Dundalk cabling firm to create 100 jobs

Smarthomes, a Dundalk-based cabling company, is to create 100 jobs over the next three years in a €10 million investment.

The company, which employs 50, designs and manufactures cabling for new homes which are centrally controlled from one streamlined box.

The range of services covered includes telephones, broadband, computer networking, wall-mounted plasma and LCD screens, home cinema, digital and satellite TV, CCTV, multiroom audio, mood lighting and provision for a home office.

It has installed its technology system in more than 2,000 new Irish homes this year and said the new investment would enable it to double its existing market and establish a presence in the UK market next year.

Smarthomes' technology is used by many of Ireland's leading developers including Castlethorn Construction, Maplewood Developments, Pierse, the Hanley Group, Ellier Homes, The Newlyn Group, WD Bolster, Adston, Taggart Homes and the Roche Group.

It has recently been specified by developers for the first two phases of the new town at Adamstown in Dublin which, when complete, will include more than 10,000 new homes.

The company was set up in September 2002 by Dundalk-based entrepreneurs Seán Gallagher and Derek Roddy.

Earlier this year, Mr Gallagher was shortlisted for the 2006 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. In December 2005 Smarthomes was named Ireland's fastest growing technology company by Deloitte.

"We set up Smarthomes because people were investing heavily in new homes, many of which were only equipped with a single phone point in the hall. Home buyers' expectations have increased significantly since then," Mr Gallagher said.