EU Internet, the company which was appointed to manage .eu domain name registrations in Ireland, has welcomed the announcement by the European Commission earlier this week that processing of .eu domain names will begin on December 7th 2005. Companies and individuals will be able to register their .eu domain name on a first come, first served basis. As an accredited registrar EU Internet will be responsible for processing the thousands of applications that have already been submitted by individuals and organisations interested in registering .eu domain names.

Phelim O'Connell, Managing Director of EU Internet, said that "the availability of .eu domain names will allow Irish businesses to establish a European Internet brand." He added that, "since EU Internet was accredited as a registrar last July we have received huge interest from public and private organisations interested in registering their .eu domain name."

Minister for Communications, Noel Dempsey TD, commented that "Domain names are clearly established as a critical part of on-line business and the creation of .eu will provide Irish businesses with an opportunity to market themselves to a European audience." The Minister added, "I particularly welcome the fact that EU Internet, an Irish technology company, will play such a strategic role in the .eu registration process."

Irish businesses looking to secure their .eu domain name will be required to submit their application through an accredited registrar. IE Internet will assist applicants with the registration procedure and advise applicants on obtaining the necessary qualifications - an EU or national trademark is required to qualify for the initial phase of registration.