BREAKING: Mayo testing ground for Mission Critical Communications system

In Westport on Thursday afternoon, The Mission Critical Communications system was unveiled at a conference, attended by Minister Jack Chambers, Minister Dara Calleary, and Minister of State Emer Higgins, alongside representatives from European Public Protection and Disaster Relief agencies, technology leaders, and the European Commission.

The new system, built by Vodafone Ireland in partnership with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), utilizes cutting-edge technology to create a resilient "system of last resort" for emergency communications. This ensures that Gardaí, fire services, ambulance teams, and civil defence can maintain communication and coordination even when traditional power systems fail.

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The system offers comprehensive real-time communication capabilities, allowing first responders to talk, text, share live video, and send maps instantly, even during storms or in areas with poor mobile coverage. Emergency services benefit from priority network access, ensuring guaranteed reliable connections even when networks are congested. Additionally, the platform provides enhanced coverage that operates effectively in remote locations previously underserved by traditional communications infrastructure.

The Mission Critical Communications platform was developed under Project 2.5, a flagship initiative within Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The project received funding from the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the main pillar of NextGenerationEU's financial response to combat the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project 2.5 has established high-speed fibre connections and local computing hubs functioning as mini data centres across rural Ireland, creating the backbone of the new National Low Latency Platform (NLLP). The initiative uses 5G technologies to drive innovation and sustainability while supporting Ireland's digital transformation.

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Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers welcomed the technology and said: “This initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to building a safer, more resilient, and more inclusive Ireland, leading the way on digital transformation and innovation and investing in digital infrastructure.

In particular, this initiative builds resilience of our emergency services’ communications systems. We saw how these were impacted by Storm Éowyn last year and how critical these systems are to keeping people safe during extreme weather events. I’d like to acknowledge the EU funding received under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the work of the European Commission and officials in my Department in progressing the National Recovery and Resilience programme.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary said: “As Government Minister with responsibility for rural development, including the islands, I have been following the work of OGCIO in supporting front line responders by looking at ways of making the communication infrastructure more resilient. As we all know, during and after Storm Éowyn, vast parts of the country were isolated for weeks without mobile or broadband communications. The services being trialled at this conference over the past few days give us a glimpse of how the PPDR users will be able to communicate more reliably and effectively in the future whether it is a major weather event or a road incident on the many miles of rural roads across the country. I also welcome the examination of how terrestrial services can be supplemented from above, be that from specially fitted out planes or specially designed satellites, and I want to congratulate all involved for their work on this.”

Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Emer Higgins added; “The Mission Critical Communications technology unveiled today will lead to increased peace of mind for people living in rural Ireland and their loved ones, especially for those who are elderly or vulnerable. This is so important as we look towards the winter months. We are rapidly improving our digital infrastructure and this will deliver real improvements particularly for rural communities.”

The new system underwent successful testing in Westport this week, with emergency teams from Ireland and across Europe participating in live trials. Officials indicate that once fully operational, the platform will have a transformative impact on rural safety throughout Ireland.

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