20th January 2016
The Irish Government with IDA Ireland today (Wednesday) welcomed the significant announcement by First Data, a global leader in commerce-enabling technology and solutions, which plans to establish a Research and Development centre in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.
The centre, which will be operational in early 2017, will house up to 300 highly skilled employees to centralise work on a number of the company’s leading technology platforms.
The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said: "Having met with the CEO of First Data in May, I am delighted to warmly welcome this announcement of 300 new jobs, which is great news for Nenagh, County Tipperary and the Mid-West Region. The latest phase of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs has been a set of regional action plans to ensure that every area can achieve its economic potential and the benefits of the recovery are felt in every region, county and community in the country. First Data's investment is a vote of confidence in the Mid -West and in the Irish workforce. The Government is determined to support strong job creation all over the country as the best way to keep the recovery going."
Commenting on the announcement Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, who has met First Data in the United States on trade missions on a number of occasions since taking office, said: “Jobs are growing in every region of the country, however they are growing faster in some regions than in others. That is why at the heart of our Action Plan for Jobs is putting in place plans to accelerate employment growth right across the country. Today’s announcement that First Data, a world-leading technology company, is establishing a high-end facility in Nenagh, with the creation of 300 extra jobs, is a massive boost. I wish Tom and all the team every success”.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly TD said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that First Data are establishing a research and development centre in Nenagh. This is a huge endorsement of the local area and local economy by a major multi-national. I first met with First Data in January of last year in New York and having made the connection with IDA, accompanied them on their many inspections of the facilities in Nenagh and met with them in both New York and Nenagh. I am delighted, having worked with both the IDA and indeed Tipperary County Council, that they have decided to establish a new facility and bring 300 jobs to Nenagh. As the local Minister, I have worked night and day over the last twelve months to ensure that First Data chose both Nenagh and Tipperary as the place to establish their research centre. ”
Speaking from Davos where he is meeting senior executives at the World Economic Forum, IDA Ireland CEO, Martin Shanahan said “This is an important investment by First Data in a regional location, with significant local economic benefits. First Data’s decision to establish a part of its business in Nenagh is a strong endorsement of the Mid - West region. Since launching our new strategy in 2015, IDA has instituted a renewed focus on winning high quality jobs and investment in locations outside of major urban areas. IDA Ireland looks forward to continue working closely with First Data to establish its new centre in the Mid - West region.”
ENDS
Media contacts: Gillian Kelly, Media Relations Executive, IDA Ireland - 087 1789893 / Ellen Lynch, Regional Communications Executive - 0874112084
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