SAP expands Irish workforce by 250

German software giant SAP has announced plans to expand its Irish operations and create 250 new jobs in Galway and Dublin.

The company, which already employs 1,200 staff at its three office locations in Ireland, is investing €110 million in two IDA-backed projects.

The multi-national plans to create 150 positions within its sales and services division at Citywest in Dublin over the next three years.

A further 100 jobs will also be created at the company's newly established cloud computing and support centre in Galway.

SAP, which is now the largest supplier of business software in Europe and the third largest in the world, provides software and operating systems to a number of leading Irish companies such as Allied Irish Banks, Ryanair, Elan, Glanbia and CIE.

Making the announcement at the SAP offices in Citywest today, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the investment contributed to Ireland's growing reputation as a global hub for the digital industry.

The company’s “decision to further expand its Irish operations demonstrates the real value of an economically stable business environment and Ireland’s position in Europe when it comes to attracting the overseas operations of major technology companies like SAP,” he said.

“Of particular significance is that jobs are being created in cloud computing by a world leader in the field.”

SAP managing director Liam Ryan said: “The announcement is all about gearing SAP up for the company’s next wave of technology innovation to meet business needs in the areas of cloud computing, mobile applications and high-performing database technology,” he said.

The company, which is headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, said it would be seeking to fill positions with a variety of skill-sets, ranging from computer science, engineering, physics and maths to languages, business and sales.

Barry O’Leary, of IDA Ireland, said SAP is a key player in the cluster of world-leading technology companies based in Ireland.

“70 per cent of the world economy’s transactions touch a SAP system in some way, shape or form and the company’s investment in services, sales and support activities in Galway and Dublin will build considerable new capabilities in their respective teams,” he added.

Elsewhere, a casino and private members club is to open in Swords, north Dublin, creating 50 jobs.

KaiRo International plans to increase the workforce to 70 over the next six months with a training centre set up for croupiers.