Ireland can become major centre for digital companies, says Ahern

IRELAND is poised to become an international centre for digital media.

With over 500 Irish digital media companies currently trading, and a projected value of 762m euro, Ireland is well positioned to become an internationally recognised centre for excellence in digital media, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dermot Ahern said at the launch of Ireland’s first awards for digital media.

“The creation of the digital hub, commitment to high-speed broadband roll-out, healthy venture capital market, access to EU funding and strong entrepreneurial outlook are factors in support of the positive long-term outlook for this emerging sector.

“However, the intangible nature of many of its activities and the sector’s failure to effectively articulate its offerings may serve as barriers to future growth,” the minister cautioned.

He called on the Irish digital media community to become more proactive and organise into a collective force to capitalise on market opportunities, both local and global.

His comments were made at the launchof the O2 National Digital Media Awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and companies contributing to this sector.

These awards are also an opportunity to promote Ireland’s new media digital industry and provide a network of role models for those interested in pursuing careers in this sector.

“Digital media was selected as a key emerging sector by a 1999 Enterprise Ireland report. With the sector now reaching critical mass, it is crucial that a platform exists to showcase current and identify future successes and of the O2 National Digital Media Awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and companies contributing to this sector.

These awards are also an opportunity to promote Ireland’s new media digital industry and provide a network of role models for those interested in pursuing careers in this sector.

“Digital media was selected as a key emerging sector by a 1999 Enterprise Ireland report. With the sector now reaching critical mass, it is crucial that a platform exists to showcase current and identify future successes and to identify categories that required recognition in this field. These include content, production and creation, technology and distribution and communications.

The need for greater profile and recognition of the digital media sector was highlighted at the O2 National Digital Media Conference held earlier this year. At the conference the establishment of an awards programme was a key recommendation made by some of the 270 delegates.

Speaking at the launch of the DMI awards, Damian Ryan, chairman, DMI, said: “We have the talent, the desire and a willing government supporting our future digital media industry. We look forward to working with O2 and all stakeholders in establishing Ireland as the new hot bed of digital media worldwide.”

The inaugural O2 National Digital Media Awards will be held in Dublin in January 2003. Further details about the awards can be obtained at www.digitalmediaintelligence.com