A new €3.9 million national funding initiative has been launched to support innovative cybersecurity research, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen Ireland’s ability to respond to emerging digital threats.
The Research Ireland-Cyber Security Innovation Challenge 2026 was announced by Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Ms Catherine Ardagh TD, in partnership with Research Ireland and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The programme aims to bring together researchers, industry specialists and public sector organisations to develop practical solutions to some of Ireland’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.
With cyberattacks becoming increasingly sophisticated and disruptive, the initiative represents a significant investment in strengthening national security, safeguarding businesses and protecting essential public services. The funding programme will concentrate on five priority areas: improving national cyber threat detection and response capabilities, supporting Ireland’s transition to post-quantum cryptography, strengthening cybersecurity preparedness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhancing the protection of critical national infrastructure, and encouraging disruptive ideas capable of transforming cybersecurity practices.
Successful research teams will initially qualify for funding of up to €50,000 during a Concept Phase, allowing them to assess proposed solutions, validate their ideas and establish multidisciplinary partnerships. Projects demonstrating strong potential may subsequently advance to a Seed Phase, receiving up to €200,000 to develop and test their solutions further. The programme will culminate in a competitive Prize Phase, with one winning team eligible for a €1 million award to support advanced development and move its innovation closer to practical deployment.
Minister Ms Ardagh emphasised the importance of investing in research and innovation to protect Ireland’s economy, national security and increasingly digital society. The initiative is intended to encourage collaboration across academic, industrial and government sectors, while developing solutions capable of addressing real-world threats. The NCSC has identified the growing complexity and frequency of cyber incidents as major challenges requiring stronger detection, prevention, response and recovery capabilities. Particular attention will be given to preparing Ireland for emerging technological risks, including advances in quantum computing that could undermine existing encryption systems.
Research Ireland has also highlighted the value of interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement and practical innovation in delivering lasting improvements to national cyber resilience. Beyond strengthening Ireland’s cybersecurity capabilities, the programme is expected to encourage research collaboration, support technological advancement and create opportunities for innovative solutions benefiting businesses, public institutions and wider society.
Pre-deceased by her grandson baby Noah; Mrs Walker passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of staff at the Oak Ward, South East Palliative Care Center Waterford.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving daughters Katie and Kelly, grandchildren Tristan and Leela, sons-in-law Mark and Dave, sister Clara, brothers Jimmy, David and Richard, brother-in-law Kevin, sisters-in-law Marie, Rosarie and Breda, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Walker, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Walker and Culley families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Recall of several ready-to-eat Marks and Spencer products due to the possible presence of Salmonella in pistachios.
Alert Summary dated Thursday, 8th October 2026.
Category 1: For Action. Alert Notification: 2026.62. Product Identification: Please see table below. Batch Code – Product name: Use-by date and Pack size: (1) M&S Super Nutty Wholefood with a Soy & Ginger Dressing All dates up to and including 10/10/2026 200g). (2) M&S Food Nutrient Dense Nutty Super Wholefood Salad All dates up to and including 11/10/2026 285g. (3) M&S Fresh Collection Pistachio and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Pesto All dates up to and including 13/10/2026 115g. Country Of Origin: United Kingdom.
Message: Greencore is recalling Marks and Spencer ready-to-eat products due to the possible presence of Salmonella in pistachios. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.
Nature Of Danger: People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
Action Required: Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Distributors, Caterers and Retailers: Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale. Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.
New national guidelines and templates have been launched to ensure children’s voices are heard, respected and appropriately represented in private family law proceedings across Ireland.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Mr Jim O’Callaghan, announced the introduction of the “Voice of the Child Report Guidelines and Templates”, marking an important step towards a more child-centred family justice system. Developed by the Voice of the Child Working Group, established in October 2024 under the Family Justice Strategy, the guidelines provide the first comprehensive national framework for preparing Voice of the Child Reports in private family law cases. The initiative aims to improve the experience of children involved in family law proceedings, strengthen confidence in the reporting process and establish consistent professional standards nationwide.
A central focus of the guidelines is ensuring children can express their views in a safe, supportive and age-appropriate environment. Based on the internationally recognised Lundy Model of participation, the framework acknowledges that children have a fundamental right to be heard while equally respecting their right to choose not to express an opinion. Children and young people were directly consulted during the development process, with their experiences and feedback helping to shape the final guidelines and templates.
The launch also forms part of wider reforms to Ireland’s family justice system. A new Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project is due to be established in Waterford and Clonmel, testing an additional approach to supporting children’s participation in private family law proceedings. The Government has allocated €2.503 million in funding for 2027 to support the pilot initiative.
The new guidelines represent a significant development in promoting children’s rights, improving professional practice and ensuring that decisions affecting children are informed by their experiences, wishes and perspectives.
In her 102nd year and pre-deceased by her husband Richard (Dick) and their infant son Joseph; Mrs Brennan passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at Bramleigh Lodge Nursing Home, Ballynastick, Co. Tipperary.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving sons and daughters Richard, Maureen (O’Mahony), Breda (Murphy), John, Leisha (Fahey), Joe, Paddy, Sadie (Tobin), Patricia (Moynihan), Jo, Annie and Bill, her 39 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Brennan, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Brennan and Quinlan families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
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