An initiative to raise Ireland's internet research connectivity to the US more than 20-fold over the next 18 months was unveiled yesterday. It will link education and research organisations in Ireland to the 170 leading universities in the US involved in the Internet2 and Next Generation Internet initiatives.

The increased connectivity provides infrastructural support for the £1.95 billion (€2.48 billion) in funding for education and research initiatives announced by the Government under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.