Technology giant HP is bringing 280 new jobs to Ireland – these will consist of 150 new R&D roles plus 130 technical and support roles.

The HP recruitment drive will commence immediately. HP currently employs 4,000 people across Ireland.

The jobs announcement was one of a major raft of job creations announced this afternoon by IDA Ireland, including 325 at Abbot Laboratories in Sligo which is expanding its manufacturing facility and 30 new software engineering jobs at Big Fish Games in Cork.

The new roles will be ranged across a variety of projects where the new worker will build, test and deploy large scale systems using the latest and emerging technologies such as cloud-based infrastructures and multiple delivery channels such as mobile, video and social media.

HP Ireland managing director Martin Murphy explained that HP’s operations in Kildare and Galway are considered centres of excellence within HP and Irish engineers are at the forefront of developing cutting edge technologies for the needs of HP customers in the US, Europe, China, India and Asia.

The new recruits, he explained will join teams developing these technologies.

Key factors in winning the investment, he explained were an improvement in Irish competitiveness and the crucial support of IDA Ireland.

“Ultimately the reason why we were successful in bringing these jobs to Ireland is because the teams in Ireland have a proven track-record of delivering quality. They have strong credentials in terms of delivering on projects.

“In addition we have been able to find the skills we were looking for to fill our previous announcements."

Murphy said that HP’s Irish operations are cultivating a strong position as one of the core R&D centres for R&D. The Galway operation, for example, is a major cloud centre for HP.

HP generates 1,000 new jobs in last three years

In the last three years, despite the recession, HP in Ireland has been successful in attracting more than 1,000 new jobs to the country. The creation of the Global Services Desk in March 2009 generated 500 jobs, and the expansion of the company’s Galway operation in 2010, with the creation of 50 jobs. In addition, the company announced 120 jobs at its Dublin operations in September 2010 and 105 jobs at its Galway operations in December 2010, which were followed by a further 50 new jobs.

"This is great news for Galway, Leixlip and Ireland, with the announcement of 150 high-end R&D jobs as well as approximately 130 related jobs in this world-leading company," the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, TD said.

"In the coming weeks the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs will build on announcements like this to deepen the impact of multinational investment here, and target sectors like ICT where we have built substantial strengths in recent years. By setting ambitious targets and implementing reforms across the economy we can achieve the growth and jobs we so badly need," Minister Bruton added.

Barry O’Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland said that HP and IDA Ireland have enjoyed a long and successful business relationship and HP’s decision to locate this R&D expansion in Ireland further solidifies the company’s integral position in Ireland’s ICT portfolio.

‘’R&D investment is recognised by IDA as playing a key role in Ireland’s return to economic growth; embedding existing employment and paving the way for further job growth in the future.

“HP’s decision to locate up to 280 new jobs in Ireland over the next three years, 150 of which are supported by IDA Ireland, is most welcome news. I wish HP every success with this operation and offer the company the continued support of IDA Ireland as it continues to grow here.”

The HP recruitment drive will commence immediately.