450 e-learning jobs promised in €350m plan

THE global Irish education company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), formerly Riverdeep, made history yesterday with its €350 million R&D project into e-learning to be located in Dublin. The initiative also promises 450 jobs.

That €350m figure could double in five years, a source close to the company told the Irish Examiner which could see over €700m ultimately invested in this major initiative by the group. As it stands, this is still the single biggest R&D project ever, by either a multinational or an Irish firm.

Glanbia set the benchmark previously for an Irish-owned company with a €40m facility located at its Kilkenny headquarters while the figure for an overseas company is significantly higher at €70m.

The US is a crucial market for the group and HMH founder Barry O’Callaghan said the move towards e-learning will progress rapidly as more computer literate teachers, replace those of the previous generation.

Speaking at the launch of the project, HMH spokeswoman Fiona O’Carroll said: “The Government’s vision to create a knowledge economy and to invest in people, research and innovation has been a key factor in our decision to expand our operation and their significant financial support has allowed us to base this decision on criteria beyond pure economics”.

Jobs in the main will be highly technical in nature and would require third or fourth level qualifications and candidates will also require project management and operational skills.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan said that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is recognised globally as the leader in its marketplace.

“It has an unrivalled reputation for technical innovation and excellence in education publishing.

“That it has decided to locate its global R&D headquarters for its e-learning capabilities here is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s reputation for excellence and innovation,” she said.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is the world’s largest educational publisher, employing over 6,000 staff. It has grown rapidly as a result of key acquisitions in the past few years.

Last year it generated approximately $2.5bn in annual revenues and nearly $1bn in profits.

Frank Ryan, chief executive of Enterprise Ireland, who has backed the project on behalf of the State, said that even at €350m this R&D project will be a landmark for decades and is unlikely ever to be surpassed by either an Irish or overseas investment.

He said also that the commitment to Ireland by HMH should see significant investment by other companies including Irish and multinational players who will be attracted to this country as a result of the HMH move.

The group had considered three or four other potential locations before finally settling on Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland had been locked in negotiations with the group for the past nine months to ensure it delivered the project for Ireland, said Mr Ryan.