine Hat and with Viterra, owner of the development land, on this successful project and thank them both for their involvement.”

 

This announcement follows on the back of recent EPBC approval from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water, for the Callide Wind Farm located in Queensland, Australia, a DP Energy renewable energy project with a capacity of 430MW.

 

In Ireland, DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of projects including:

  • Aries Wind Farm, located in Co. Mayo, with a potential capacity for up to 40MW
  • Additional early-stage wind farms
  • A growing portfolio of solar projects in the 20MW to 70MW range
  • Early-stage projects involving non grid dependant renewable energy solutions for large energy users.

DP Energy continues to actively explore offshore renewable energy opportunities, including fixed bottom wind, floating wind and ocean energy technologies e.g. wave, around Ireland’s coast. Last year, the company also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a large utility generator to explore using green gasses to power existing and future electricity generating stations. DP Energy is researching battery storage and opportunities in international markets, aligning with an overall growth strategy which will see the company delivering projects in additional countries over the next few years.

 

Visit dpenergy.com to learn more about DP Energy

 

To keep up to date on DP Energy activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X:                     @dpenergygroup

LinkedIn:         DP Energy Group

Instagram:       @dpenergygroup