Tánaiste announces 50 jobs for Shannon Free Zone

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan has today announced 50 new jobs for the Shannon Free Zone.

She made the announcement whilst launching the Shannon Development 2007 Annual Report in Shannon.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said: “The 50 new jobs, supported by Shannon Development, will be at two leading companies, Mentor Graphics Ireland Ltd (35 jobs) and PAFS Ireland Ltd (15 jobs).

“Combined with the 250 new jobs and €50m investment announced earlier this year for Shannon by Zimmer Holdings Inc, these new jobs bring to 300 the number of new jobs announced for the Shannon Free Zone in the past six months”.

“The decisions by Mentor Graphics Ireland Ltd to expand their business, and by PAFS Ireland, a subsidiary of California-based financial services group Phoenix American Financial Services Inc to establish a new business in Shannon Free Zone, is a strong vote of confidence in the facilities and skilled work force that the Shannon Free Zone has to offer”.

Commenting on Shannon Development’s results for 2007, the Tánaiste said: “The company performed well in 2007 despite a difficult operating environment, and its sharpened regional focus yielded dividends for the Shannon region.

“I am pleased that Shannon Development is continuing to look to the future and plan for the needs of its clients and potential investors. The company’s initiative in drawing up a master plan for the regeneration of the Shannon Free Zone will ensure the zone continues to have a competitive edge as a preferred investment location”.

Welcoming the job announcements, Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive of Shannon Development, said: “I am delighted that these leading global players are expanding their business operations at Shannon Free Zone.

“I would like to congratulate the companies and assure them of our full support in growing their Shannon operations”.