IBM to create 300 new Dublin jobs

IBM has announced it is to create 300 new jobs in Dublin within the next three years, bringing the number of staff it employs in Ireland to around 3,500.

The US computer giant, which is this year celebrating 50 years in Ireland, is to invest €46 million in expanding its software development operations. It will also be using the money to launch a business incubation centre, and invest in its supply chain in Dublin.

It will be recruiting mainly graduate and doctorate level engineers to fill the 300 new positions. The new recruits will be concentrating primarily on areas such as innovation in financial services, retail markets and biomedical research.

IBM's Dublin software laboratory will be expanded to create a number of "Centres of Competencies" in Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and SAP applications. The company will also expand its industry models portfolio with new offerings for the healthcare and financial markets. In addition, a new Centre of Competency in Biomedical Research will be created to develop a clinical trials portal for the medical profession.

Meanwhile, the firm's new business incubation centre aims to combine IBM research, technology, services and consulting expertise with skills and knowledge of local industry partners, developers, universities and government organisations in a bid to identify and advance emerging business opportunities.

The centre will also provide Ireland's research and development community with access to the company's newly-established Technology Collaboration Solutions business unit.

"Today's announcement is an excellent way to mark 50 years of IBM innovation in Ireland," said Michael Daly, country general manager, IBM Ireland. "The investment demonstrates IBM's commitment in Ireland as a key location to help fulfil IBM's global research, development and business strategy."

IBM set up base here in 1956 with just three employees working from the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. Since then it has become one of the largest employers in the country and has made a significant contribution to the development of the technology sector here.

In 1980, IBM became the first company to set up a software facility in Ireland - a move that helped establish the nation's reputation as a premier location for software development.

IBM currently employs over 3,200 people in several operations around Dublin, in manufacturing, eProcurement, sales and marketing, software development, consultancy, services and customer support and treasury operations.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheal Martin welcomed Thursday's announcement, saying that the further investment by IBM was "extremely important" for Ireland.

"Overall, the investment helps facilitate IBM's ongoing transition to a globally integrated company, drawing upon the right combination of skills and expertise to meet its clients' needs. This is a tremendous achievement for the company's 50th anniversary in Ireland," said Minister Martin.

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