Limerick Firm Wins Major Chicago Deal

Second Limerick Firm To Win Contract On Successful U.S. Trade Mission

Limerick-based company Parkmagic secured a multi million dollar deal with Chicago last week which will see Irish technology being used to collect parking fees in America's third largest city, according to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin.

Details of the deal were announced as the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to the East Coast of the U.S. came to an end in Boston.

Minister Martin said the fact that Parkmagic saw off competition from 13 international rivals shows Irish firms can compete for key business in major markets.

"Parkmagic and its team of 12 employees have been at the forefront in rolling out the use of mobile technology to pay parking fees in major cities.

"Not only does its technology end the need for drivers to carry around bundles of change it also allows the removal of unsightly parking meters from streets," he said.

"I note that the City of Chicago collects $165 million a year in parking fees so the potential for Parkmagic is huge.

"This is an Irish company that is at the forefront of its field and has been fully supported by Enterprise Ireland in its efforts to break into major markets.

"This deal comes at the end of a highly successful trade mission to the Eastern United States.

"Irish companies which are offering business solutions in a wide range of areas are receiving a broad welcome here.

"Already our firms employ over 80,000 people in the U.S. and I am confident this figure will grow.

"It is also worth noting that Parkmagic is the second Limerick company to secure a major deal during this mission, earlier this week in Washington Advanced Innovations from the Technology Park secured a $29 million contract which will see the use of satellite technology to remotely monitor the health of cattle.

"The Irish Government through Enterprise Ireland is committed to continuing support companies like this as they show to the U.S. that we have the people with the skills and the talents that can compete and deliver in every area of industry", Minister Martin concluded.