Rabbitte switches on high-speed broadband in Claremorris

Rabbitte switches on high-speed broadband in Claremorris


New network gives jobs outlook a boost

Michael Commins

THE switching on of the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) in Claremorris on Friday evening has been widely welcomed throughout the town and hinterland. Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte TD presided at the ceremony, which marked the arrival of the world-class telecoms and high-speed broadband network to his native region. The Dublin-based minister is a native of Ballindine and a past pupil of St Colman’s College, Claremorris.
Initial connections 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; Dental insurance company, DeCare Dental Insurance; and Mayo County Council.
Gerry Concannon, head of CBE, said network was a vital factor in the company’s decision to maintain jobs in Claremorris. “Four years ago we built our new head office and research and development centre here in Claremorris with the knowledge that we would have access to MAN. We now employ 120 people here. Connection is essential for our export business, which grew 47 per cent last year. We can now send large files and software updates to our overseas customers instantly.
“If we did not have this, we would not be able to support our software. We would have had to look at a different location.”
Chamber President Eugene Waldron said the high-speed network is ‘a priceless asset’ that will help Claremorris compete on the world stage.
Minister Rabbitte told the gathering this was a success story for Claremorris. “I don’t think it is possible to exaggerate the significance that this brings to the town and hinterland. Being ahead of the posse in the matter of connectivity and economic activity can be so important.
Maureen Walsh, CEO of DeCare, which came to the town in 1999, stated that the connectivity that her company will achieve through MAN will have a significant effect on the competitiveness of their business, as speed and efficiency is a vital for success. “We currently employ over 90 people in our customer service and claims operation centre in Claremorris, and this initiative will enable us to broaden the scope of our services even further – and increase our staff.
Mayo County Manager Peter Hynes said they were delighted to be associated with this latest initiative, saying it demonstrated what can be achieved when central government, local state agencies and local groups work together.
Speaking from his office in Minnesota via video link, Michael Walsh, DeCare Dental Insurance CEO, said they are hoping to create a few hundred more jobs and that he would love to earmark some of them for the West of Ireland. “Without technology we cannot do this kind of work. What you have done in Claremorris gives us further impetus to move some jobs that up to now we could not move because of the technology requirements.”