Cisco has announced a partnership with the Western Development Commission to improve digitisation, connectivity and mobility in the west of Ireland as part of an expansion of its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme.
The tech multinational and the WDC, which promotes social and economic development in the region, will embark on three projects in healthcare, rural development and the future of work to start with.
They include a pilot research with the Science Foundation of Ireland (SFI), NUIG and the HSE to build a 'living lab' with a virtual health consultation room to improve access to healthcare for the people of Clare Island, Co Mayo.
Cisco and WDC will also embark on an initiative to make Ennis a 'smart' town in order to improve traffic management, reduce CO2 emissions and increase shopper footfall, and the third project will see the WDC use Cisco networking and collaboration technology to enhance its Digital Hubs Network for flexible, hybrid working.
Cisco commissioned research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) that found that equipping all the people of Ireland and digitise key industries and public services has the potential to add €28bn to the economy by 2030.
In Association with
“We're one of the most connected nations, yet the opportunity that presents isn’t felt by everyone. The last few years have brought the impact of digital exclusion into focus. Whether socially, economically or in our ability to access digitally skilled 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’re committed to helping ensure that everyone in Ireland has access to the benefits that the digital economy brings.
"That is why we are delighted to be expanding our programmes in Ireland, most notably by partnering with the Western Development Commission. This partnership will complement the important work already being done to connect rural communities to high-speed fibre broadband under the National Broadband Plan.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said: “Whether in terms of physical infrastructure to ensure connectivity, or by refining innovative and emerging technologies, balanced regional development requires digital development. This partnership promises much to be optimistic about.”
Commenting on the partnership, Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO at Western Development Commission, stated: “The WDC’s mission is to work collaboratively to mitigate and overcome challenges at a regional level to ensure vibrant, connected communities throughout the West of Ireland.
"Working with the experts at Cisco to close the digital divide in the region will help us do just that. I look forward to seeing the life changing impact of this collaboration on communities throughout the region.”
The Cisco/CEBR research estimates that 70,000 people per year must gain essential digital skills for Ireland to achieve "digital inclusion" -- where everyone can use online services like banking or virtual GP appointments -- by 2030.
For Ireland to build a more digital workforce, 131,000 people per year need to develop a higher level of digital skills, and with advances in skills, connectivity and digital adoption, it is estimated that the economy would benefit from a €24bn boost in productivity.
Cisco also announced two initiatives to build on its existing network of Cisco Networking Academies: Skills for All, providing free access to digital skills courses for professional development and retention, and free access to the Cisco Networking Academy's platform, content, and coaching from programme partners for those teaching digital skills to Level 5 Leaving Certificates.
"As Cisco’s recent research demonstrates, Ireland has a tremendous amount to gain from becoming more digitally inclusive. I know the Irish government is committed to bridging digital divides across the country, and Cisco is honoured to help make that vision a reality," Timmeney said.
"Since its launch in Ireland four years ago, our Cisco Country Digital Acceleration programme in Ireland has helped harness innovation and digitisation to propel economic growth and social inclusion. We look forward to continuing this work for years to come.”
Photo: (l-r) Shane Heraty, Tomás Ó Síocháin and Michael Timmeny.
