Apple plans to construct a three-storey office block next to its existing plant in the city.

This will cater for the expansion of its business in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.

Apple has been in Cork for 30 years. It currently employs 2,800 people in the city and its business is booming.

In the three months October to December last year, revenues in markets serviced by Apple’s Cork plant grew 55% year-on-year.

This growth is that Apple has out-grown its European headquarters at Hollyhill in Cork and more than 400 staff now work out of 30,000 square feet of leased office space in the Owen O’Callaghan re-developed Half Moon Street in the city centre.

Now Apple is expanding in Cork again. Apple’s senior director for Corporate Communications, Alan Hely, has confirmed to RTE News that the company plans to increase its workforce in the city by 500 to 3,300 over the next 18 months. He said the company was “thrilled” to make the announcement.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton and senior officials in IDA Ireland have been involved in meetings on the project here and with Apple management in the US over several months.

“This development continues the strong trend of investment over the past years in Ireland, in particular from global ICT companies and demonstrates Ireland’s continuing success in attracting FDI additional investment,” commented IDA Ireland’s chief executive Barry O’Leary.

The Irish Independent reports that Dublin-based Endeco Technologies is to create 30 jobs over the next year, after receiving an investment of more than EUR800,000. Endeco, which specialises in energy management technologies, is to hire software development and sales and marketing staff as it seeks to triple its workforce. The move comes after an investment led by the AIB Seed Capital Fund. Additional funding was raised through Enterprise Ireland and private investors.

Tuam, Co. Galway, Valeo, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers has announced that it is embarking on a major expansion and RD&I programme at its Valeo Vision Systems (VVS) operation in Tuam, with an investment of €17m and the creation up to 100 new high-skilled positions over the next 3 years.  The investment which focuses on RD&I and high value manufacturing, is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. 

Valeo is undertaking this major R&D initiative at the operation to target a growing share of the camera market with the development of the next generation of new camera/vision systems and supporting technologies for vehicle parking and manoeuvring.

This investment programme follows on from the successful launch by VVS Tuam of its first generation multi-camera systems on the market in 2008. It is now proposing to significantly expand its manufacturing operations to meet growing automotive customer demand and to develop the next generation vision systems for the global market.

Valeo Vision Systems has built up a strong RD&I competency at the plant and has developed close links with NUIG with the establishment of the Connacht Automotive Research (CAR) Group in 2004.

The additional jobs will be recruited across its manufacturing and RD&I operations. The investment will involve expansion of the plant (including the lease of existing units on the Tuam Business park), investment in advanced technology, training and RD&I.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Mary Hanafin TD paid tribute to the strong performance track record of Valeo’s workforce in Tuam and described the new jobs as a major boost for high-end manufacturing in Ireland.

 ‘The Government is anxious to support research and development projects that can create high-tech manufacturing jobs. Firms that invest in innovation to produce new products and services are the same ones that grow market share, generate jobs and pursue sustainable business models. This investment embeds Valeo’s operation in the group’s global business while at the same time creating top-level career opportunities for Galway,’ said Minister Hanafin. 

Commenting on the VVS expansion, Fergus Moyles Director, Valeo Vision Systems said, ‘I am delighted to announce that recruitment is currently underway for the 100 positions announced today.  The expansion in Tuam is very significant within the Valeo group as it will play a leading role in ensuring that Valeo maintains its technological leadership position in vision systems, generating innovative new products which exceed our clients’ expectations.’
                                                                                                                     
Welcoming the announcement, Barry O’Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland said: ‘This is a very exciting development for Valeo Vision Systems in Tuam.  The decision demonstrates the parent company’s high regard for its Tuam operation, which, I am sure, is in no small part due to the company’s successful track record here. I wish to offer my congratulations to Fergus and his team in Tuam and would like to assure him that he has the full support of IDA Ireland behind him as he embarks on this ambitious new initiative in Tuam.  It is a great success story for high-value manufacturing in Ireland, which is at the centre of innovation and development for such a highly-respected global automotive company.’                 

