State plan to create 30,000 hi-tech jobs

THE Government has unveiled plans to create 30,000 hi-tech jobs in emerging digital and internet initiatives over the next decade.

The new strategy has been dismissed by the opposition, however, as empty and ill-thought out.

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has insisted, the “smart economy” strategy would deliver and put Ireland at the forefront of breakthroughs in “clean technology”.

Green Minister Mr Ryan dismissed accusations the Government’s plan was too vague as he proposed the creation of a new technology provision centre to be modelled on the world class IFSC.

Mr Ryan also stressed progress on expanding Dublin’s digital hub quarter would progress rapidly in the next year, despite setbacks.

“We are setting a new economic direction for Ireland.

“In the future, those countries that focus on the development of new energy and communications technologies are those that will have the competitive edge,” he said.

To date only 350 new jobs have been confirmed in the new sector and just 50 of those will emerge in the next year as telecoms firm Intune Networks develops a revolutionary innovation in speeding up intercontinental data communication via optic fibres.

Fine Gael communications spokesperson Simon Coveney accused the Government of failing to provide leadership, solid targets or resources to create the tens of thousands of new jobs that could come with a co-ordinated strategy.

“People should not be fooled by a minister talking the talk about ‘smart electricity networks’, ‘the internet of things’, ‘cloud computing’ and an ‘exemplar network’. Understanding these terms is one thing, but making them a reality is the minister’s job.

“As ever with this minister, it’s hard to pin him down on the detail of his proposals and a time-scale for implementation.

“We don’t need more stakeholders’ workshops and expert groups. What is need is decision makers and clear plans of action.

“The minister needs to do more than simply paint a picture of what can be achieved if Ireland were to become a hub for digital and green technology research.

“Instead, it is his job to provide the detail of a credible roadmap to get us there. That’s what is missing,” he said.

The Government is also planning to establish a marine research, test and development platform in Galway Bay, Mr Ryan announced.