Latest news with #Edel
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Louth poet Edel Molloy takes a top prize at Listowel Writers' Week 2025
The Argus Today at 04:00 Edel Molloy, a Tyrone native now living in Blackrock, Co Louth, has won the single poem award at the Listowel Writers' Week, Ireland's oldest literary and arts festival, recently with her poem I'd prefer to talk about rats. Edel, who loved to Blackrock twelve years ago, has always loved writing but between working and raising a family, found it hard to find the time to develop a routine that would allow her follow this passion.
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
NIE Networks: putting customers at the centre of transformation journey
Having been head of communications and stakeholder engagement for five years prior, she has a firm grasp of what stakeholders are looking for from the company. These engagement principles remain unchanged in her new post – customer-led, representative, open, responsive and accessible. At NIE Networks, the customer is at the heart of the ongoing transformation journey. The company is committed to developing stronger customer relationships, simplifying connections, embracing technology, and maintaining face-to-face interactions with stakeholders. To deliver on its objectives during the current price control period, which runs until 2031, NIE Networks has developed a new business strategy featuring three strategic programmes. The first of these 'A New Connections Model' aims to streamline the connection process. 'The New Connections Model focuses on enabling quicker and more transparent connections to the grid,' Edel says. 'This will benefit businesses of all sizes, whether they are local shops looking to expand, major factories, or renewable energy customers. We plan to enhance our customer engagement through initiatives such as webinars, connection clinics, and stakeholder events over the coming year. 'We have always talked and listened to people and businesses across Northern Ireland to understand their views. Listening was essential to understand expectations and address the challenges of a rapidly changing energy landscape. It has also helped us better understand attitudes, current experiences and relative priorities and then – most importantly – apply what we learned to our business plans. 'Our goal is to deliver an exceptional customer experience for whatever service we are delivering. We want to drive a customer centric ethos and excellence in the delivery of our service to customers. We are on a journey and realise there is so much more we can do; we will need to continually listen to our customers and respond accordingly.' 'The key for us is making sure we are ahead of our customer requirements. It's about being on the ground and taking a grassroots approach to how we're impacting customers. So, whether you're a big wind farm developer who wants to connect into the grid, a high street retailer hoping to expand operations or you're a domestic customer building your dream home – that's something that my team and I are responsible for. We need to ensure every customer's specific needs are understood and catered for. 'We're very conscious that there are 929,000 homes, farms and businesses who rely on us for a safe, secure and reliable supply so it's important that they are at the forefront of our ongoing transformation journey.' The transformation refers to their current price control period and will see a record £2.23bn investment in the electricity network that will support Northern Ireland's journey to net zero. Preparation for that investment includes structuring the NIE Networks business so that they can deliver in the most efficient way possible while meeting the changing needs of both their business and domestic customers. 'To deliver that investment effectively, we must make business decisions to improve our customer experience and increase customer satisfaction levels,' Edel says. 'Ultimately we need to also transform our relationship with our customers so that we approach our decisions not just from an engineering perspective but from a customer perspective. 'This customer engagement will be key as we start our Rebuilding the Network programme. This is the largest piece of work since rural electrification in the 1950s and could potentially be disruptive to homes and businesses. 'However this gives NIE Networks the opportunity to use innovating engineering solutions with the customer in mind. We can try new approaches, new technologies and engage with industry leaders to apply new engineering solutions that will minimise disruption for our customers, it's an exciting time.' Enabling businesses towards clean energy Over recent years energy has become much more of a boardroom priority and businesses seek to decarbonise their operations to meet sustainability targets and remain competitive. 'We are an enabler towards clean energy growth and, as such, we want to improve the process to connect to the electricity network for both domestic and business customers,' Edel says. 'Making it easier and more transparent is a strategic focus for NIE Networks so that businesses know upfront what opportunities are available, how they can make an application and can trust that the connection process will be smooth and swift. 'It's a very challenging landscape for businesses currently with volatile trade markets, increasing wage costs and a requirement by society and investors to decarbonise their operations. There are opportunities for businesses within the network currently and it requires us to work much closer with business to listen to their specific needs, make those opportunities clear and to explore creative solutions. The key is collaboration with customers and making more information available to businesses so they can make more informed choices.' A Department for Economy consultation on a new socialised connection model closed in April. NIE Networks welcomes this model and has fed into the consultation process as 'when implemented,' Edel says. 