Vodafone Ireland, the country's biggest mobile phone operator with 2.2 million subscribers, is seeking 80 voluntary redundancies from its head office operation near Leopardstown racecourse in south Dublin, reports Ciarán Hancock.

The company, led by chairman Brian Patterson, yesterday briefed staff of its plans, which will apply to sales, marketing, administration and support functions within the group.

It is understood that staff will receive seven weeks' pay for each year of service. Vodafone employs 1,800 staff here, with 1,200 based in Dublin.

At the beginning of February, Vodafone said up to 100 job cuts would be sought from its operation here.

A number of people have left the mobile group in recent weeks, with the result that the headcount will be reduced by about 100 by the time the redundancy round is closed.

Vodafone confirmed it had concluded an "internal organisation review" to determine "the appropriate structure needed to meet the competitive challenge and new opportunities" it faces.

"We are confident that we will receive enough applications," the company added.