Jobs bonanza lifts locals

NEWS that 400 jobs are to be created in Dublin 15 at computer security software Symantec has been described as a massive boost for the area.

The hi-tech firm is to deliver 200 jobs this year, with a further 200 to follow over the next two years, through a new customer management centre at its European base in Ballycoolin Business Park, Blanchardstown.

The centre will provide a Europe-wide sales and support function to Symantec customers and partners in an initiative supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.

The company will be looking for a highly skilled, multilingual team to work at the centre.

Founded in 1982, Symantec is one of the world’s largest software companies with more than 18,500 staff employed in over 50 countries worldwide.

The company, which specialises in protecting businesses and consumers from computer viruses and cyber-crime, is well established in Ireland having set up here back in 1991.

Its base in Blanchardstown is home to a security operations centre, as well as operations in business authen­­ti- c­ation, software development and testing. The new European Customer Management Centre will be located alongside these existing functions.

Senior vice president at Symantec, Matthew Ellard, said the company was eager to continue its success in Ireland.

“These new jobs offer the opportunity for talented and driven individuals to join a high-performing company, which is focused on enabling its employees to develop their skills and enhance their career,

? he continued.

“I look forward to the continued growth of Symantec Ireland and consistently delighting our customers and partners with our addition of the new European Customer Management Centre in Dub­lin.

?

Dublin West TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar (FG), described news of the jobs as

“a further boost to the area’s standing as an IT hub

?.

“It’s fantastic for the area and the biggest job announcement in Dublin West for many years,

? he said.

“A significant proportion of these new staff will live and work in the area and give the economy a real boost.

“These skilled IT jobs are backed by the Government, which shows that we are serious about getting people back to work and rebuilding the economy.

“Symantec is just one of a number of high-profile IT companies in the area like eBay, PayPal and IBM. And the more high-tech companies we have in Blanchardstown, the easier it becomes to attract new ones.

?

Minister for Social Protection and Dublin West TD, Joan Burton (Lab), also welcomed last week’s announcement.

“It’s a wonderful example of the Government’s continuing ambition to grow the ICT sector,

? she said.

“I would like to congratulate all those involved in this announcement and I am determined to see more announcements like this to create the jobs we need.

?

Independent local TD, Patrick Nulty, said the announcement was an indication of the area’s ability to attract jobs.

“Through its improved infrastructure, airport links and skilled workforce our area can attract new investment as well as supporting existing companies to increase their workforce in west Dublin,

? he explained.

“Inward investment must remain a key element of Irish industrial policy and this announcement is a vote of confidence in Dublin 15.

?

Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Kieran Dennison (FG), said the news was

“further proof that Ireland is regaining competitiveness and is a viable choice for investors.

?

“The Government and Fingal County Council is committed to working with companies like Symantec to grow sustainable jobs and get our country working again,

? he added.

Other local councillors also expressed their delight with the new jobs.

“Dublin 15 residents are rightly proud of Symantec in their community,

? said Fianna Fáil’s David McGuinness (FF).

“For decades, they have supplied employment and a quality of life for countless families in this community.

“While operations at the Blanchardstown site have scaled down over recent years, the announcement is a major vote of confidence from the company and is to be widely welcomed.

?

Commenting on the announcement, Sinn Fein local representative, Paul Donnelly said:

“I very much welcome the news that Symantec are increasing their workforce here in Blanchardstown in the coming months and into next year.

“I would hope that the many thousands of unemployed people in Dublin West have the skills to take up this chance of employment in their home area.

“I strongly believe it is incumbent on the IDA, the new Local Education Training Boards and the Department of Education and Science to work together to identify the skills required for these types of jobs and companies and implement training programmes for locally unemployed people and young students in education in Dublin West.

?