About Valeo
Valeo Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for the automotive industry, mainly for CO2 emissions reduction. Valeo ranks among the world’s top automotive suppliers. The Group has 110 plants, 21 Research centers, 40 Development centers, 10 distribution platforms and employs 53,700 people in 27 countries worldwide.

About Valeo in Ireland
Valeo Visions Systems based in Tuam consists of an R&D centre and production site which forms part of the Comfort and Driving Assistance Business Group of Valeo. Originally established in 1982 as Connaught Electronics Ltd. (CEL) as a manufacturer of automotive security products, it diversified into camera systems and was acquired in 2007 by Valeo. CEL was a strategic acquisition for Valeo as it complemented Valeo’s existing detection technologies for vehicle parking and manoeuvring.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Education, Mary Coughlan TD, last month announced that Zeus, the US headquartered medical device company, is investing €10m in a 40,000sq ft expansion and creating 75 new manufacturing jobs over three years.

The expansion of its facility at the IDA Business and Technology Park, Letterkenny, Co Donegal is supported by IDA Ireland.

Zeus Industrial Products (Zeus), headquartered in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a leading developer and manufacturer of precision polymer extrusions, including specialist fluropolymer tubing solutions, for a range of industries. Established in 1966, the company is privately held by the original founder Frank P Tourville and employs 1,200 people worldwide.

“The decision by Zeus to expand its operation in Letterkenny is testament to the availability of a highly-skilled workforce in the north west region, the performance of its existing staff and the ease of doing business in Ireland,” stated Coughlan at the announcement. “On behalf of the Government, I look forward to providing continued support to Zeus as its Irish operation grows and develops.”

Séamus Hughes, general manager of Zeus in Ireland, said: “Since establishing our operation in 2005, our experience of doing business in Ireland has been a positive one. Due to the growth in our customer base in Europe, we are expanding our operation in Letterkenny to meet the demand for our medical and industrial speciality tubing product. We are very excited about our expansion plans and I look forward to finding the right calibre of staff to ensure our continued success here.

“In addition, I would like to thank the executive management team of Zeus Inc for their continued support of the Irish operation and their confidence in the Irish employees. On behalf of the Irish employees, I am very proud to be part of a very progressive organisation.

“Finally, I would like to express our appreciation for the work and contribution made by IDA Ireland during this process and supported by the Irish Government.”

IDA Ireland CEO, Barry O’Leary also welcomed the announcement. “Zeus is an important manufacturer in the medical device industry in Ireland and offers a key sub supply role in a very specialised area,” he said.

 “This expansion was won for Ireland in the face of stiff international competition from other global locations, proving that Ireland has an increasingly competitive and pro-business environment to offer investors with a strong manufacturing focus.”

Thursday, 16th December 2010, Galway – Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD today announced that Goodman Medical Ireland Ltd. is to create up to 115 new jobs over 5 years and invest €1.1m at its facility in Mervue Business Park, Galway.  Recruitment is already underway.  This investment is supported by IDA Ireland.

Goodman Co., Ltd., founded in 1975 and headquartered in Nagoya, Japan manufactures and sells medical instruments and equipment worldwide.  Goodman Medical Ireland Ltd. (GMIL) was established in 2004 and currently employs 56 people in the manufacture of cardiology products such as PTCA catheters and bare metal stents.

The expansion will transform GMIL’s business by adding to its manufacturing and R&D operations and becoming Goodman’s sales and marketing centre for EMEA by generating market data, developing territory sales strategies and managing distributors and sales related activities.  The company will also commercialise the ‘Vival’ stent developed onsite in Galway.

Minister O’Keeffe said the investment “strengthens Ireland’s well-established medical devices cluster, with many leading firms based along the western seaboard. The Galway operation will be a platform for Goodman Medical Ireland to develop its business in the EMEA region, driving better manufacturing and product innovation output through the skills of a flexible and highly educated local workforce”.

“The jobs bolster Ireland’s high-end manufacturing backbone and consolidate our reputation as a leading location in Europe for foreign direct investments,” said Minister O’Keeffe.

