Technology is both a uniter and a divider in Irish homes, according to eircom survey

Households across Ireland are going through a significant digital transformation, with increased usage of smartphones, Kindles and iPads creating an “always on” mentality, according to the first eircom household sentiment survey released this week.

The survey, the first in-depth nationwide survey to be carried out on the impact of new technologies on Irish households, found the following trends among respondents:

Loop Head to host international radio broadcast as part of international lighthouse celebration

Loop Head Lighthouse in Co Clare will be among hundreds of lighthouses and lightships worldwide to participate in an event aimed at promoting public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and their need for preservation and restoration. Limerick Radio Club will broadcast from the lighthouse on the weekend of August 18 and 19 as part of the 15th International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend.

During the broadcast, visitors to the lighthouse will be able to listen into communications with some of the other participating ham radio operators broadcasting from 400 other lighthouses and lightships in 50 countries.

Your smartphone/tablet essentials

Did you just buy an Android or Apple phone or tablet? Lucky you. Both platforms have a wealth of apps, free and paid-for, that you can download and enjoy on your new device. But with so many apps available, how do you know which ones to get? That's where Electronic Partner comes in with a list of 10 essential apps for your smartphone.

More Family Time

• Technology is both a uniter and a divider in Irish homes, according to eircom survey
• Loop Head to host international radio broadcast as part of international lighthouse celebration
• Your smartphone/tablet essentials
• Rollercoaster
• Rollercoaster
• Rollercoaster
• Ignoring problem behaviour
• Free trout fishing lessons at Renvyle House
• Helping your overweight child
• Rollercoaster
• New arrivals to Leisureland set to make a splash
• Are you a good role model for your child?
• Make time for yourself
• Last chance to create a Super Garden
• How to avoid spoiling a child
• Using your attention wisely
• Tips for the new school year
• Children and bad language
• Top tips for effective discipline
• Rollercoaster
• Sleep associations — the main cause of sleep probl
• How to help children cope with change
• School refusal
• The positive role played by fathers
• The Village Nursing Care Centre
• The spoilt child
• The importance of play
• Bubbles Crèche and Montessori
• Temper tantrums
• How to succeed at being a parent