VoxPro chief: Office shortage ‘could damage recovery’
The double jobs boost for Cork came as a revised planning application was lodged for a €45m office block on the city’s Albert Quay, which has the potential to secure almost 1,800 jobs.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny hailed the jobs as a sign of Ireland’s “tide of resurgence” as he announced 350 posts at global business process outsourcing giant VoxPro’s Mahon campus.
The Enterprise Ireland-supported expansion will bring to 850 the number of VoxPro staff in Cork by the end of the year.
Its chief executive, Dan Kiely, praised his staff for their drive and commitment, but warned the Government that a chronic shortage of suitable office space in Ireland could hamper job creation within two years.
Mr Kiely, who has ambitious plans to create 3,000 jobs over the next four years, said the lack of top quality world-class office space to rent or buy is being felt most keenly in Dublin and Cork.
“It will become one of the most critical factors over the next two years in particular,” he said.
“It’s time to encourage people to build again. The lack of quality office space is going to be an impediment to us doing business and multinationals doing business here.”
Mr Kenny said the Government will continue to support Irish businesses such as VoxPro, which have global potential.
“VoxPro is a real Irish success story and a great inspiration for those setting up businesses today,” he said.
“Growing from employing six people to 500, and now adding a further 350 jobs, is great news for Cork and contributes to the goal of making the recovery local.”
Fire and security systems firm Tyco announced it is changing the company’s place of incorporation from Switzerland to Ireland, which will result in at least 100 jobs at its global business services centre in Cork. The establishment of that facility was announced last January, with the creation of 500 jobs.
Tyco chief executive George Oliver said, following a review, the board had decided a move to Ireland is in the best interests of Tyco’s shareholders.
“Businesses have the best opportunity to thrive in stable, predictable environments,” he said.
“Ireland’s business-friendly atmosphere and its well established legal and regulatory framework and corporate governance standards provide Tyco with the most favourable conditions for maximising returns for shareholders over the long term.”
Meanwhile, a revised planning application for a €45m office block on Albert Quay was lodged with Cork City Council. The original plans were withdrawn last month after objections.
A spokesman for John Cleary Developments said, having regard for the level of enquiries and in the interests of moving matters forward, they have addressed the issues raised in the previous application and look forward to starting on site once planning is granted.
The alterations include a reduction by one floor and it is expected that building work, which will create some 300 jobs, will be completed in early 2016.
Tyco is poised to base up to 300 of its Cork jobs in this proposed development.
