More Jobs

IBM will create 130 new jobs for software engineers in Cork and Galway following a decision by the company to expand its operations in Ireland. Supported by IDA Ireland, IBM intends to invest up to €24 million over the next three years expanding its operations in Ireland.

The expansion follows IBM’s takeover of the Vallent Corporation last month and will see the Cork and Galway labs becoming part of a network of more than 80 IBM software development labs worldwide.

Meanwhile, broadband provider, Digiweb will create 200 jobs with the opening of a new technology campus in Dublin.

The new network operations center will be the base for the company’s new mobile broadband national network. The new technology center will carry out work on Digiweb’s new mobile broadband national network and Ireland’s first fourth-generation Internet and phone networks.

More Homes Needed

IRELAND will need to build 600,000 new homes over the next nine years, a housing conference in Dublin was told this week.

The prediction came from Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal Noel Ahern, at the biennial National Housing Conference, which got underway in Santry, North Dublin. Ahern said the new houses would be needed despite expectations that supply will level off over the coming years.

“Meeting the housing needs of a growing population presents challenges. But it also provides a great opportunity to deliver new development of the highest physical and environmental quality,” Ahern said.

Irish Pizza Sale

HARRODS, one of the world’s most famous department stores, based in London, is selling Irish-made pizzas made by Cork company Alternative Pizza.

Dave Flynn founded the Ballincollig-based company in 2004, and his products are available at a number of stores in Ireland, as well as other upscale chains in the U.K.

Harrods will carry four of the Alternative pizza company’s products, including a Spelt Hot Chili Pizza and its award winning Four Irish Cheeses Pizza.

“We use only the finest Irish ingredients with no artificial preservatives, colorings or additives and no GMO ingredients,” said Flynn.

Last year, the company had a turnover of €1,100,000. This is expected to rise to €1.5 million this year.