'It will create greater access to the electricity network and make it easier to decarbonise through electrification. 'With the right information and insight we can make the electrification process simpler and much more efficient for businesses but the challenge for us is how we provide expert insight and advice to all businesses on a case by case basis. Our strategic focus in this area will also involve scoping the main challenges businesses are having and providing as much information as possible in a way that works for businesses.' Digitalisation Part of the solution lies in digitalisation and new technologies. Edel says: 'Our aim is to drive a customer centric ethos where the customer journey is as simple as possible. Digital is a key enabler to this change, helping to streamline the customer journey, make interactions with us simple and straightforward and make it easy and convenient to do business with us. 'For example, we are implementing an omnichannel approach to customer service, to provide a consistent and personalised experience across all touchpoints. This includes managing the contact centre, social media, and a dedicated team for vulnerable customers, ensuring customers can communicate with us in their preferred way. But this is just the start. We are also empowering our teams to think outside the box and take charge of improving NIE Networks through harnessing the advantages of digital tools. It's creating an exciting culture change – driving a shift from 'doing digital' to 'being digital'. 'We are transforming the business. A key part of that is exploiting technology – rather than increasing the size of our teams, or doing things as we have always done, it's about taking a new and innovative approach to our business. We want to be able to seamlessly connect de-centralised renewable generations like solar and wind to the network alongside traditional power generations, leveraging the latest tech and artificial intelligence (AI) to harness vast amounts of data, and create a modern, digital-driven energy system that puts customers at the forefront.' However, Edel is quick to identify that technology will not be the solution in all areas. 'From the customer perspective, it's about balancing those who want a warm voice, or a knock on the door, right through to something more digitally-focused,' Edel says. 'Having positive interactions with our customers is critical. We also want to make sure we're hearing from our customers – whether that is a small retailer, a domestic customer, or a major business. That feedback is really important so that we can continually improve our business and we need to make sure we're accessible and providing those opportunities.' As well as providing more and more solutions for customers with communication challenges, Edel says they're also keen to explore new channels to make sure they are communicating according to their customer needs. 'Our door is always open,' she says. 'We want to hear from you, continue on this journey and keep listening.'
Extra.ie
07-05-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Wexford couple's trip to Miami Grand Prix takes dramatic turn as baby arrives 13 weeks early
A Wexford couple are seeking help from the public after their son was born 13 weeks premature while away on holiday Edel and Thomas Dunphy flew out to Miami for the F1 Grand Prix last Friday and were due to return to Ireland on Tuesday. However, their plans were derailed after their baby boy Oscar arrived three months premature. A Wexford couple are seeking help from the public after their son was born 13 weeks premature while away on holiday Pic: GoFundMe The couple were on their final trip before becoming parents, as Edel was reassured it was safe to fly. Just hours after landing stateside, she was rushed to hospital after experiencing sudden complications. Now taking to GoFundMe following the ordeal, the couple are eager to get their family home. Edel and Thomas Dunphy flew out to Miami for the F1 Grand Prix last Friday and were due to return to Ireland on Tuesday. Pic: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images 'The incredible medical team here quickly discovered further, silent issues—ones that could have gone undetected had we not acted fast,' the new parents shared. 'Within hours, we were faced with an unimaginable decision: wait until morning to allow time for steroid treatment, or deliver our baby via emergency C-section immediately.' Baby Oscar is now in the care of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where he is expected to remain for 10 to 12 weeks. However, their plans were derailed after their baby boy Oscar arrived three months premature. Pic: GoFundMe 'The first few days are critical as he undergoes constant monitoring and care,' the couple explained, looking to raise money for their extended stay stateside. The couple are also facing mounting hospital bills, and will need to safely return home, which is also adding to the expense. They also revealed that their son was named Oscar as a tribute to Oscar Piastri's F1 Grand Prix win. 'He is our little champion,' they explained. 'We are reaching out with humble hearts to ask for your support during this challenging time.' 'Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us cover the overwhelming costs ahead: accommodation, transport, baby care essentials, and the complex process of repatriation.' In almost 48 hours the couple have raised nearly €20,000, with many touched by their story.
