'Almost 11,000 jobs' created by IDA-backed firms in 2010

Almost 11,000 new jobs were created by IDA-supported companies last year, significantly up on the previous year’s total of 4,615, according to figures released today.

In its end-of-year review the agency said a total of 126 foreign direct investments (FDIs) were won for the country over the 12 months.

However over 9,500 positions were lost during the same period.

"IDA has continued to increase the number of companies investing in Ireland for the first time while encouraging existing operations to expand and diversify their operations here," the agency said.

"Despite the turbulent global economy in which, according to the OECD, foreign direct investment declined by 8% and with increased competition for FDI, IDA secured 126 investments.

" IDA client companies created almost 11,000 new jobs in 2010, well in excess of 2009’s outcome of 4,615 jobs.

"Many of IDA’s existing and new clients are actively recruiting in Ireland, including HP, Accenture, Citi, Google, Facebook, Eli Lilly and MSD," the statement continued.

Some 47 companies investing in Ireland for the first time, up 20% on 2009. Amongst these were D&B, Telefonica, Warner Chilcott, LinkedIn, EA, Riot Games, Webroot, FC Stone, Spencer Stuart, Fi-Tek, Genband, Synchronoss, Aspect, Streamserve and IIR.

"Ireland continued in 2010 to win significant foreign direct investment," said IDA Chief Executive Barry O'Leary.

"Most encouraging is the substantial increase in the scale of these investments from many of the world’s leading companies.

"In the past year the job numbers within investments secured show a marked increase, with the average employment per investment double the 2009 level."

IDA-supported companies directly employ around 139,000 people and contribute over €19bn in direct expenditure to the Irish economy.

The agency said that while the global outlook for FDI in 2011 remains challenging, a continuing focus on improving competitiveness will place Ireland in a favourable position to win further significant FDI and contribute strongly to export-led recovery.