Three companies create 470 jobs in Ireland

It has been announced that up to 470 new jobs are to be created in the Republic of Ireland through the expansion of three foreign companies.

Following government approval of IDA Ireland's support for two new investments by Symantec Corporation, around 250 new jobs are to be created in the company's Dublin's Blanchardstown facility. The new jobs are expected to be in technical, linguistic, financial, IT and administration areas.

The combination of the new Symantec Security Response Centre and operations expansion will make the Dublin facility Symantec’s second largest facility in the world.

Tanaiste Mary Harney said: “These new investments will have significant long-term benefits for the Dublin operation further securing the existing employment at the facility. Symantec’s decision was influenced by the company’s positive experiences in Ireland – a workforce which is available and flexible, the first-class education system, the favourable business climate and the on-going support of IDA Ireland."

Data protection and network storage systems solutions provider Quantum Corporation has expanded its Dundalk operation. The expansion will create an estimated 120 new jobs by the end of 2003. Recruitment is already underway to fill the positions in production and operations-related areas.

Elsewhere Servier (Ireland) Industries Limited is to significantly expand its pharmaceutical operation in Arklow, Co Wicklow, in a €52 million investment, which is being supported by IDA Ireland.

The investment will add over 100 new jobs over the next five years and will treble the production capacity at the facility.

“This expansion will make the Arklow facility a strategic operation within the parent group and a vital part of its future worldwide business,” added the Tanaiste.

(GMcG)