enet, Ireland’s largest open-access network operator has announced it has delivered dark fibre connectivity to PorterShed, the first building in the new Galway City Innovation District.
Officially opened in 2016, PorterShed, an AIB backed initiative, is the first phase in the development of an innovation hub that supports high potential start-ups and SMEs in the West of Ireland. Located in the heart of Galway City, between the Galway Docks and Eyre Square, PorterShed is already a showcase for Galway’s vibrant technology community, with 7,500 sq ft of workspace, housing 25 innovative companies and up to 75 people in total.
PorterShed’s access to high-speed broadband is via PlanNet21 Communications, its chosen service-provider, using the Galway City Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) – one of the 94 state-owned MANs operated across Ireland by enet.
“We are delighted to deliver world class broadband infrastructure to PorterShed, the first building in the Galway City Innovation District,” said Conal Henry, CEO of enet. “There is no doubt that MAN-enabled locations such as Galway gain a significant competitive advantage through the availability of high-speed broadband. This highlights the vital role played by the government’s fibre-optic MANs in attracting technology companies into the city.”
“While the MANs do not directly create jobs, they remove potential barriers by providing greater access to fit-for-purpose telecommunications and high-speed broadband. It is clear that the investment in the MANs has delivered huge economic benefits for the people of Ireland and will continue to do so into the future,” Henry concluded.
Superfast internet connectivity provides the start-ups at PorterShed with access to next-generation telecommunications including high-definition video conference calling and mobile technologies, along with faster upload and download speeds, which are much sought after.
Denise Tormey, President & Co-Founder, PlanNet21, said: “As a proud West of Ireland start-up ourselves back in 1998, PlanNet21 are delighted PorterShed, the first building in the Galway City Innovation District, fosters new ideas, talent and business initiatives.”
PlanNet21, now with locations across Europe and US employing almost 100 staff, were recently pronounced the prestigious Cisco Gold Partner of the Year Award in February and announced the acquisition of Agile Networks into the PlanNet21 Group. PlanNet21 design, build and support IT Infrastructure Solutions and Services across Europe and the US by their expert team for their esteemed customers.
The Galway City MAN is one of the Irish State’s MANs operated by enet and is an element of its 5,000 km of fibre infrastructure. enet’s network coverage, which includes one of the largest fixed wireless networks in the country, represents a single, integrated, nationwide platform that makes it easier and highly cost-effective for more than 70 different telecoms carriers to offer world-class broadband to individuals, homes and businesses.