Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, switched on a world-class telecoms and high-speed broadband network in his hometown of Claremorris.
Initial connections to the new Metropolitan Area Network are being delivered by telecoms service provider Magnet Networks, which has gone live with the service for three customers: retail technology and EPoS solutions provider, CBE; Ireland's first and leading dental insurance company, DeCare Dental Insurance; and Mayo County Council.
“This is a red-letter day for Claremorris,” said Claremorris Chamber president Eugene Waldron. “The town is fully enabled for broadband 100 times faster than the typical internet connection. Jobs that depend on lightning-fast, affordable broadband are waiting to be won. The MAN is a priceless asset that will help Claremorris compete on the world stage. The chamber will hunt hard for high-end jobs that will keep our kids here and our community strong.”
The new network is thanks to the combined efforts of Claremorris Chamber of Commerce, e|net, IDA Ireland, Magnet Networks and Mayo County Council, a point echoed by the Minister. “Broadband is the key to inward investment in the regions,” he said. “The Government can and does invest in telecommunications infrastructure where it is needed but local cooperation speeds up the process. Here in Claremorris, the chamber, the council and individual companies got together to make sure the project became a reality as quickly as possible. I am sure it’s a model that will work well in other towns across Ireland.”
The Claremorris MAN has been part-funded by the Mayo County Council.
