Dublin has beaten off competition from several other cities to host a new Vodafone data storage and systems centre.
Vodafone Ireland said the company's north Dublin-based data centre had been chosen by Vodafone Group as one of three data centres that will service the company's worldwide needs.
The decision will result in a net investment of more than € 8 million between 2006 and 2007 and will secure a total of 50 jobs based in Ireland.
In December 2004, Vodafone Group announced plans to consolidate worldwide data management facilities into three locations, which would service the needs of the entire global Vodafone Group. The Dublin operation is to become one of these three, along with centres in Germany and Italy.
Asked why Dublin was chosen Vodafone said: "The Irish facility is the only data centre in Ireland to carry certification to ISO 17799 standards, which provides best practice recommendations on information security and management. This, along with the size and capability of the facility, was a key factor in the decision."
Speaking about the announcement, Teresa Elder, Vodafone Ireland's chief executive, said "we are delighted to have secured this level of commitment and investment in the information and communications technology sector here in Ireland".
Facing fresh competitive challenges, Vodafone Ireland employs close to 2,000 people, taking into account contractors and permanent employees, many of whom are skilled IT and telecommunications engineers.
"We will play an important role in Vodafone Group's aim to consolidate worldwide data management facilities. This move will truly allow us, as a global company, to leverage our size in order to build increased efficiencies and greater speed to market," said Ms Elder.
The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey also welcomed the announcement, commenting: "I would like to congratulate Vodafone Ireland on their achievement in securing this important deal.
"This result helps to underline Ireland's position as a premier location for ICT services and is testament to the high value skills-base available throughout the Irish workforce."
