Jobs boost for city as IBM, Boots and Cito Fund expand

FOLLOWING a succession of job cuts, Cork eventually received a boost yesterday with announcements that three companies intend to create 250 jobs in thecounty.

Cito Fund Services, which opened a centre on Blackrock Road last April announced yesterday that it is to start recruiting a further 120 staff next June, bringing its total workforce to 250.

Its managing director, Kieran Conroy, said that business had grown to such an extent that the company now had nearly €7 billion under its administration.

“The decision to locate in Cork is fully vindicated and we are confident that this further expansion in Blackrock will be a resounding success,” Mr Conroy said.

Technology giant IBM announced it is to invest €24 million over the next three years to create 100 jobs at its software laboratory at Tivoli, Cork and a further 30 in Galway.

Meanwhile, British pharmacy chain Boots has announced that it will create 30 jobs in May, with the opening at the Mahon Point Shopping Centre of its 42nd Irish store.

Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin described IBM’s announcement as “wonderful news”. “This knowledge-driven investment is highly significant for Ireland and in particular for Cork and Galway.

The benefits are tremendous in terms of the highly sophisticated software technology that will be developed in both locations, the highly skilled positions that will be created and theendorsement by a worldindustry leader that Ireland is providing the requirements for IBM’s future in research and development,” he said.

The minister pointed out that 2006 marked IBM’s 50th anniversary in Ireland, being one of the first multinational companies to invest here.

IBM’s general manager in Ireland, Michael Daly said the announcement highlighted Ireland’s role as an important location to help fulfil the company’s global research, development and business strategy.

Boots said the opening, on May 2, of its planned new store would bring to five the number of outlets in Cork.

Boots Ireland director

Rhys Iley said the 5,500sq ft store would be located on the ground floor and that staff recruitment was under way.

When completed, Boots will be employing more than 1,400 people in this country.

“We are delighted to extend our Irish store portfolio”, Mr Iley said.