Microsoft strengthens Irish operation with creation of 100 R&D jobs
The company, celebrating 20 years in Ireland, said it will begin recruiting for the positions immediately. It currently employs 1,200 in Ireland.
Microsoft said the jobs would be created over the next two years in the research and development department of its European Product Development Centre, which is based in Sandyford, Dublin.
The new researchers will work on developing the company’s digital terrestrial television project for Europe and on the latest version of the Windows operating system, Longhorn.
Jean-Philippe Courtois, head of Microsoft’s operations in Europe, said yesterday: “Our plan to locate an R&D centre in Ireland reflects our long and valued relationship in this country and our ongoing commitment to Europe. This investment extends our innovation infrastructure in Europe and supports the policies of the Irish government as well as those of the European Union.”
Meanwhile, a US gym chain Cuts Fitness said its first Irish branches will open this summer.
The company has awarded the master franchise for Ireland to Fergal Lynch.
He said yesterday that six outlets will open by June and he is targeting 35 gyms by next year, which would see 140 jobs created. Cuts specialise in men’s fitness and has 150 gyms across America. This is its first move into the European market.
Mr Lynch says two of the outlets will open in Dublin with one each in Longford, Ennis, Limerick and Douglas in Cork.
“We are actively seeking people to come on board as franchisees. The benefit of Cuts Fitness is that the initial investment by potential franchisees is relatively low and there is huge support available from the Cuts Fitness network both in the US and Ireland,” he said.
Mr Lynch believes there is a gap in the Irish market for fitness training for men. “Due to increasing work and family obligations, men are looking for a quick and effective solution to working out.”
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