Tech giant Alcatel-Lucent is to create 70 high-skilled jobs in Dublin as part of an expansion backed by the IDA.

Alcatel-Lucent's research arm, Bell Labs, has a facility in Blanchardstown in the North-West of the city.

Sam Samuel, executive director, Bell Labs Ireland, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan TD and Dr Jeong Kim, President of Bell Labs, at the announcement of the expansion of Bell Labs in Blanchardstown. Photo: Mac Innes Photography.

Bell Labs set up in Ireland in 2005 and collaborates with both academic and business communities through an Open Innovation program in areas such as telecoms, supply chain and the environment.

Jeong Kim, President of Bell Labs said: "We are looking forward to expanding our research activities in Ireland and generating innovative technologies by taking advantage of the close relationships we have developed with the business and academic community.

"Through these efforts we believe Bell Labs in Ireland will be able to contribute to the local knowledge economy and have a beneficial impact on the lives of people around the world."

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD, said: "Bell Labs plays a hugely significant part in the Irish research eco-system. Its uniquely open approach to innovation and the sharing of ideas will advance technological development and accelerate growth amongst Irish companies, bolstering our long-term economic expansion."

Commenting on the announcement, Barry O'Leary CEO IDA Ireland said: "Bell Labs is one of Ireland's first big collaborative investments and has been a tremendous success. The reputation of Bell Labs reflects Ireland's credibility as the leading location to enable multi-party and multi-disciplinary investments."

Alcatel-Lucent specialises in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services. It has operations in more than 130 countries and had revenues of €16.98bn in 2008.

Bell Labs Ireland is a key contributor to successful projects such as the Science Foundation Ireland-supported CSET the Centre for Telecommunications Value-Chain Research (CTVR), a collaborative research centre involving seven Irish universities.