Galway to get 90 technology jobs

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has welcomed the creation of 90 new jobs in the technology sector in Galway.

Mr Kenny, who travelled to Galway yesterday for a number of engagements, announced 75 "new" jobs in Avaya, which specialises in business communications, and a further 15 posts in Vulcan Solutions, which also provides communications software.

Avaya's country manager Jason Flynn said that the Galway plant in Mervue houses the company's largest research and development centre worldwide for software development.

IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan said the company's expansion was a vote of confidence in the region.

The 15 additional posts in Vulcan Solutions are part of an expansion into the British market, and involve opportunities in sales, research and development and consulting.

Mr Kenny was heckled by Right2Water protesters when he attended a Galway Chamber of Commerce briefing on economic development in the area and the Galway harbour’s port expansion plan.

Independent Galway city councillor Catherine Connolly has described Mr Kenny's attendance at the briefing as inappropriate, given that the port expansion plan is currently before An Bord Pleanála. A spokesman for Mr Kenny said that it was a public forum and the harbour company was not the main host.