President Takehito Yogo of Goodman Co., Ltd. said “We are excited to announce our expansion plans to meet anticipated long-term demand for our products worldwide.  We chose the Galway operation for our future growth and development due to our dedicated and proactive workforce, the support of IDA Ireland, our strong supplier network and the positive experiences we have had of doing business in Ireland since 2004.”

IDA Ireland CEO, Barry O’Leary said “Goodman Co. Ltd’s decision to locate this operation in Ireland demonstrates our attractiveness for companies investing and expanding in the Life Sciences Sector. Ireland’s reputation as a hub for Life Sciences continues to grow with 8 of the top 10 pharmaceutical and 15 of the top 20 medical devices companies worldwide with operations here.” 

“IDA’s strategy, Horizon 2020, sets out to achieve balanced regional development, and today’s announcement for Galway builds on the strong medical device cluster in the West of Ireland” concluded Mr. O’Leary.

Notes to Editor
Goodman Co. Ltd., founded in 1975 and headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, is primarily engaged in the import, development, manufacture and sale of medical instruments and equipment. The company operates two business divisions. The Disposable Medical Instrument division develops, manufactures and sells catheters and stents for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The Medical Equipment and Others division is involved in the import and sale of medical testing equipment for circulatory organs and network system software for digital imaging equipment.

Dublin, Thursday, 9th December 2010 – Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD today announced that Citi, the leading global financial services company, is to create 250 roles in the next year at its offices in Dublin and Waterford.  These roles will be in Funds, Client Services, Product Development and will include some Operations and Technology roles.  These roles will come on stream over the next 18 months.  Citi currently employs 2,200 people in Dublin and Waterford and has already hired 300 people in the last twelve months including a number of graduates on the FÁS Work Placement Programme.  Ireland was chosen for these new roles as Citi has a long standing and well respected existing operation here. There is also a very talented and well educated labour force available in the Irish market for these roles.

Citi is celebrating 45 years of continuous business in Ireland and is committed to growing its franchise here. The pro business environment and the support received from IDA Ireland since its establishment have enabled Citi to become one of the largest international financial services companies in Ireland.  Citi is also leading the way in the field of Services Innovation and was the first financial services company to set up a Research and Development Centre to develop the next generation of eBanking products. The Centre was officially opened last year and now employs a team of researchers, technologists and analysts.

Minister O’Keeffe congratulated Citi for investing in Ireland for 45 years and described the 250 new jobs as a “strong endorsement of Ireland’s financial services sector.

“More than half the world’s leading financial services firms now have operations in Ireland.  Citi, a pioneer in the financial services sector, has made an outstanding contribution to our economy for more than four decades.

‘It is a standard-bearer in Dublin’s IFSC and the expansion of the Waterford operation has dramatically enhanced the profile of the south-eastern region for top-level financial services investments.

‘Citi’s announcement today demonstrates that we can out-perform rival locations for major global investments in the financial services sector because we have the talent, track record and tax regime that makes global players want to hub here,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.

Francesco Vanni d’Archirafi, Global Head of Global Transaction Services said at today’s announcement “I am very pleased to announce the addition of these high value jobs for our Irish operations.  Citi in Ireland is a centre of excellence for our Global Transaction Services business and is now our location of choice for the pursuit of innovation in financial services.  There is a wealth of talent, experience and expertise based here and with the support of IDA Ireland, we will continue to grow our business and provide the banking products and services of the future from here.”

Also speaking at today’s announcement Aidan Brady, Citi Country Officer, Citi Ireland said “Ireland was chosen as the location of choice for these new roles due to the calibre of our employees and the depth of expertise and innovative thinking inherent in our workforce which has enabled Citi Ireland to continue to win business and become the leader in Services Innovation for the organisation worldwide.  The Government’s pro business approach and IDA’s support for projects in the financial Services sector has been vital to our continued success.”

Citi provides financial services and products for multinational companies, Irish companies and the government and public sector.  The range of products and services include: cash management, rate risk management, (FX and interest rates), funding, investor products, corporate finance, trade services, trade finance, custody, trustee services, fund administration, transfer agency, outsourcing and shareholder services.

