Telecommunications Industry Ireland hosts Dragon Boat Regatta

Telecommunications Industry Ireland (TII), the Ibec group that represents the industry, is today holding a Dragon Boat Regatta at Grand Canal Dock, in support of Samaritans Ireland. 

Eight companies (BT, eir, ESB Telecoms, SIRO, Sky, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone) are taking part in the regatta, the objective of which is to raise awareness of the vital work done by Samaritans Ireland.

Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland and Chair of Telecommunications Industry Ireland said: “We are delighted to be taking on our industry colleagues in this fun dragon boat race to provide much needed support to Samaritans Ireland. While we may be competitive in the water and in business, we know we can make a bigger impact if we come together to give back to the communities in which we all operate.”

Niall Mulligan, Executive Director, Samaritans Ireland said: “It is fantastic that the telecoms companies and Ibec’s Telecommunications Industry Ireland (TII), have once again come out to support Samaritans Ireland. More than three million calls have been answered by Samaritans volunteers since the telecommunications industry started to fund the helpline five years ago, and we are delighted that our partnership is continuing. Without the commitment from our own volunteers, and the ongoing assistance of the telecoms companies in Ireland, some of those calls may well have gone unanswered.”

The telecommunications industry has funded the Samaritans helpline since 2014 and recently committed to continue that support until 2024. This ensures members of the public are not charged for calls to the emotional support helpline number 116 123.