E-Blana, an enterprise group with plans to create 120 high-tech jobs in Co Louth, has asked the Government to put pressure on communications companies to provide access to bandwidth in the Dundalk area.

Mr John Molloy, managing director of E-Blana, told an audience which included the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, that the lack of access to fibre optic or broadband capability was hindering the firm's expansion plans in Dundalk.

He said senior decision-making was required to accelerate access to existing broadband running through Dundalk on the Belfast/ Dublin corridor if the area was to realise its employment-generating potential.

E-Blana, which has offices in Dublin and Dundalk, announced its development plans yesterday. It is aiming to be one of the first companies to set up a wireless applications service provider.