Microsoft To Add Jobs In Ireland

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

30 May 2002

Opening Microsoft's newest office building, the Atrium, in Sandyford, Ireland, yesterday, newly re-elected Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern lauded the company as a bell-wether of the country's hi-tech revolution: "In so many ways, Microsoft is an icon of the positive changes that have taken place in Ireland in the last two decades," Ahern said. "Microsoft came here planning a hundred job operation... now with 1,800, Microsoft are the single biggest employer in the Irish software sector." The Taoiseach pointed out that Microsoft spends over EUR350 million each year in the economy and the company accounts for six percent of national exports.

The world's biggest software maker had announced details of a US$165m investment programme in Ireland, which will create 100 new jobs over the next 12 months.
Other elements of the investment programme include the launch of a European Internet data centre, located at the National Digital Park in CityWest. The company is also building a new facility in Leopardstown Business Park for some of its European Product Development Centre employees.

Also attending the opening was Microsoft vice president EMEA and managing director, European operations centre, Kevin Dillon, who highlighted the company's commitment to Ireland. Speaking to ElectricNews.Net, Dillion said Microsoft had selected Ireland for reinvestment because of the wealth of talent among workers and because Ireland had a competitive business environment. But Dillion did admit that the Republic has gone from low cost zone in terms of wages, to a medium cost zone over the last few years.

The company said the Atrium building offered an advanced working environment including wireless and mobile computing. The building uses Windows Smartcards which power cashless services and security. Entertainment and relaxation facilities include Xbox consoles and pool or table football at gaming stations throughout the building.

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