I have just launched a new Biology.ie. The big new feature is the ability to attach Nature Notes to a sighting. Also the database can be searched without having to use the predefined surveys.
Maybe you can pass this around to the staff and anyone else you think might be interested.
Biology.ie's primary aim is to increase biodiversity awareness among the public. It's not expected to be used by professionals (who should use GIS) - but let you friends or people not professionally involved in the biological/environmental sciences know about it.
Cheers,
Paul