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Four-year research partnership between MTU and Liebherr

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Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, this week launched a substantial four-year research partnership between Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd, Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software and Munster Technological University (MTU).

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD with Mr Charlie McCarthy Managing Director of Liebherr Container Cranes and Prof Joe Walsh MTU on left at the launch of the substantial four-year research partnership between Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd Lero the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software and Munster Technological University (MTU). Photo: Don McMonagle

The project will develop and expand Liebherr’s existing systems for ‘smart cranes’ which help to safely and efficiently move millions of shipping containers around the world every day.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Foley said: “This research project brings together two leaders in the field of research and development and shows the importance and the value of industry-academic collaborations. Since its formation in 2005, Lero has established itself as a world leader in software research and continues to underpin Ireland’s outstanding software research reputation. This partnership represents a continuation of the decades’ long commitment to R&D that Liebherr Container Cranes has shown which, coupled with its apprenticeship and scholarship programmes, set an example for others to follow.”

Liebherr’s managing director, Mr Charlie McCarthy, said the partnership would help strengthen Liebherr’s market position and will allow Liebherr to remain at the forefront of container crane development.

“Liebherr is an industry leader in the manufacture of container cranes, and we enjoy an enviable reputation for providing cranes of exceptionally high quality. Our ongoing relationship with Lero and the team at MTU enables us to compete on quality and technological innovation building on substantial investment in research and development to help ensure the future success of the company and our customers,” he added.

Lero researcher, Professor Joseph Walsh, based at the Munster Technological University’s Kerry campus, is leading the partnership with Killarney-headquartered Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd and said that six full-time researchers would work in close partnership with Liebherr engineers on the project.

“Container cranes are one of the most significant investments and operating expenses in ports and intermodal terminals worldwide. The collaboration focuses on technologies such as operational digital twins, advanced data analytics and advanced sensing systems to enhance the design, deployment and operation of cranes around the world,” he added.

Prof. Walsh, whose work encompasses intelligent mechatronics, software, and intelligent sensor systems, said that it is believed that key future enablers for enhanced, fully automated ship to shore container cranes will be heavily reliant on novel software algorithms and methods.
“The research is complex becaus container cranes are highly advanced systems operating in complex environments. This requires significant research in disciplines such as data analytics and software systems as we strive to further enhance the functionality of Liebherr’s state-of-the-art automated cranes, each of which is comparable to an entire factory in terms of the complexity of digital systems.”

President of Munster Technological University Professor Maggie Cusack said the longstanding and fruitful partnership between Liebherr, MTU and Lero gives her great confidence that MTU will further enhance its relationship with manufacturing companies who want to get ahead.

“Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd are a world leader in their field. Innovation and deploying the latest technology on their cranes allow them to remain competitive. The close relationship between Liebherr and MTU has seen Liebherr benefit from the highest calibre of research and innovation on offer at MTU.

“We are delighted that we have now extended that cooperation and will continue to work together to drive development in smart cranes into the future. Liebherr’s search for world-class researchers brought them to their neighbours, just over the road ­– MTU, Tralee. This great partnership is setting a pathway for others to follow,” she added.

Liebherr is one of the leading manufacturers of container cranes globally, many of which are equipped with extensive automation systems and remote-operation capabilities. The Killarney-based company is a key employer in the South-West with over 800 employees and a long-time collaborator with universities through their research, engineering and IT scholarships, and apprenticeship programmes.

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Book of Condolences for Pope Francis at Cathedral

  A Book of Condolences has been opened at St Mary’s Cathedral for those wishing to pay their respects following the death of Pope Francis. The Pope, who led the […]

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A Book of Condolences has been opened at St Mary’s Cathedral for those wishing to pay their respects following the death of Pope Francis.

The Pope, who led the Catholic Church for twelve years, died on Monday at the age of 88.

He had been suffering from double pneumonia in recent weeks, but his death still came as a shock to many. Just hours before his passing, he had been seen greeting crowds in St Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday celebrations.

Locally, Bishop Ray Browne has led the tributes. He described Pope Francis as “a gentle shepherd” who brought humility and compassion to his role.

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis,” Bishop Browne said. “From the moment he chose the name Francis, rooted in humility, he signalled a papacy of building peace, care for the poor, and love for all of God’s creation.”

The bishop also highlighted the Pope’s focus on protecting the planet and caring for the marginalised, calling him “a voice for the voiceless” and “a witness to the Gospel in word and deed.”

A special Mass in memory of Pope Francis was held at St Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday.

The Pope’s funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 10.00am in St Peter’s Square. It will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by church leaders from around the world.

Due to the Pope’s passing, the special Mass for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which was due to take place this Sunday has been cancelled.

Mass will still take place at the usual time of 11.30am. A new date for the celebration will be announced in due course.

Blessed Carlo Acutis was due to be officially declared a saint in Rome on Sunda but that has been postponed.

Carlo Acutis had a deep devotion to St Francis of Assisi, and his final resting place is in Assisi, near the tombs of St Francis and St Clare.

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Con O’Leary: Killarney loses a vibrant and popular personality

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has led the tributes to the late Con O’Leary, an extremely popular and very successful businessman in the town, who passed away in the […]

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Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has led the tributes to the late Con O’Leary, an extremely popular and very successful businessman in the town, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday.

Con was a vibrant and popular personality in Killarney where he operated The Laurels on Main Street, a thriving bar and restaurant, which he inherited following the passing of his father, Thado.
The business organisation said from a social perspective, The Laurels became the beating heart of the town and it was a landmark at the Market Cross in the same way as Clery’s clock was in the capital city.
Chamber said Con’s passing really marks the end of an era as he was one of a golden age of inspirational local business people who developed and built Killarney, through hard work, bravery and great commercial flair, and helped create the wonderful tourist attraction and holiday destination it is today.
“Con was very proud of Killarney and he played a very active part in progressing the town at many levels.
“He was a man that was never short of great ideas and his contribution to the business life of the town and as a director of Killarney Race Company was immense,” Chamber said.
“He was ahead of his time in many respects with the introduction by what became known as “the singing lounge” many years ago and The Laurels always led by example through its successes in the annual Killarney Looking Good competition”.
The business representative organisation noted that the O’Leary family has always been very supporting of the town and Con’s daughter, Kate, was a very dynamic Chamber President and is still a very valued member of the executive.
Chamber expressed deep sympathy to Con’s wife, Anne, children Kate, Niall, Tara and Lorna, sons-in-law, grandchildren, sisters, relatives and friends as well as the dedicated staff in The Laurels, past and present, who Con always had great time for and a great rapport with.

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