Claire Island. Photo: Christian McLeod/Failte Ireland
A new study from the Center for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), commissioned by Cisco, finds that a more inclusive digital economy that connects everyone in Ireland, equips them with digital skills and digitizes key industries and public services, has the potential to add €28 billion to the Irish economy by 2030.
“We are one of the most connected nations, but the opportunity that presents itself is not felt by everyone. Recent years have highlighted the impact of digital exclusion.
“Whether it’s socially, economically or in our ability to access skilled digital talent as employers,” commented Shane Heraty, Managing Director of Cisco Ireland & Scotland.
“From healthcare to education and how technology can improve the sustainability of industry or regions, we are committed to ensuring that everyone in Ireland has access to the benefits of the digital economy. .
“That’s why we’re delighted to be expanding our programs in Ireland, including partnering with the Western Development Commission.
This partnership will complement the important work already done to connect rural communities to fiber optic broadband under the National Broadband Plan.
Aligned to help accelerate Ireland’s digital ambition towards this opportunity, Cisco today announced the expansion of its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program which will see investments in partnerships, projects and initiatives focused on creating opportunities across the country, including a recently announced partnership with the Western Development Commission.
Under the CDA program, Cisco and the Western Development Commission (WDC) will explore opportunities for digitizing the West of Ireland, including enhancing rural connectivity and mobility in the region.
The first phase of the partnership includes three distinct projects in the areas of health, rural development and the future of work:
* A pilot research program to turn the Isle of Clare in County Mayo into an example of virtual healthcare in Ireland is already underway.
Cisco and the WDC are working alongside the Science Foundation of Ireland, NUIG and HSE to build a state-of-the-art “living lab” that will include a virtual health consultation room that will ensure that people in the Clare Island have the same access to healthcare as anyone else in Ireland.
* Notorious for being a tricky city to navigate, where motorists are challenged when it comes to finding available parking, the Ennis project’s aim is to create a smart ‘smart’ city to enable better traffic management. traffic in the city center, to reduce CO2 emissions from cars, increase customer footfall and provide a better visitor experience.
* The WDC will use Cisco technology to enhance its existing Hubs network, providing a valuable solution for employers and employees looking to adopt more flexible hybrid working approaches.
Commenting on the partnership, Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of the Western Development Commission, said, “WDC’s mission is to work collaboratively to mitigate and overcome challenges at the regional level to ensure vibrant and connected communities across the west. of Ireland.
“Working with Cisco experts to bridge the digital divide in the region will help us achieve this. I look forward to seeing the impact of this collaboration on the lives of communities across the region. »
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