100 jobs at Facebook

Social networking giant Facebook is set to create 100 new jobs at its Irish operations; a move which will take its total employee numbers here to 500.

The firm’s Dublin base — which is its international headquarters — currently employs 400 people across numerous roles including advertising, sales, operations, policy, and safety.

The new jobs will cover a number of roles, including user operations, safety, and advertising.

In keeping with its usual policy, Facebook will be recruiting both in Ireland and internationally for the positions.

“These jobs, which reflect growth in markets across Europe but also the Middle-East and Africa — mean we will not only be recruiting from the local economy, but supporting local businesses by increasing our footprint,” Gareth Lambe, acting head of office for Facebook Ireland said yesterday.

“Ireland is a great hub of international tech talent, which is one reason why Facebook has its international headquarters in Dublin,” he said.

Facebook has had its Dublin base since 2008.

Interestingly, Paddy Power yesterday opened a book on who the next big technology multinational to make a significant Irish jobs announcement may be — citing another social media giant, Twitter — which opened its Irish office in 2011 — as favourite.

However, a spokesperson for IDA Ireland said the agency had no comment to make.

Jobs and Innovation Minister Richard Bruton said Facebook’s expansion here represents “a significant economic commitment” to Ireland on its part.

“Information and communications technology is a key sector targeted in the Government’s action plan for jobs, and we are determined to build on the major successes in this sector in recent years; in particular by supporting the further development of the thriving cluster around Dublin’s docklands,” he said.

IDA Ireland chief Barry O’Leary said social media “remains a key strategic industry for Ireland in terms of job creation”.

Yesterday saw further job announcements elsewhere.

Ireland’s first ‘cloud computing services brokerage’ firm, Cloud Compare, announced the creation of up to 12 new positions this year.

The company — which offers technical, sales, advice, and project management tools surrounding cloud computing — also has plans to expand further in Ireland, as well as into Britain.

Meanwhile, in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, sewage and waste water treatment company, CDEnviro announced a major expansion, which will create another 20 jobs at the firm.