Google opening ‘heralds new era for Irish hi-tech economy’

THE Dublin headquarters of internet search engine Google heralds a new era in the growth of Ireland’s hi-tech economy, it was claimed yesterday.

Company founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin said staff numbers at the operation centre would continue to grow so long as a highly skilled and well-educated workforce was available in the city.

“What we have here in Dublin, in a very short period of time, is 150-plus people who support customers in 17 different languages,” Mr Brin said.

“It’s just been an amazing place with incredibly talented people.

“What we have done here so far is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

The Google founders officially opened the company’s first regional operation outside of the United States yesterday in Dublin.

The centre opened its doors in April, 2003, and now more than 150 staff handle administrative, financial, legal and online sales and service.

Management hope to employ up to 240 staff within the next two years.

The company decided to move to Ireland after IDA Ireland helped beat off stiff competition from other European countries including Switzerland to secure the Google base in the capital.

Tánaiste Mary Harney said the decision by Google to locate in the capital proved Government policy to attract knowledge-led investment was working.

“By seeking out the best in skills based projects, Ireland’s reputation as the knowledge economy is being firmly established,” Ms Harney said.

“The digital media sector is a new age business area that’s transforming the information technology media and entertainment industries. Google is a key driver in this sector,” she said.