ICT company makes e-learning commitment to Ireland

Tánaiste Mary Harney has announced the expansion of the Transware pilot facility in Sligo, which is expected to create 290 jobs over the next five years.

The Tánaiste said "This investment is of considerable strategic importance for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is a tremendous boost for Sligo and indeed the North West Region on the whole. I have no doubt that Transware will provide a major contribution to the local economy in the years ahead.

“But the announcement comes hard on the heels of a number of setbacks resulting from the recent downturn in the IT industry globally. As such, this investment represents a crucial vote of confidence in the continued success of the Irish economy and demonstrates that the technology industry will continue to play an important part in all our lives for a long time to come."

The announcement also constitutes an endorsement of the Government’s strategy of driving growth in regional enterprise, and sees the successful implementation of a pilot operation set up by Transware, with the support of Enterprise Ireland, in a former clothing factory last year.

“Investment from overseas will always be important but it is also satisfying to see that the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation is alive and well and kicking in Ireland. That is just as important and the Government is determined to continue to provide the right environment in which that spirit can prosper," the Tánaiste added.

Transware has announced its intention to focus on the rapidly growing e-Learning market of computer based corporate training, which has been marked as a priority development sector for Enterprise Ireland. The Transware project is the first significant evidence of Enterprise Ireland’s International Services activity in the Sligo area and potentially positions Sligo for further such development.

Welcoming the announcement, Barry Egan, Director Enterprise Ireland North West Region said: "It is very significant in absolute terms, and in terms of its impact in Sligo will make a major contribution to the economy here".

Kieran McBrien, Chief Executive Officer of Transware added: "The establishment of this project in Sligo is a clear demonstration of Transware’s commitment to the North West region." (CL)