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Irish Start-Up Makes ‘Accelerator’ Programme

Irish founded start-up Wayleadr is one of five companies to be accepted into the Sodexo UK and Ireland Accelerators programme in partnership with innovation specialist L Marks.

Wayleadr, the solo Irish company to make the cut, will now take part in a 10-week programme to road-test its proposition as part of Sodexo's aim to collaborate with start-ups in developing innovative new solutions in the areas of smart buildings, employee experience and sustainability. The software as a service start-up reimagines the last mile of commuter journeys by connecting smart buildings with smart vehicles, saving time, rightsizing real estate spend and curbing carbon emissions.

Over 400 start-ups applied to the progamme launched in January 2022, and Wayleadr was one of 21 selected to pitch their business propositions to Sodexo at live events in London and Dublin.

Hotel Dispute Settled

A dispute over plans to develop a €25 million hotel in Dublin’s James Street has been resolved. The site lies on a stepped lane called Cromwell’s Quarters joining James Street to Bow Lane West.

Tathony Holdings, the owners of Tathony House, which is on the lane, first brought High Court proceedings in 2018 claiming a planned new hotel would interfere with its light. Those proceedings, which were against the previous owners, were settled.

The site was then sold to a company called Amhola James Street Ltd, which plans to develop an international hotel at a cost of €25 million. Amhola submitted a new planning application which was refused by Dublin City Council.

Arizona Calling

Four tourism companies from Ireland travelled to Arizona to join Tourism Ireland at the annual Global Travel Marketplace West (GTM West).

Pictured are John Callely, Pearse Lyons Distillery; Barbara Wood, Tourism Ireland; Ruth Vaughan, The Savoy Hotel Limerick; Eoin McGrath, Hastings Hotels; Caitriona O'Mahoney, The Fota Collection; and Paul McDonagh, Tourism Ireland, at GTM West in Arizona.

GTM West is a three-day event involving a programme of bespoke one-to-one appointments, "boardroom" style sessions and networking opportunities. It offers an excellent opportunity for the tourism enterprises from Ireland to meet, and do business with, top-producing travel advisors from North America – ensuring Ireland is "top of mind" for them when recommending destinations to their clients.

Siobhan is New Tourism Ireland Acting CEO

Siobhan McManamy, director of overseas markets, has been appointed Acting Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland from 9 May until 31 August 2022.

The appointment will allow CEO Niall Gibbons time to receive essential medical treatment.

Ireland at British Masters

Tourism Ireland was at the British Masters in Birmingham to promote our world-class golf. Five tourism companies from Ireland joined Tourism Ireland at the event which took place at The Belfry Hotel & Resort.

Pictured are Joe Cruise, Tourism Ireland; Meg Dalton, representing Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and SWING South West Ireland Golf; Amy Maguire, representing City Hotel Derry and Portrush Atlantic Hotel; and Bill Collins, Donegal Hotel Collection.

One of the DP World Tour’s annual golf competitions, the British Masters attracts thousands of spectators each year – providing a fantastic platform to showcase our superb golf courses. Tourism Ireland is reminding golfers that the Irish Open will take place at Mount Juliet this summer, The Open will return to Royal Portrush in 2025 and Adare Manor will host the Ryder Cup in 2027.