Welcoming today’s announcement IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary said “Ireland’s international financial services sector is recovering and in expansion mode. IDA’s ‘Horizon 2020’ strategy identifies growth in services and technology as key strategic areas of opportunity for Ireland. The growth of Citi demonstrates Ireland’s continuing attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment. The combination of talent, corporate tax, track record, technology capability and the ease of doing business positions Ireland to win further investments in international financial services.”

Notes to Editor
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.

The Irish Times reports that consulting firm Accenture is to create 100 jobs over the next four years at a new centre in Ireland dedicated to predictive analytics, the use of statistics to help businesses forecast future revenues. The new jobs will take Accenture’s workforce in Ireland to 1,400. Brian McCarthy, executive director of Accenture Analytics, said the company had begun the recruitment process for the high-level research jobs, which will be filled by graduate to PhD-level candidates with a background in statistics, data management and related disciplines.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith T.D. today (3rd November 2010) announced that global insurance and reinsurance provider, Global Indemnity plc, is to establish an IT development operation in Cavan through its subsidiary, Global Indemnity Services Ltd., creating 30 high value jobs over the next 5 years.  Global Indemnity Services will employ a wide range of technical staff to provide IT development for the Company’s policy administration and finance functions.  The investment is supported by IDA Ireland.

The release follows Global Indemnity’s recent announcement that it had completed its redomestication to Ireland and anticipated opening an operational office in addition to its administrative headquarters in Ireland by the end of the year, with the initial focus being IT development. 

Minister Smith, welcoming the announcement, said “Today’s announcement is excellent news for the North East region and Cavan in particular.  Global Indemnity is an established global insurer and reinsurer and is a welcome addition to the area.  The Company’s decision to locate in Cavan is an endorsement of the attractiveness of the area to global investors.  The availability of local talent, its position within the North East region and its proximity to Dublin with the recent opening of the new M3 motorway are all major factors contributing to the attractiveness of the area.  I would like to thank Global Indemnity for offering such excellent employment opportunities to the people of Cavan, and can assure the Company that it has my full support into the future as it develops its operation here.”

Larry Frakes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Indemnity plc said: “Ireland is an excellent locale for our headquarters with a supportive environment and infrastructure from which to conduct an international business.  Our decision to locate IT development operations in Cavan is based on the availability of a highly skilled local workforce, excellent IT infrastructure, and the access Ireland provides us to EU markets. Global Indemnity Services will play a major role in strengthening our European presence.  We look forward to developing the operation with the support of IDA Ireland.”

Barry O’Leary CEO, IDA Ireland added: “Ireland has a strong reputation as a leading location for global insurance companies, with over 15,000 people employed in the industry here.  Global Indemnity is an excellent addition to this cluster.  IDA Ireland looks forward to working closely with the company as it establishes its operation here.”
 

About Global Indemnity plc  and Its Subsidiaries
Global Indemnity plc (NASDAQ: GBLI), through its several direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiary insurance and reinsurance companies, provides both admitted and nonadmitted specialty property and casualty insurance coverages in the United States, as well as reinsurance throughout the world.  Global Indemnity plc’s five principal divisions include:
United States Based Insurance Operations:

Penn-America, which includes property and general liability products for small commercial businesses distributed through a select network of wholesale general agents with specific binding authority;

United National, which includes property, general liability, and professional lines products distributed through program administrators with specific binding authority;

Diamond State, which includes property, general liability, and professional lines products distributed through wholesale brokers and program administrators with specific binding authority;

CompGlobal, which provides workers’ compensation insurance.

International Reinsurance Operations:

Wind River Reinsurance Company, Ltd., a Bermuda based treaty and facultative reinsurer of excess and surplus lines and specialty property and casualty insurance.

For more information, visit the Global Indemnity plc website at http://www.globalindemnity.ie  
Forward-Looking Information
Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made under “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The types of risks and uncertainties which may affect the Company are set forth in its periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Yves Rocher, the French worldwide Botanical Beauty brand, today announced a €3.7 million investment in the company’s Cork facility, located in the Kilbarry Business Park on Dublin Hill. The investment will see the company upgrade the fabrication and manufacturing areas of the plant with the introduction of clean room technology to the site. The investment is expected to create up to 30 jobs during construction and installation of the new facilities.

