State broadband network: jobs boost for Limerick

Some good news for the IT industry in Limerick.

Minister for Communications Dermot Ahern has announced close to 120 new jobs at or in support of Limerick-based E-Net, following that company's success in winning the contract to manage the State-backed Regional Metropolitan Broadband Networks.

Approximately half the positions will be created directly at E-Net, and the remainder in downstream support. The 15-year contract will commence immediately, with E-Net operating as a wholesaler of access to the networks. The pricing achieved in the contract is on a par with competitive pricing internationally and will, according to Minister Ahern, be a key driver of regional economic development. E-Net is headed by Michael Tiernan of Tiernan Properties and funded by ACT Venture Capital, Anglo Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and private equity.

The selection of E-Net was welcomed by Shannon Broadband, the regional telecoms company headed by Shannon Development and including several local authorities. Chairman Kevin Thompstone observed: "A key objective of Shannon Broadband has been the provision of regional broadband services at reasonable prices. We are confident that the awarding of this important contract to a regionally based firm will help achieve this objective".