All About Cork: Digital substation opens on MTU Bishopstown campus

Munster Technological University (MTU) has launched a digital substation in the Power Academy Lab of MTU’s Bishopstown campus in collaboration with H&MV Engineering and ABB.

H&MV Engineering delivers high voltage design, engineering and construction services with a specialised focus in data centres, renewables, utility, commercial and industrial sectors and ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation.

The investment of the digital substation is part of H&MV Engineering’s and ABB’s limited sponsorship worth more than €200,000 and aims to further develop the training and research capacity of Ireland’s grid infrastructure.

The introduction of digital substations as part of Ireland’s grid infrastructure upgrade is essential for the state to meet its energy transition goals, which target becoming carbon neutral by mid-century with an interim target of 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 through the Climate Action Plan 2023.

Ireland's power system has achieved 75% integration of renewable energy sources and plans to increase this to 95% by 2030, highlighting the importance of state-of-the-art grid technologies.

The introduction of the digital substation at MTU positions the university to upskill industry professionals from all sectors of the power engineering sector and operate the grid infrastructure required for the country’s future development.

Head of the department of electrical and electronic engineering Dr Martin Hill said that the industry support came at a critical time as the digital technologies in modern substation design required engineers to span both electronic, communication and electrical engineering domains at a level not previously supported in university programmes.

“This equipment allows students to work in an industry-standard environment with the current and future generations of smart grid protection equipment,” he said.

MTU will demonstrate the panel operation with practical workshops on digital substation testing at the national PowerGRID 2025 conference in MTU in January 2025.

The deadline for submission for MTU’s ‘Smart Sustainable Power Engineering’ course is January 25, 2025. 

For more information, visit www.mtu.ie/courses/cresspe9/.

Charity receives €3,000

St Joseph’ Church in Wilton recently presented Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery with a cheque for €3,000. Fr Michael O’Leary, SMA and parish priest of St Joseph’s Church SMA Wilton, presented the cheque to Christy O’Donovan of Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery in recognition of the work that they do.

The money raised was the proceeds of the very generous donations from parishioners and callers to the church over November, as well as proceeds of a draw by the Wilton Parish Knitting Group and Flower Group.

Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery is a voluntary registered charity that relies solely on donations. Members conduct land, river and sea searches and all volunteers are trained in all aspects of search and recovery.

€500 for Brú Columbanus

Bishopstown and District Lions Club recently made a donation to Brú Columbanus in Wilton.

Brú Columbanus provides ‘home from home’ accommodation for the relatives of seriously ill hospital patients.

President of the Bishopstown Lions Club, Jim Costelloe, presented €500 to Anne Marie O’Connor, chief executive of Brú Columbanus.

Denise McCarthy and Michael O’Brien, of the Bishopstown Lions Club, and Ray Doherty, of Brú Columbanus, were at the cheque-giving event.

Mr Costello said that he was delighted to make a presentation to Brú Columbanus, who are “fulfilling a major need in the community in providing a home from home to people whose loved ones are receiving care in the nearby CUH”.

“Bishopstown Lions Club is committed to assisting local charities and worthy causes in the south-west part of Cork City,” he said.

Ms O’Connor thanked the club.

Sponsor a light for loved one and donate to Marymount

Marymount University Hospital and Hospice is encouraging people to support its ‘Light Up a Life’ initiative in the days leading up to Christmas.

The Light Up a Life memory tree asks people to join in Marymount’s message of peace and love by sponsoring a light in memory of a loved one this Christmas. The sponsorship will help Marymount to care for people in need of the team’s support.

Meanwhile, Marymount held its Christmas jumper day.

“Our amazing staff got into the festive spirit, donning their most cheerful and creative Christmas jumpers. It was truly a sight to behold,” Marymount said on social media

“To make the day even more special, a fabulous two-piece jazz band set the perfect festive mood during our Christmas dinner.

“If you’d like to support the work we do here at Marymount, please consider donating to our Light Up a Life campaign. Your generosity helps us make a difference for those who need it and their families. Thank you for supporting Marymount this Christmas.”

To donate a light on the Light Up a Life tree, visit www.lightupalife.marymount.ie.

Cricket fitness

Cork Sports Partnership and Munster Cricket have confirmed the return of CricHIIT for another series at Bishopstown Community School.

CricHIIT is built on the principles of inclusion and fun. It is a cricket-based programme of mobility, flexibility, strength, and stamina.

The classes, in strength and mobility based around cricket, are suitable for women 16+ and organisers have guaranteed a fun and empowering way to get 2025 off with a bang.

No equipment or experience is required and people are encouraged to try the new, beginners-friendly programme.

The programme will kick off on Tuesday, January 28, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Bishopstown Community School and will take place each Tuesday for six weeks. To register, visit www.eventmaster.ie/event/z1bruPYSQJ.

Meanwhile, Cork Sports Partnership, FAI Cork, and Cork City Council have teamed up to roll out a new women’s social soccer programme in Bishopstown.

The aim is to introduce women to soccer through fun and sociable sessions while focusing on fitness. The programme will kick off on Thursday, January 16, from 7pm to 8pm at Leisureworld Bishopstown and will run for 10 weeks. To register, visit www.eventmaster.ie/event/emw5IrKF8x.

GAA Club plans Puc Fada

Bishopstown GAA Club has announced the details of its annual Puc Fada event this St Stephen’s Day.

Each year, the club celebrates the Puc Fada with a gathering of club members and friends over the Christmas period.

This year, the event will take place at the club on December 26. Registration will open at 10.15am. There will be a family trad session at the club bar from 5pm to 7pm and young musicians are invited to join.