Tánaiste Announces Expansion of AePONA's Dublin Organisation £1m Investment Supported by Enterprise Ireland 42 New Jobs Created

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Tuesday 28th March 2000) announced the expansion of AePONA's Dublin organisation. A £1m investment plan supported by Enterprise Ireland, will lead to the creation of 42 new jobs within 3 years. AePONA, formerly the services division of Apion, has plans for major expansion of its telecoms services business following its spin-off from Apion, which merged with California-based Phone.com at the end of last year. Currently employing over 90 staff in its Belfast office, the expansion of the Dublin organisation is part of AePONA's plans to grow aggressively within the next few years.

In making the announcement, the Tánaiste said, "Recent increased demand among Mobile customers for enhanced services has fuelled the need for improved network capability. This continuing trend will necessitate considerable development of the current Telecommunications Infrastructure. The advent of 3rd Generation Mobile networks is a prime example."

"Enterprise Ireland's support for AePONA's Dublin-based operation recognises the importance of the wireless data skill set in keeping the Irish telecommunications software industry at the forefront of global information and communication technologies. Because of its origin, AePONA is particularly well placed to take full advantage of this new era in mobile communications," the Tánaiste continued.

Welcoming the Tánaiste's announcement, Liam McQuillan, AePONA's managing director, said, "The Government's industrial development strategy focusing on the technologies of the future, combined with Enterprise Ireland's support for world class people and new knowledge creation, makes Dublin an ideal place to expand. The important thing for companies like AePONA, is to continue to attract high calibre telecoms software engineers so that new ideas can be combined with existing expertise, and utilised to produce world beating products and services."