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Irish couple's shock as baby born MONTHS early on Miami Grand Prix holiday & ‘little champion' faces ‘critical' care
THE shocked parents of a baby boy who was born months early on a Miami Grand Prix holiday have issued an appeal to help bring him home. Edel and Thomas Dunphy, from Co Advertisement Having been assured it was safe to fly, the couple jetted off for a long weekend in However, just hours after landing, the trip took an "unexpected and life-changing turn" when there were sudden complications with Edel's pregnancy. Posting on "The incredible Advertisement READ MORE IN HEALTH "Within hours, we were faced with an unimaginable decision: wait until morning to allow time for steroid treatment, or deliver our baby via emergency C-section immediately. "Thankfully, we acted straight away. The doctors later confirmed that even a short delay might have meant losing our baby." The couple said their "beautiful" son was born 13 weeks premature, "tiny" but "fiercely fighting". They explained: "He is now in the NICU where he will need to stay for the next 10 to 12 weeks. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Exclusive Latest "The first few days are critical as he undergoes constant monitoring and care." Tots in Carlow for Barnardos Big Toddle as fundraiser aims to raise money for kids in need The couple chose to name their "little champion" Oscar, in a touching tribute to the Miami Grand Prix winner While the newborn gains strength over the next 12 weeks the couple will need to find suitable accommodation, sort documentation and eventually find a safe way home. Now, Thomas is asking for "support" from those who are able ahead of the "overwhelming costs" the couple will face. Advertisement The new dad said: "We are reaching out with humble hearts to ask for your support during this challenging time. "Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us cover the overwhelming costs ahead: accommodation, transport, baby care essentials, and the complex process of repatriation. "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, supporting, and sharing our story. 'WE LOVE YOU' "We are holding onto hope, and with your help, we can focus on what matters most—bringing Oscar safely home." Advertisement The new parent's situation has touched the hearts of hundreds of people who are wishing them and baby Oscar well. Already €18,055 of the €30,000 goal has been met over 300 donations. This comes just two days after Oscar's parents made the emotional plea. And heartfelt messages of support have flooded in from friends and family. Advertisement One touching message read: "We love you baby cousin." 1 New mum Edel with little fighter Oscar Credit: GoFundMe
Sunday World
07-05-2025
- Health
- Sunday World
Wexford couple's shock as baby born 13 weeks premature while attending F1 Grand Prix in Miami
They named their son 'Oscar' after Oscar Piastri who won the Grand Prix on Sunday A Wexford couple had an unexpected twist to their trip to Miami for the F1 Grand Prix when their son was born 13 weeks premature. Edel and Thomas Dunphy flew out to Miami for their long-awaited trip last Friday and were due to fly home on Tuesday–but they've had to extend their time stateside after their baby boy, Oscar, was born more than three months premature. The couple were on the trip as a last hurrah before they became parents, as Edel was reassured it was safe to fly. Just hours after landing, she was rushed to hospital after experiencing sudden complications. 'The incredible medical team here quickly discovered further, silent issues—ones that could have gone undetected had we not acted fast,' the couple shared on their GoFundMe page. 'Within hours, we were faced with an unimaginable decision: wait until morning to allow time for steroid treatment, or deliver our baby via emergency C-section immediately.' The couple said they were thankful that they acted straight away after doctors said even a short delay might have meant losing their baby. Baby Oscar is now in the care of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where he will need to remain for the next 10 to 12 weeks. 'The first few days are critical as he undergoes constant monitoring and care,' the couple explained. The Dunphys are trying to raise funds to pay for their stay stateside, as once she is discharged from hospital they will need to arrange suitable accommodation nearby. Edel Dunphy and her newborn son Oscar The News in 90 Seconds - Wednesday, 7th of May The couple are also facing mounting hospital bills, and will have to fund a safe route back to Ireland with their newborn once he is discharged from hospital. Edel and Thomas revealed that their son was named Oscar as a tribute to Oscar Piastri's F1 Grand Prix win: 'He is our little champion,' they explained. 'We are reaching out with humble hearts to ask for your support during this challenging time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us cover the overwhelming costs ahead: accommodation, transport, baby care essentials, and the complex process of repatriation.' The couple shared their sincere thanks with donors, who have so far raised €17,515 to help the family.