Yves Rocher came to Cork in 1981 and established its current facility in 1984. The Cork facility plays a key role for Yves Rocher, manufacturing products to final customer specification. The company has grown employment from 200 to 270 over the last 18 months. The site exported 66 million units of high quality skin care products in 2010 and that figure is projected to grow to 88 million units by 2015.

Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher T.D., said that the investment was a sign of confidence in Ireland as a manufacturing location. “The Yves Rocher site has seen fantastic growth over the last 18 months and the performance of the Cork facility has been recognised at the highest levels of the company with today’s investment announcement. It is a credit to the skilled and dedicated workforce here in Cork that Yves Rocher has the confidence to invest in this site for the long term.”

Jacques Rocher, President of the Yves Rocher Foundation, said that the investment was a recognition of the dedication and quality of the company’s Cork facility. “The Cork facility has been a key element of the Yves Rocher network since it was established in 1981. With the investment announced today, the Cork facility will remain the main producer for strategic Yves Rocher’s brands such as Riche Crème Pure Calmille, Arnica and the newly launched Serum Vegetale.”

Emmanuel Warnier, General Manager of the Yves Rocher facility in Cork, said that the investment was both a sign of confidence in Yves Rocher Ireland and a challenge for the site for the future. “We are delighted with today’s announcement of investment in the Cork facility. The Group has set ambitious growth targets for us, increasing production by a 1/3 over the next four years. We will have to continue to raise our standard of operations and improve our processes to ensure that we are delivering better value products to our customer worldwide. The investment will help to sustain the 270 current jobs and to upskill our staff.”

Cork, September 27th, 2010 – Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD today announced that OtterBox® , an innovator of protective solutions for  leading global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors, is establishing its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) HQ in Cork, creating up to 50 jobs over 2 years.  The company is being supported by Government through IDA Ireland.

OtterBox designs and produces device specific protective covers for high value smartphones and handheld devices. Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection.  The activities to be carried out from the Cork site will include in-house sales, customer service, accounting, engineering, public relations, marketing, web design, graphics, supply chain, human resources and warehousing.

Making today’s announcement Minister O’Keeffe said that “OtterBox is an innovative firm that has grown rapidly in line with an expanding smartphone market.  OtterBox is a market-leader in the design and production of high-quality and durable protective covers for the handheld mobile phone market.  The firm’s decision to establish its EMEA headquarters in Cork reaffirms the county’s global reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced product design and production, with access to an educated and skilled workforce and modern transport infrastructure.  The Cork operation will be at the heart of the firm’s global growth.”

OtterBox is an innovative company which has experienced exceptional growth in recent years due to the expansion of the smartphone market.  The Cork operation is at the heart of the company’s future growth strategy to expand its footprint globally.”

Speaking about the announcement Matt Clark, Managing Director OtterBox EMEA, said “This has been a very exciting year for OtterBox with the opening of the EMEA office here in Cork and also OtterBox’s inclusion on the INC 500 list of fastest growing companies in the United States. As the company expands, we are looking to firmly establish our presence in the EMEA market and Cork is the perfect location for that with its access to Europe, the Middle East and Africa as well as our headquarters in Colorado.”
 
Welcoming today’s announcement, IDA Ireland, CEO Barry O’Leary said “IDA recognises the importance and potential of attracting emerging, high growth companies such as OtterBox to Ireland.  The company has achieved phenomenal growth to date in the US and plans to replicate this success in the EMEA region through its new operation in Cork.  I am confident that as the demand for smartphones continues to grow, OtterBox will be the leaders in providing durable and high-quality protective solutions in the region.”

For more information, visit www.otterbox.com

About OtterBox:

Built upon fundamentals of hard work, innovation and perseverance, OtterBox is a leader in the production of premier protective solutions for global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.

Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection to complement any lifestyle.
OtterBox was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.

