Vodafone has operated in Ireland since 2001 and employs more than 2,000 people between its corporate and retail arms.

Vodafone Ireland will invest an additional €360m up to 2030 across its mobile network as well as its IT and digital systems.

A planned spend of €200m on its mobile network, which is in addition to a €500m investment programme announced in 2023, is geared towards preparing the network for the “next evolution of 5G”, the company said.

This will equip Vodafone’s network for the era of AI, internet of things and smart city applications, as well as contributing to future-proofing Ireland’s digital infrastructure, according to the company, which said its upgraded network would be able to “manage traffic more intelligently and prioritise critical services when required”.

An outlay of €160m on IT and digital capabilities will go towards upgrading Vodafone’s critical infrastructure alongside “next-generation customer platforms” such as its digital care assistant ‘Tobi’, it said.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, TD said: “Vodafone’s continued investment is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland and in our future as a digitally connected, open economy.

“This additional €360m commitment will strengthen our national infrastructure, support jobs, and ensure businesses and communities across the country can benefit from world-class connectivity.”

Vodafone Ireland will also move in the coming days from its Leopardstown home to a new headquarters at St Stephen’s Green, where it has taken up a 15-year lease on a 63,000 sq ft space that it said includes solar, water and biodiversity elements.

“As we move into our new headquarters, we are continuing to strengthen our network and digital capabilities so customers benefit from fast, reliable and resilient connectivity, and an enhanced experience,” said Vodafone Ireland CEO Sabrina Casalta.

Vodafone has operated in Ireland since 2001 and employs more than 2,000 people between its corporate and retail arms; the new office will be home to around 850.

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “World-class, resilient networks support productivity, innovation and regional competitiveness, which help Ireland win and retain foreign direct investment.

“Vodafone’s investment is set to strengthen Ireland’s digital infrastructure and connectivity capacity – an increasingly decisive factor for multinational companies assessing where to locate and scale high-value operations.”

Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.