Research & Innovation

Almost 400 new jobs are to be created across three counties by two multinational technology companies.

SAP is increasing the numbers it employs in Galway and Dublin by 260, while Ericsson is to create 120 new jobs in Dublin and Athlone.

Global business software firm SAP operates in 130 countries, including Ireland where it already employs 1,200.

This morning the company announced it is to add 60 new research and development roles at its R&D centre in Citywest in Dublin.

It also expects to fill a further 200 technology support positions in Dublin and Galway this year, with recruitment already under way.

Elsewhere, the fifth largest software company in the world, Ericsson, is to add 120 jobs at its Dublin and Athlone operations.

The jobs are across a range of areas, including software development, programme management and consultancy.

Both investments are supported by the Department of Jobs through the IDA.

Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton said ICT was a sector targeted by the Action Plan for Jobs and the announcements were a huge boost for the counties concerned and the country.

He said the Government had put in place measures to support growth in the ICT sector and he was determined to see further growth.

IDA Chief Executive Barry O’Leary said the R&D carried out by Ericsson in Ireland is at the cutting edge of technology, and helps attract other ICT firms.

On the SAP announcement, he said the company’s decision to invest further in Ireland is a vote of confidence in Ireland’s technological capabilities and strong track record in the sector.

Liam Ryan, Managing Director of SAP operations in Ireland, echoed Mr O’Leary’s comments, saying the expansion is a vote of confidence in the ability of SAP’s Irish-based operations to continue to attract talent that will be a source of innovation and support.

He also urged all stakeholders in the education and employment sectors in Ireland to work together to ensure a continued healthy pipeline of talent and skills to meet demands in the ICT sector.

Traoloch Collins, Managing Director of Ericsson in Ireland, said the country is now a major research and development hub for the company globally.

He added that the business is seeking highly-skilled people who want to work in a dynamic and creative environment.