Motorola opens Cork R&D hub for public safety radio

Motorola Solutions has opened a new global research and development centre in Cork, Ireland, focused on software design for its public safety land mobile radio (LMR) products.

Based at Navigation Square, the facility will develop software and applications used by public safety agencies and first responders to improve safety and operational efficiency for frontline teams.

Nearly 200 employees have been hired for the site, across software engineering, design, development, testing, quality assurance and management.

Focus on LMR

The Cork centre is focused on software for LMR, which is widely used by emergency services for voice communications. Motorola Solutions is continuing to invest in the platform as it connects voice services with data-led applications.

The company said its LMR systems are engineered for "five-nines" availability (99.999 per cent). These systems can operate independently of commercial mobile networks in areas where coverage is limited or where resilient service is required.

Mahesh Saptharishi, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, linked the Cork work to the company's broader public safety communications roadmap.

"Today's LMR extends highly resilient voice capabilities to AI and advanced data applications. The work at Navigation Square underscores our relentless commitment to mission-critical communications that public safety agencies trust in their most demanding moments," said Mahesh Saptharishi, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Motorola Solutions.

Irish political leaders also pointed to the project as a vote of confidence in the country's technology workforce.

"The opening of Motorola Solutions' new global R&D centre in Cork is a testament to the extraordinary technical talent and innovation we have cultivated in Ireland," said Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD. "This investment reinforces our country's reputation as a global hub for the technology sector, where world-class engineers can solve some of the most complex challenges of the modern era. Knowing the depth of expertise in Cork, I look forward to the groundbreaking advancements in public safety technology that will undoubtedly result."

Government backing

The investment is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the state agency responsible for foreign direct investment. Ireland continues to compete for international technology and engineering projects, with multinationals expanding in areas such as software, cybersecurity, semiconductors and life sciences.

IDA Ireland Chief Executive Michael Lohan said the decision reflected Ireland's ability to attract and support international technology companies.

"I wish to welcome the decision by Motorola Solutions to establish its new global R&D centre in Cork," said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. "It highlights the continued attractiveness of Ireland's stable business environment and our proven track record in supporting the world's leading technology companies. I want to thank Motorola Solutions for choosing Ireland for this investment and wish the team continued success."

Motorola Solutions has a long-standing presence in public safety communications. LMR remains widely used by emergency services, even as agencies increase adoption of broadband data services and mobile applications. Suppliers in the sector have increasingly sought to integrate voice communications with data sharing, location services, and software tools used in dispatch and incident response.

Local links

The Cork team has established relationships with local education providers, including early-career and education partnerships with University College Cork and Munster Technological University. These include internships and student mentorship.

Employees in Cork also take part in education, volunteering and philanthropic initiatives with local organisations. Community groups include Darkness Into Light, Cork Arc, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the company's charitable arm, has funded projects in Ireland, including a USD $100,000 grant to I WISH under the Tech For Good Programme. The funding will provide 3D printers and related resources for 30 schools in Cork to support STEM curriculum activities.

Separately, the foundation awarded USD $90,000 to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland for wellness programming for first responders and their families.

Motorola Solutions said the Cork R&D centre expands its software development footprint as public safety agencies modernise systems and look to connect voice communications with newer digital services.