Waterford Targets Global Mobile Phone Industry

Statement by Minister Micheál Martin, TD

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, TD, is supporting efforts by Waterford Institute of Technology and a local company to become players in the global mobile phone market.

The Minister joined WIT and local company Nubiq, which is based at the Carriganore Campus, at the world’s largest communications trade show in Barcelona. Both were at the World Mobile Congress pitching their expertise to the largest international mobile phone networks.

Minister Martin said it was clear from the strong Waterford representation at the show that the region is becoming a centre of excellence in a rapidly growing industry, which has seen exports double since 2005 to €280 million a year.”

“I am particularly delighted to welcome Arc Labs Research from WIT, the only Irish third level institution to participate in the show, which attracts 60,000 visitors. The Institute of Technology is becoming the leading Irish Centre for Research and Development into wireless technology.”

“Researchers in Waterford are working on projects with 23 leading communications companies and have used the Congress to establish contact with some of the major players in an industry that is vital to our success as a knowledge economy.”

“The involvement of Nubiq, which has a team of 9 people in Waterford, is further proof that specialised Irish companies are at the cutting edge in this sector and are ensuring that Ireland is being recognised as a centre of excellence for new technology.”

“Nubiq is already working with O2 and T-Mobile and is providing website directories, mobile website creation and social bookmarking services.”

“Both Nubiq and WIT travelled to Barcelona with the support of Enterprise Ireland and I want to assure them of continued Irish Government support as they push forward the frontiers of technology”, concluded Minister Martin.

ENDS/ETE1862

For Further Information Contact:

Jerry O’Connor, Press Advisor, Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment 01 6312200