Sysnet Global Solutions has confirmed it is to create 30 new high-value jobs in Dublin and a further 8 positions overseas by 2014 as part of a new €1.34 million R&D investment programme.

Sysnet intends to expand its software development operation in Dublin and invest in the development of the existing compliance management system to meet the changing needs of existing and future clients.

Established in 1989, Sysnet is a provider of information security and assurance services worldwide.

“The Sysnet brand is recognised globally as a leading provider of information security assurance and payment card industry compliance services. Our clear ambition is to extend our global reach and we are confident that our services can compete and win in this growing world wide market,” said the firm’s chief executive Gabriel Moynagh.

OpenJaw Technologies, a Glasnevin-based firm which develops online retail technology and services to the travel industry, is to create 45 new positions as part of a new €3.3 million research and development (R&D) programme.

The new jobs are focused in the areas of sales, engineering, development and product management and will be located across its Dublin operation and the firm’s regional office in Galway.

The new jobs will bring the total number of people employed by the company in Ireland to 151 by 2013 and its global head-count to 169 over the same period.

OpenJaw enables travel companies such as airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), hotel chains and loyalty programmes to offer their products and services in the Internet domain. Its customer portfolio features in excess of 40 customers, including British Airways, Airmiles, SAS and other large global travel players.

“Our growth strategy is aimed clearly on greater penetration of the global travel market. The R&D investment programme on which we are embarking will enable us to advance the development of our technology offering and continue to serve the business needs of airline, hotel groups, OTAs and loyalty programmes,” said OpenJaw chief executive Kieron Branagan.

“We see tremendous opportunities for on-going growth in the sector and look forward to continuing to drive the future of the industry,” he added.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD today (Friday) announced that Eishtec, a Waterford-based company providing consumer contact centre services, is to create 250 new jobs by mid-2012 as part of a major new expansion at its new custom built facility situated at the Cleaboy Business Park, Waterford. This investment is part funded by the Government through Enterprise Ireland. Recruitment for the new positions is currently underway.

The Minister made the announcement when he visited the company’s facility in Waterford this morning. The growth is on the back of Eishtec securing a contract to provide customer service sales support for Orange customers, one of the UK’s leading mobile brands. Orange is run by the UK’s biggest communications company, Everything Everywhere.

Making the announcement Minister Bruton said:

‘The South East region has persistently had higher than average levels of unemployment, and has suffered disproportionately from the economic collapse. That is why last month I published the South East Employment Action Plan, a key part of which was that a clear priority would be assigned to the region by the State enterprise agencies under the remit of my Department.

‘In the context of the recent job losses at Talk Talk, today’s announcement that 250 contact centre jobs are to be created by an Irish company in Waterford with State support is a major boost for the city and shows what is possible with the right government priority and determination.

‘However we are not going to address the region’s problems overnight. At the centre of my plan to bring employment to the South East is a recognition that the structural challenges in the region can only be addressed through a concerted process over several years involving Government, political, community, and other stakeholders in the region. We have started that process and with the right approach today’s announcement can be replicated over the coming years”.

‘I congratulate Enterprise Ireland, as well as the Eishtec management team and their staff for their ambitious plans and their commitment to cementing the future of this company as a leading player in the sector’.

Eishtec was set up by Heather Reynolds, Brian Barry and Colm Tracey in early 2011 and currently employs 30 people. The company is now recruiting for roles across sales campaigns and is in ongoing discussions with additional clients to provide further growth over the longer term. They will be drawing on a long established skills base in Waterford for customer services in the internet, landline and mobile market.

Heather Reynolds, Eishtec’s Director of Operations said: ‘This is a significant win for Eishtec, for Waterford and Ireland. We have the skills and experience in our team to provide the highest quality services to Orange and help support the achievement of its business objectives. We’re delighted we can maintain a proud tradition in Waterford of providing market-leading customer services to blue chip organisations. We expect to grow this business to create further employment and opportunities in our local community, with the welcome support of Enterprise Ireland’.

Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland added: ‘Enterprise Ireland is delighted to provide funding to support Eishtec’s expansion. This is an ambitious and innovative company with a proven track record in high quality service delivery. It is exciting to see this company grow the business and provide high quality jobs in Waterford. We believe the experience of the founders and the available skilled resources in Waterford make this an extremely positive investment for the future’.

Irish animation production company Kavaleer Animations has announced plans to create 30 new jobs in 2012.

The company, which has worked with Sesame Street, Disney and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, has just celebrated 10 years in business.

Kavaleer has twice been nominated for an Irish Film and Television Award and once for a British Animation Award, while it has won four Digital Media Awards. Its film work has been selected by over 100 international festivals over the past 10 years.

In 2012, the company will be co-producing a pre-school series consisting of 52 11-minute programmes. It also intends to extend its interactive games and e-learning production to a €1m turnover by April.

Kavaleer said it also has big plans for the world of apps and digital games. It has already produced artwork for Playfirst game ‘Diner Dash’, which is played world-wide and available as an app for iPhone, iPad and PC.

“It’s amazing to think that what started out in 1998 as a hobby has developed into something this big over the past decade,” said CEO and founder Andrew Kavanagh. “Ten years ago, we got our first commission and took a risk by starting a business in the midst of a recession.”

Pharmaceutical giant Allergan is to create 200 new jobs in a €350 million investment at its plant in Westport, Co Mayo.

The US multinational, which employs 900 people in Ireland, is expanding to meet growing demand for its Botox product in treatment of migraines and incontinence.

It will take on 200 new staff over the next four years.

It is estimated another 250 jobs will be created indirectly locally during the construction period.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny described the jobs boost as a significant vote of confidence in Ireland. “Developments like this will help us on the path to economic recovery,” he said.

“Allergan’s Westport facility is an important strategic site in their network and contributes more than 50 per cent of global revenues from a range of products manufactured here,” added Mr Kenny, who is a TD for Mayo.

“The expansion of this facility is a much needed boost for the region and will bring further high quality jobs to the west of Ireland.”

Allergan have purchased the technology park next to its Westport facility to allow for the expansion.

Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland managing director Pat O’Donnell said the company expected the demand for Botox to continue to grow.

100 new jobs have been announced by the US multinational management consultants Accenture.

100 technology jobs have been announced by the US multinational management consultants Accenture.

The positions are targeted for both graduates and those with industry experience and will be based around the country.

These jobs are on top of an earlier four-year programme to recruit 100 staff announced in November at a research and innovation centre it was establishing. Accenture already employs more than 1,300 people in Ireland.

Accenture, a company to which other business look to for management and technology services and outsourcing, has a global workforce of more than 240,000.

Its international client list includes a majority of Fortune 500 companies, and in Ireland they work with Microsoft, Kerry Group and the Revenue Commissioners amongst others.

Recently, Accenture moved its corporate headquarters to Ireland from Bermuda.