Symantec to cut 70 jobs in Dublin

Security software firm Symantec has confirmed plans to transfer its manufacturing and distribution operations from Dublin to the Czech Republic in November leading to the loss of 70 jobs.

Symantec, which employs 1,190 staff at its Ballycoolin facility in Blanchardstown, said that the rest of its workforce would not be affected by the move.

The company said today that 40 jobs are expected to be lost by the end of October, with the remaining 30 positions to go during the first half of 2009.

"We made this decision after a detailed global operations review to enhance efficiencies and manage costs within Symantec," said company spokesman Dominic Cook. "The vast majority of our workforce in Ireland will not be affected by this transfer. In addition, the management team that is needed to run the new manufacturing and distribution operations in the Czech Republic will continue to be based in Dublin."

Symantec said that while job cuts were to take place following the transfer of the operations, it has recently been awarded a contract for telephone sales to the Dublin-based firm ServiceSource that is expected to lead to the creation of 43 new positions.

"Ireland continues to be a very important hub for Symantec, especially in high-value roles such as research and development," Cook added. "The creation of 43 new jobs at ServiceSource is a further indication of our continued commitment."

Symantec first set up its manufacturing operations in Dublin in 1991. Since then, the company has added other departments to support its rapid growth, including research and development, security response, customer and technical support, finance and other back-office functions.