IBM Invests in Ireland’s Talent Pool
16th May 2024
Technology giant IBM Ireland today announced a new investment that will create up to 800 high-tech jobs across Ireland, helping build advanced software underpinned by the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies to advance Security, Automation and Hybrid Cloud. The AI technology will include foundational and Large Language Models that are key for Generative AI.
The investment will create hundreds of roles in research and development, as well as digital sales and consulting; and see Ireland continue to be among IBM’s strategic locations globally.
The roles will be created across IBM sites in Dublin, Cork and at IBM’s subsidiary, Red Hat, located in Waterford.
Deborah Threadgold, Country General Manager, IBM Ireland posted:
“Today’s announcement is not only the result of our strong relationship with IDA Ireland and the Irish Government, but is also a testament to the calibre of talent here in Ireland. And as someone who joined IBM Ireland in 1997, I can personally testify that joining IBM brings a wealth of opportunities to develop both your technical and business skills as we continue to push the boundaries of technology for businesses both in Ireland and internationally.”
“I am very proud of IBM’s purpose – to be the catalyst that makes the world work better. That requires a highly skilled workforce and an inclusive culture that enables people from all backgrounds to thrive.”
As the EU leader for the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates per capita, Ireland has a talent pipeline fuelled by skilled young people while educators collaborate with industry to provide the skills needed in the future.
The three-year investment is supported by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland. “This is a remarkable initiative by IBM Ireland that will not only drive transformation within IBM and Red Hat’s operations but will deliver strong impact in Dublin, Cork and Waterford,” said Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland Chief Executive Officer.
“It is also set to deliver real uplift in the Irish technology ecosystem by advancing capabilities across key growth areas for IDA Ireland such as Cloud, AI, Quantum and Cybersecurity,” he added.
James Kavanaugh, IBM senior vice president and chief financial officer, said, “Today’s announcement is a result of our strong relationship with IDA Ireland and the Irish government, but is also a testament to the calibre of talent here in Ireland, one of many reasons Ireland continues to be a strategic location for IBM.”
Speaking of the announcement Taoiseach Simon Harris said, “I very much welcome IBM’s announcement today which not only reinforces the company’s deep-rooted commitment to Ireland as a strategic location but is also set to deliver real impact to the Irish economy through job creation and by strengthening specialist skills and expertise.
Furthermore, this news demonstrates Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a preferred location for global companies to build out their digitalisation, research and innovation capabilities.”
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke said: “Ireland is now ranked as the fifth most advanced digital economy in the EU, and having IBM choose Ireland for this new project is another vote of confidence in our country. The Government fully supports advancements in AI and Digital Transformation, and these roles will allow for exciting innovative opportunities for many of our skilled workforce throughout the country.”
Hiring has already started, the first of the roles have already been posted on the IBM website, with more to follow over the coming months.
Pictured (l-r): An Taoiseach Simon Harris; Deborah Threadgold, Country General Manager, IBM Ireland; James Kavanaugh, IBM Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer and Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland Chief Executive Officer.
