A new initiative will see Ireland's Internet research links to the US increase more than 20-fold over the next 18 months.
The Department of Public Enterprise said that Ireland's research connectivity to the US will increase 20-fold by 2002 linking education and research organisations in Ireland to 170 universities in the US involved in Internet 2 and Next Generation internet initiative.
The Minister for Public Enterprise Mary O'Rourke said the initiative would lift Ireland to the leading edge of international Internet connectivity and would assist in giving 'the critical mass required to give Ireland an international reputation in research...and innovation'.
The Minister for Education Michael Woods said the high speed access to the US would allow third level institutions to collaborate with the global academic community improving Irish research capability.
