Up to 1,500 new jobs in technology and eco sectors

Up to 1,500 new jobs were confirmed in a series of investments in the technology and environmental service sectors.

Last night it was announced that First Data, a global leader in “commerce-enabling technology and solutions”, plans to establish a research and development centre in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

The facility will be the US-headquartered company’s first Irish location outside Dublin, where it currently employs 300 staff in two separate facilities.

“We have always enjoyed outstanding collaboration with authorities in Ireland to grow our business there and have benefited from the country’s extraordinarily talented and diverse workforce,” said Tom Higgins, First Data’s chief administrative officer, adding that the new facility will house “some of our most advanced research work in payments technology”.

The new centre is expected to be operational by early 2017.

In another economic boost, the French services company Veolia will add 300 positions to its 500 strong workforce over the next five years.Veolia provides services to Irish Water and also has the operating contract for Mayo Renewable Power, Ireland’s largest independent biomass power plant, which opens in 2017.

The company said its expansion was aimed at helping companies move to low carbon models. It currently has locations in Dublin, Kilkenny and Cork.

In other announcements, cloud computing company Netigate is to base its international headquarters in Cork and create 45 jobs — and the Irish software company Boxever will add 100 positions in Dublin as it expands its business of helping airlines and travel companies gather and analyse data.

The latest announcements come after Nua Healthcare confirmed it is creating 800 jobs as it builds 20 centres for people with disabilities in the south of the country over three years. The plan was revealed at the official opening of the private operator’s Glenview House in Kilmallock, Co Limerick. The six-bed facility will be staffed by up to 30 carers giving round the clock support to adults with special needs.

Nua Healthcare already employs more than 800 staff at 28 locations nationwide.