For vendor queries please contact –
OtterBox EMEA
2 Georges Quay
Cork
+353 (0)214910200

For media queries please contact -
Rhona Cashman
Public Relations Coordinator EMEA
rhona.cashman@otterbox.ie
+353 (0)21 4910218
+353(0)87 6978477

The Irish Independent reports that software-testing and quality-management consultancy Software Quality Systems (SQS) plans to increase its Irish workforce by 25 percent to more than 100 employees by September. The German firm made the announcement after hiring 15 professionals with computer skills. The company is now looking for software-quality engineers, software-testing managers, performance engineers and software-test analysts.

Dublin, Friday 30th July 2010 – IDA Ireland CEO, Barry O’Leary welcomed the expansion of Kellogg’s European Headquarters in Swords, Co Dublin.  The company, which is the world’s leading supplier of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, is creating 50 high value positions bringing total employment at the Dublin centre to 250.

Kellogg’s set up its European Headquarters in Dublin in 2005, with the support of IDA Ireland.  Kellogg’s Headquarters in Dublin includes service functions such as Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain Management, Legal, Finance, HR, Corporate Affairs and Nutrition. 

Welcoming today’s announcement IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary said “Kellogg’s decision to deepen its commitment to Ireland is a very welcome development demonstrating that even in difficult economic times the positive experience of Foreign Investors in Ireland is such that they will continue to grow their businesses and enhance their strategic standing within their parent corporations. This announcement by a leading global brand like Kellogg’s in their European Headquarters is a significant vote of confidence in Ireland’s international reputation and standing as an excellent investment location.”

“The winning of the original investment in 2005 was of key strategic importance as it helped Ireland establish its reputation as a European Headquarter location for MNCs.”

He added “The company chose Ireland as its European base in 2005 over stiff competition from other locations. Ireland won the investment because we have the skills that the company needs to operate successfully in Europe, including a well educated workforce and a pro business environment.  On behalf of IDA, I look forward to working closely with Kellogg’s as it continues to develop its operations in Ireland.”

About Kellogg:
With 2009 sales of nearly $13 billion, Kellogg Company is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles, and veggie foods. The Company’s brands include Kellogg’s(R), Keebler(R), Pop-Tarts(R), Eggo(R), Cheez-It(R), Nutri-Grain(R), Rice Krispies(R), BearNaked(R), Morningstar Farms(R), Famous Amos(R), Special K(R), All-Bran(R), Frosted Mini-Wheats(R), Club(R) and Kashi(R). Kellogg products are manufactured in 18 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information, visit the Kellogg Company web site at http://www.kelloggcompany.com.

For Further information:
IDA Ireland
Thomas McEvoy, Press Manager, Tel: 01 603 4255, Mob: 087 7426684
Gillian Kelly, Press Officer, Tel: 01 603 4190

The Irish Times reports that Vodafone will seek to cut 130 jobs following a review of its business. The company told its 1,200-strong workforce about the plan on Thursday and launched a consultation with employees and trade unions. The consultation will finish at the end of next month, with Vodafone hopeful of achieving its staff-reduction target through a mix of voluntary redundancy and early retirement. Francesco Bianco, human resources director at Vodafone Ireland, said the job cuts would help the firm operate more efficiently.

Internet giant Google will create 200 jobs in Dublin as part of an investment in shared services. This move will take Google’s workforce in Ireland to 1,800. Matt Cutts visited Dublin office today.

McAfee, a US software security company, is to create 120 jobs at its Cork operations.

McAfee’s products offer security to people browsing the internet and shopping online. The new positions are in sales.

The IDA backed company is the world’s largest security technology company and its Cork operations run its markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company has been in Cork since 2004 and has an existing workforce of 180.

Today’s announcement will double McAfee’s sales team on this side of the Atlantic.

The company is one of the world’s top brands tackling computer viruses and other mischievous software and hackers.

The parent group has sales of more than $1.6bn a year and McAfee has grown in line with the development of internet commerce.

The jobs announcement follows the publication yesterday of Central Statistics Office figures, which showed the number of people unemployed has more than doubled in the last year to 264,000, with pace of job losses this year accelerating.