The €1.93 million Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) has been activated in Kilrush, County Clare, providing the West Clare town with advanced broadband and telecommunications infrastructure.
Kilrush is the first County Clare town where a MAN has been activated since the Government launch of the programme in 2004.
Limerick-based company e|net is manager and operator of the Kilrush MAN and is responsible for offering a variety of products to broadband service providers so they in turn can deliver high speed broadband services to their retail customers throughout the town. There are currently two service providers providing services on the Kilrush MAN.
The overall cost of the completed Kilrush MAN is €1.93 million comprising a Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources grant of €1.75 million and 5% contributions (€96,255) each from Clare County Council and Shannon Development, both members of the Shannon Broadband Limited consortium.
Commenting on the significance of the MAN for Kilrush, Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development and Chairman of Shannon Broadband said: “As an early advocator for broadband facilities through our drive to set up the Shannon Broadband initiative, we are delighted to see the activation of the Kilrush MAN and we wish e|net every success with the management of this vital piece of telecoms infrastructure. Ensuring fast, cost effective broadband services is key to attracting inward investment and creating more jobs in the future and this new network sends a clear message to potential investors that Kilrush is at the cutting edge of information technology.”
Welcoming the activation of the MAN, Mayor of Kilrush Mairéad O'Brien said: “This telecommunications network serves as a significant boost to ongoing efforts to make the town attractive for outside investment. This world-class infrastructure is something that growing companies require and Kilrush Town Council, along with Clare County Council, will be contacting regional and national enterprise agencies to inform them that Kilrush is open and ready for business. I am also confident that the local education sector will also benefit greatly from the quality connectivity now being provided.”
According to e|net CEO, Conal Henry: "We are proud of our involvement in the delivery of world-class broadband to Kilrush. The activation of Metropolitan Area Networks is central to the delivery of cutting-edge communications and information services to the business and educational sector in Ireland.”
He continued: “The MAN operates on an open-access basis. This means that all authorised telecommunications operators can have access. This model is contrary to traditional operators’ exclusivity of network, and allows for competition in a way that has not previously happened.”
Gerard Dollard, Director of Services, Clare County Council, commented: “The Local Authority regards the activation of the Kilrush MAN as a significant milestone in the continued development of Kilrush and the wider West Clare area. The availability of world-class broadband and telecommunication services is a key factor in any company’s decision to invest or relocate to any given area. The Council is committed to utilising this infrastructural development in our marketing of the town as a viable investment location for indigenous and international companies. The successful delivery on initiatives such as this underpins the work of the elected members and agencies involved in the West Clare Economic Taskforce.”
Further information relating to the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) programme is available from WWW.E-NET.IE.
Kilrush is the first County Clare town where a MAN has been activated since the Government launch of the programme in 2004.
Limerick-based company e|net is manager and operator of the Kilrush MAN and is responsible for offering a variety of products to broadband service providers so they in turn can deliver high speed broadband services to their retail customers throughout the town. There are currently two service providers providing services on the Kilrush MAN.
The overall cost of the completed Kilrush MAN is €1.93 million comprising a Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources grant of €1.75 million and 5% contributions (€96,255) each from Clare County Council and Shannon Development, both members of the Shannon Broadband Limited consortium.
Commenting on the significance of the MAN for Kilrush, Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development and Chairman of Shannon Broadband said: “As an early advocator for broadband facilities through our drive to set up the Shannon Broadband initiative, we are delighted to see the activation of the Kilrush MAN and we wish e|net every success with the management of this vital piece of telecoms infrastructure. Ensuring fast, cost effective broadband services is key to attracting inward investment and creating more jobs in the future and this new network sends a clear message to potential investors that Kilrush is at the cutting edge of information technology.”
Welcoming the activation of the MAN, Mayor of Kilrush Mairéad O'Brien said: “This telecommunications network serves as a significant boost to ongoing efforts to make the town attractive for outside investment. This world-class infrastructure is something that growing companies require and Kilrush Town Council, along with Clare County Council, will be contacting regional and national enterprise agencies to inform them that Kilrush is open and ready for business. I am also confident that the local education sector will also benefit greatly from the quality connectivity now being provided.”
According to e|net CEO, Conal Henry: "We are proud of our involvement in the delivery of world-class broadband to Kilrush. The activation of Metropolitan Area Networks is central to the delivery of cutting-edge communications and information services to the business and educational sector in Ireland.”
He continued: “The MAN operates on an open-access basis. This means that all authorised telecommunications operators can have access. This model is contrary to traditional operators’ exclusivity of network, and allows for competition in a way that has not previously happened.”
Gerard Dollard, Director of Services, Clare County Council, commented: “The Local Authority regards the activation of the Kilrush MAN as a significant milestone in the continued development of Kilrush and the wider West Clare area. The availability of world-class broadband and telecommunication services is a key factor in any company’s decision to invest or relocate to any given area. The Council is committed to utilising this infrastructural development in our marketing of the town as a viable investment location for indigenous and international companies. The successful delivery on initiatives such as this underpins the work of the elected members and agencies involved in the West Clare Economic Taskforce.”
Further information relating to the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) programme is available from WWW.E-NET.IE.
