Ireland set to maintain its Silicon Valley business base

IRELAND is to maintain a business centre established in Silicon Valley that will be used to support firms in search of high-tech contracts.

The base was established as a result of recommendations drawn up at last year’s Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh and according to Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin it has proved to be “a vital resource for our companies as they seek new business that will secure jobs at home”.

It is operated by the Irish Technology Leadership Group, a network of business people with strong links with Ireland operating in the valley. The centre received almost €190,000 in funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2010 and the level of funding will continue in 2011.