Referral programme projects could create 800 jobs by end of 2015

The Government’s innovative referral programme, ConnectIreland, has projects that could generate up to 800 jobs in Ireland by 2015.

The initiative takes advantage of Irish people’s links with foreign firms to get them to create jobs here.

ConnectIreland has been in contact with 200 companies via the referral marketing programme and is examining the viability of 10- to 12 possible investment projects, with decisions expected by year end.

Chairman Terry Clune said that, before the initiative was launched, Ireland was not even being considered for investment from these companies.

“The ConnectIreland programme clearly demonstrates that Ireland is still seen as an attractive investment location. We are in talks with companies who are now actively considering locating operations in Ireland as a direct result of introductions made via our referral marketing programme.”

Under the programme, individuals are asked to identify and make introductions to overseas companies considering international expansion. For every new job created, the “connector” facilitating the introduction will receive a minimum financial reward of €1,500 per job, up to a maximum of 100 jobs.

US firm Intergeo Services will create 30 engineering jobs in Carlow and was the first company brought to Ireland via the Connect-Ireland programme in May. The connector, a local civil engineer, will receive a payment of €45,000.

IDA appointed Connect-Ireland to deliver the Succeed in Ireland initiative as part of the Government’s action plan for jobs.