Four technology companies announce 160 jobs for Cork and Galway

Two cities were handed jobs boosts yesterday as four technology companies announced up to 160 new positions.

California-based software firm Hortonworks followed up recent office openings in London and Sydney by opening its first Irish facility in Cork, with the creation of 50 jobs.

The company distributes freely downloadable software — known as Apache Hadoop — for storing, analysing, and managing large amounts of data.

The boost was preceded by another jobs announcement for the city, as Fortuity — formerly Avalon Technologies — outlined its plans to create 10 additional roles as part of its expansion.

“While we work with clients of all sizes and across a range of sectors, this company growth is being fuelled by the adoption of cloud, security, and data analytics services by small and medium-sized enterprises,” said Fortuity founder and managing director Kevin O’Regan.

“There is no longer a perception that these solutions are just for multinationals, but that small and medium-sized businesses can benefit and leverage business opportunities very successfully to punch above their weight in the market.”

Dara Murphy, the data protection minister, welcomed the expansion of the Carrigtwohill-based firm, saying it highlighted the growing opportunities in cloud computing and data analytics.

Galway, meanwhile, was boosted by the news that tech firms Ice Cube and Tec Support are to merge, creating up to 100 new positions.

The companies — which are based in Ballybrit — plan to create the roles as part of their expansion over three years.