10 February 2010: 3 Ireland to create 90 retail jobs

Mobile network operator 3 Ireland is to create 90 new jobs as part of a major expansion programme, the firm announced today. The company, which currently has 22 3Stores and operates via a further 200 independent retailers, is to invest nearly €5 million in 28 stores, the majority of which will be independently-owned stores operating under the 3 brand. The majority of the independently-owned stores will be opened with existing retail partners, the mobile operator said. Welcoming today's announcement, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD said the new investment was welcome news for consumers.

Speaking at the announcement, 3 Ireland chief executive Robert Finnegansaid the expansion follows another successful year. "In 2009, we saw 40 per cent growth in our customer base and our expansion plans reflect our ambition to further strengthen our position in the Irish market over the next few years,” he said. The company, which began operatons in Ireland in 2005, currently employs over 250 people across the country and has invested over €600 million in rolling out its high speed and high capacity network in Ireland to date. In December 2008, 3 was awarded the Government contract to roll-out broadband services to rural Ireland under the National Broadband Scheme.

Source – Irishtimes.com