Local jobs boost

THERE was a welcome boost on the jobs front last week when it was announced that Guidewire is to hire extra staff and set up a new consulting centre in Dublin 15.

The software company plans to expand its global support operation in Blanchardstown, where 25 people are currently employed.

Guidewire provides core system software for the insurance industry and its client list includes Aviva, Royal Bank of Scotland and Zurich.

The company said the Dublin centre was established to help meet a growing global customer demand for expertise in implementing Guidewire’s products.

Minister for Social Protection and local TD, Joan Burton (Lab), hailed the announcement of the company’s plans to expand as a

“major vote of confidence

? in the company’s existing operation in Dublin 15.

“Guidewire were originally attracted to locate in the Blanchardstown area as a result of the positive experiences gained by many of the hi-tech companies already established in Dublin 15,

? she said.

Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar (FG), echoed these sentiments describing the jobs news as a

“further boost for Blanchardstown

?.

“Jobs in information technology represent the future, and it’s vital that Dublin West remains at the forefront,

? he stated.

“The area already features good IT employers like eBay and PayPal.

“Recent job announcements included 40 jobs at Buyersclub.ie, and hundreds of jobs at IBM. These jobs, and the good news at Guidewire, will be crucial in attracting further employers to the area.

?

Guidewire’s expansion of its Dublin 15 operation was heavily supported by IDA Ireland.

Barry O’Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland wished the company success with its venture.

“Ireland’s reputation as a leading location for global software companies is further embedded by Guidewire’s decision to locate this operation here,

? he said.

“Companies in the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) sector continue to take advantage of Ireland’s competitive opportunities and knowledge-based economy and this announcement follows on from a number of significant announcements in recent months from companies in this sector.

?

Alex Naddaff of Guide­wire detailed the benefits of having a business in Ireland.

“We were attracted to the strength of Ireland’s software sector, the ease of doing business in the country and by its talented and highly skilled workforce,

? he said.

“IDA Ireland has been a key partner in making the decision to locate in Ireland the right one for Guidewire in order to manage our growth while providing the highest levels of service to our customers.

?

Guidewire currently employs 25 people at Blanchardstown Corporate Park and was originally established in 2001.

The company has nine global support centres located in Dublin, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Munich, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto.