Diaspora-led job scheme yields success

A Government-backed scheme to use the Irish diaspora to attract investment from overseas companies has yielded its first success, with 30 jobs lined up for Carlow.

Philadelphia company Intergeo Services will create the posts over the next three years.

The Succeed in Ireland scheme, which led to the jobs, was the brainchild of businessman Terry Clune, founder of Taxback.com.

He suggested to the Government that there was a network of overseas small and medium-sized companies and business people who would not fall under the radar of the IDA but who are looking to expand internationally.

He said Irish people were hearing about expansion plans through the Irish diaspora and the Government should tap into that information.

Mr Clune set up ConnectIreland, which gathers in that information and, on behalf of the Government, pays the “connector” €1,500 for information leading to every job created.

Therefore, the member of the public who put ConnectIreland in touch with Intergeo is in line for a €45,000 payout as the 30 jobs come on stream.

Mr Clune said they are talking to 108 other companies which are looking to expand and he hopes to have further good news soon.

Anyone with information on a potential investor can make contact with ConnectIreland at connectireland.com.

Meanwhile, 100 jobs are to be created with the opening of a luxury hotel in Dublin next year.

The Marker will be a six-floor 187-bedroom hotel on Grand Canal Square in the docklands. It is due to open early next year.

The development will also include 84 two-bedroom apartments which will have full access to the hotel facilities.