Virgin Media owner reported to be in talks to buy Three Ireland

Three Ireland dominates the Irish telecommunications market with an almost 50% market share 

Both Three Ireland, owned by CK Hutchison, and Liberty Global, which owns Virgin Media, declined to comment on reports of the potential deal when contacted by the Irish Examiner. Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The parent company of Virgin Media is in advanced talks to buy Three Ireland, the Financial Times has reported. 

The deal, which could be valued at as much as €1.5bn, would mark a significant shift in the Irish mobile market, which has been dominated by Three for several years.