Robert Finnegan, CEO of Three Ireland
A digest of the top business technology news stories from the past week, beginning with the news mobile network Three’s acquisition of O2 Ireland is to lead to 160 job cuts.
Three acquisition of O2 Ireland to lead to 160 redundancies
Around 160 roles are to be made redundant at the combined Three and O2 mobile operator following Three’s acquisition of O2 Ireland from Telefónica for €850m.
The job cuts consist of 160 roles, including 85 at the head offices of both Three and O2, and 75 retail jobs around Ireland.
However, a spokesman said 90 new jobs are to be created at the former O2 customer care facility in Limerick, bringing the total workforce there to 440 employees.
A further 25 IT and network contract jobs are to be created, as well.
O2 Arena in Dublin to be renamed 3Arena
The O2 Arena in Dublin – once known as the Point Depot – is to be renamed the 3Arena following Three’s acquisition of O2 Ireland for €850m in recent months.
The Live Nation-owned 13,500 capacity venue plays a significant role in the Irish entertainment industry, hosting more than 100 gigs per year.
“3Arena is a very important sponsorship asset for Three, as it demonstrates our commitment to brand investment and customer loyalty – another step in the integration of two great businesses,” said Robert Finnegan, CEO of Three Ireland.
Some 70 jobs to go with closure of Drogheda circuit board maker Rexxam
Up to 70 jobs will be lost later this year with the closure of Drogheda, Co Louth-based printed circuit board maker Rexxam.
The Japanese-owned company, formerly known as Brother Ireland, had been based in Drogheda for the past 25 years.
It is understood that 80pc of the company’s customers have been lost and there is only sufficient work to keep the plant operating until December.
The gradual transfer of electronics manufacturing to south-east Asia has also impacted Rexxam.
ESB International wins €750k consultancy contract in Tanzania
Irish engineering consultancy ESB International has won a €750,000, 18-month contract to provide services to Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
ESB International won the contract through an open and competitive tendering process.
The company will now provide consultancy services for the design and implementation of TANESCO’s centralised customer contact centre in Dar es Salaam.
Ireland reaches 25th place in Global Competitiveness Report
Ireland has crawled up three places to the No 25 spot in the Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015, which reveals Switzerland, Singapore and the US as the top 3 most competitive economies.
Ireland made its best showing in the report since 2009, having ranked 28th just last year.
The annual survey by the World Economic Forum assesses the competitiveness landscape of 144 economies, providing insight into the drivers of their productivity and prosperity, the World Economic Forum said.
Paddy Power names Andy McCue as new CEO
Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has appointed Andy McCue as its new chief executive as of 1 January, and as a director of the company with immediate effect.
McCue will replace outgoing CEO Patrick Kennedy, who announced his departure in May.
McCue has been working for Paddy Power for eight years and has most recently served as managing director, retail UK and Ireland. He has also had responsibility for regulatory and public affairs.
In addition, McCue has been a member of the Paddy Power management committee since 2009 and leads the group’s online and retail multi-channel strategy.
Stay informed – get daily updates on the latest happenings in technology directly to your inbox
