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Linking to transatlantic cable
WILL help create jobs in Cork

Opportunity for Cork, Limerick & Galway to address internet connectivity deficit and stimulate economic activity - by Even Lucey

Linking Ireland to the new submarine Hibernian Express Cable being laid from the UK to the US could drastically improve internet connectivity in Cork, Limerick and Galway and the entire Atlantic Corridor including Kerry and Clare.

The opportunity to insert a branch unit from this cable into the southern part of the country through Cork and onto Galway via Limerick is now available to the Irish Government and experts believe it could go a considerable distance to addressing the connectivity needs of a large portion of the country outside Dublin.

According to Fine Gael Cork North Central Deputy and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dara Murphy, “Ireland is fast becoming an international hub for computer and internet based businesses, with a stream of foreign companies choosing Ireland as the best place to position themselves.” said Deputy Murphy.

“We are now in a position to strengthen connectivity throughout Cork and the western regions by tapping into a submarine cable that is being laid from the UK, accross the Atlantic, to the US. This would open up a raft of opportunities for our larger centres, making them attractive locations, and a feasibile alternative to Dublin, from data centres and data-centric enterprises.

“The link between an increase in economice activity and connectivity in a region has been well documented. It is absurd that in this day and age businesses continue to suffer due to an inability to access the internet or to obtain adequate broadband speeds. The situation whereby our larger cities outside Dublin are penalised by the quality and cost of their internet connection cannot be allowed to continue.”   

“If this issue is tackled head-on, Foreign Direct Investment can be encouraged in the regions, allowing the job creation we so badly need. Belfast is already seeing hundreds of jobs being created, from companies such as Citi and NYSE, following a submarine cable spur from the tranbsatlantic Hibernia cable (Project Kelvin) which has already landed at Derry and travels to Dublin via Belfast.

Calling on Minister Rabitte to seriously consider the proposal, Deputy Murphy concluded, “For the Smart Economy to develop, high levels of bandwidth and tele-communicatios access are a must.  Our Government is always looking for ways to increase competitiveness; linking in to this international connectivity cable is a highly effective, value fopr money way of doing just that.”.  

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