24-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Ericsson bucks trend of slowing FDI, with €200m investment in Athlone facility to work on 5G
Today at 21:30
Swedish telecom company Ericsson has announced a €200m investment into its facility in Athlone where it will work to enhance its 5G network products for the telecons sector.
The announcement bucks the trend of slowing foreign direct investment (FDI) after the US presidential elections and Donald Trump's rolling announcements on trade tariffs and comes amid fears for jobs at Intel.
Ericsson employs more than 1,300 people here and said the investment is part of its 'commitment to Ireland' as a strategic hub for research and development (R&D).
It said the funding will be used to improve its 5G networks globally using tools like AI, machine learning and advanced analytics.
It will focus on the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), the company's management platform for open networks that can be used by multiple providers, and network-powered rApps – applications used to manage and automate radio access.
The EIAP and rApps are largely designed at the company's Athlone site. Ericsson said its project will help accelerate the development and automation of open networks used by 5G networks around the world.
For communications service providers (CSP) in Ireland, it will improve network performance, speed up innovation and reduce costs.
It said: 'EIAP provides an open environment for developing and running apps from any vendor and radio technology, enabling CSPs to readily introduce innovations from diverse technology partners.'
Ericsson's has had a presence in Ireland for over five decades with its Athlone facility working as its designated centre for network management.
Denis Dullea, head of Ericsson's Athlone site, said the investment reinforces Ireland's position as a strategic hub for the company.
'This investment is a testament to our commitment to Ireland and confidence in our exceptional talent here. By delivering on this cutting-edge project, we're both investing in Ireland's future and empowering mobile operators worldwide,' he said.
Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said the Athlone facility will continue to be a significant employer for Irish talent.
'It is really encouraging that Ericsson have once again cemented Athlone as a key base for the company, selecting the campus and the staff based here to lead this pioneering work,' he said.
"The R&D project will improve efficiency in 5G networks globally. Ericsson have been established in Ireland for decades, with the Athlone facility a significant employer and an integral part of the fabric of the community for over 50 years.'
Ericsson and IDA Ireland have a longstanding relationship, and have worked together since the company established itself in Athlone in 1974.
'The investment strengthens the long-term legacy of Ericsson in Ireland, building on the success of past investments spanning more than 60 years,' said IDA chief executive Michael Lohan.
