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.
The new staff will join IBM’s and Red Hat’s vibrant and diverse workforce, and help enhance Ireland’s rich and highly skilled technology talent pool that supports employment in knowledge-intensive and high-technology sectors.
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.
Evolved its operations and capabilities
IBM has been in Ireland for more than 65 years during which time it has continually evolved its operations and capabilities to support the company’s global strategy.
Today, IBM’s operations in Ireland help clients across key sectors such as financial services and healthcare streamline their business processes, increase productivity and gain competitive advantage through technology. Ireland is also host to IBM Research’s only facility in the EU.
The three-year investment is supported by the government of Ireland through IDA Ireland.
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.”
Enterprise minister Peter Burke said: “This is fantastic news. Today's announcement that IBM Ireland are to create 800 skilled tech jobs between Dublin, Cork and Waterford, is hugely welcome. IBM is a world leader in technology and has been a long standing high value employer in Ireland for almost three quarters of a century.
"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. Thanks to IBM for your continued investment here and best of luck to all involved in this exciting new initiative.”
James Kavanaugh, IBM senior vice president and chief financial officer, said: “As IBM continues to help organisations transform their businesses with hybrid cloud and AI, attracting, developing, and retaining talent remains a key priority. 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.”
'Landmark and transformational initiative'
Deborah Threadgold, IBM Ireland country general manager, added: “We’re thrilled to announce this landmark and transformational initiative that will position the Irish operation at the cutting edge of next generation technology development within IBM globally.”
Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland chief executive officer, said: “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.
"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. IDA Ireland has partnered with IBM for more than 60 years and we look forward to continuing to do so throughout this exciting project.”
For the latest information and to apply for the currently open roles at IBM and Red Hat, visit: https://www.ibm.com/careers/ and https://jobs.redhat.com