Minister O’Keeffe announces 20 jobs as global software firm expands

Posted on 19/07/10 by Batt O’Keeffe

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD, today

[Monday] announced that a global software security firm is to hire 20 new

workers before the end of the year as part of an ambitious expansion plan.

Lumension, which develops software to help firms protect their computer

data, established a global research and development centre in Galway last

October with the intention of creating 30 jobs.

However, the firm has now met that target and expects to employ 20 more

workers by the end of the year bringing the total workforce to 50.

The Mervue Business and Technology Park in Galway hosts Lumension’s

international centre for product research and development, customer support

and auxiliary services.

Minister O’Keeffe described Lumension’s expansion plans as ‘very

encouraging for Ireland’s information communications technology sector’.

‘Eight of the world’s top 10 technology firms are based in Ireland so

Lumension’s decision to hire more highly skilled workers for its research

and development centre fits well with the Government’s focus on innovation

and high-tech industries.

‘The Galway operation is a key component of Lumension’s global activities

and the software engineers should be very proud of their role in helping

the firm to exceed its growth targets.

‘This is another example for the global investor community that Ireland can

outperform our competitors in attracting and retaining multinationals and

then helping them to develop their businesses,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.

Lumension’s director of research and development, Ciaran Kelly, said: ‘We

are excited to be growing our Irish operation so rapidly less than a year

after we established the facility.

‘We are delighted to have assembled an excellent team of highly skilled

software engineers in Galway in such a relatively short timeframe.

‘Their contribution to Lumension's product suite has resulted in the

confidence to grow the Galway research and development centre capabilities.

‘We look forward to continuing our success in Ireland, working closely with

business partners and IDA Ireland.’

Welcoming the announcement, the chief executive of IDA Ireland, Barry

O’Leary, said: ‘I am delighted Lumension has exceeded its growth plan for

Ireland and continues to expand in Galway.

‘Today’s decision shows the company’s confidence in its Galway operation as

a key part of its global research and development activities.’