Sixty New Jobs For Nortel In Galway

Sixty new jobs are to be created at Nortel Networks Corporation's facility in Galway, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin has announced.

The networking solutions company is implementing a significant research and development programme, with the support of IDA Ireland. The new jobs, which will be high level research positions, will be created at the facility at Mervue Business Park over the next three years.

Mr Martin said: "Nortel has an established and exemplary track record at its Galway facility. It has evolved from a manufacturing base to become a cutting edge and innovative centre of R&D excellence. The Irish facility has excelled within the Nortel parent corporation and is one of the few multinational companies in Ireland with full global R&D responsibility for a complete product portfolio. The staff and management of Nortel Ireland are set to be congratulated for this remarkable achievement."

Mr Martin continued: "This is excellent news from a global brand leader in the ICT sector. This knowledge-driven investment is highly significant for Ireland and, in particular, for Galway. As well as developing this highly sophisticated software and hardware technology, this investment is an endorsement by a world industry leader that Ireland is a primary location for the company's future research and development requirements."

Ollie Daniels, research and development leader, Nortel Ireland, said: "Today's investment is another significant milestone in the evolution of Nortel in Ireland. It is testament to the spirit of innovation that drives Ireland forward that the company has chosen Galway as the hub for this work that's so integral to Nortel's future."

Nortel Ireland was established in Galway in 1973 as a manufacturing facility. It subsequently expanded its activities to include sales and support, international finance and research and development.

(KMcA)