First in Ireland as e-denderry project launched

Offaly County Council has launched e-denderry, a project which establishes the town as a leader in Ireland for the provision of public services through leveraging the benefits of technology. The project is supported by Cellnex, Europe’s leading provider of wireless infrastructure, and is intended to provide a model for how other towns can benefit from technology-led solutions.

e-denderry demonstrates that the internet of things (IoT) is not just a buzz word used in Silicon Valley, but a massive shift in how technology can help deliver real world solutions to the benefit of local communities. The project forms part of a wider suite of measures that Offaly County Council is engaged in to develop a sustainable green economy as part of the wider Just Transition measures within the region.

Edenderry is now the first town in Ireland with sensors and monitoring devices deployed by Cellnex using low power wide area (LoRaWAN) technology to enhance the provision of parking and litter collection. This will enable the council to better manage these services and the infrastructure deployed can be maintained easily and at low cost.

e-denderry was launched at a virtual event hosted by the members of Edenderry Municipal District on Wednesday, addressed by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan

The project to date has focused on four key areas:

Parking space monitoring: using sensors to ensure appropriate use of loading bays, wheelchair spaces and electric vehicle charging points (working with ESB ecars to test parking space occupancy with electric vehicle charging). Litter control: measurement of how full bins are and when they need emptying, with a demonstration bin completed and 5 more bins to be upgraded in new public realm area on JKL Street. Air Quality Monitoring: sensors throughout the town that provide real-time monitoring of air quality and pollution levels, assisted by the expertise of the EPA. Building Management Systems: remote monitoring of energy use, access, lighting and smoke alarms at Edenderry Municipal District offices and also in the Community Cabin project. Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan said:

“e-denderry shows the potential for the Internet of Things to measure and manage our built and natural environment. I look forward to seeing the data gathered in these projects, and considering how we might employ this technology throughout the country.”

Sharon Kennedy, Director of Services Housing, Community, Culture, Emergency Services and Edenderry Municipal District, said:

“We are delighted Cellnex chose Edenderry as the location from which to showcase the cutting edge of IoT activities in Ireland. The sensors that have been installed will support the Council’s ability to manage its public buildings and public services more effectively. We are only at the very early stages of what can be achieved. Having regard to the various economic and community challenges experienced in the county in the past year, it’s vital that we explore ways to ensure the town repositions itself to adapt and thrive in an environment where technology and remote working will support exciting new opportunities.”

Cathaoirleach of Edenderry Municipal District Cllr John Foley said: “Edenderry is the first place in Ireland where LoRaWAN gateways have been installed to allow us to better monitor vital public services like litter collection, air quality and parking services. This technology is also helping us to better manage energy requirements and community usage of the Community Cabin which provides facilities for many local community groups.”

Paul Delaney, Sales Director with Cellnex Ireland said:

“Cellnex is pioneering the use of smart technology across Europe and I’m delighted we have been able to bring that expertise to bear here in Offaly. We see e-denderry as a showcase for what can be delivered and we look forward continuing this partnership to extend our achievements into new areas. LoRaWAN and IoT may sound complicated, but in simple terms they provide a low cost and easy to maintain way of leveraging the benefits of connectivity to the internet in a range of everyday uses and devices.”

e-denderry’s use of technology is being conducted in a manner that is fully compliant with all data protection and GDPR regulations. Personal images and identities are not recorded or tracked in any aspect of the project.