Global customer credit agency Equifax will create 100 jobs with the opening of its new offices in Dublin.

Equifax said its IT talent centre on Sir John Rogerson's Quay will develop new solutions for its business around the world.

Recruitment for the "highly skilled research and development" roles is already under way. Equifax said the opening of the new facility comes as a result of "support from the Department of Jobs through IDA Ireland".

The Dublin centre will be headed up by Paul O'Dwyer. "We have made a big bet on Dublin as we recognise the technology talent pool is strong and the market can support Equifax's increasing demand for bold, innovative thinking," he said.

Mr O'Dwyer said the company is seeking applicants who are "interested in working with a globally recognised leader in consumer, commercial and workforce information solution."

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said: "Business services is a key sector which we have targeted as part of our Action Plan for Jobs, and we have put in place actions specifically aimed at attracting research and development activity to Ireland.

"[The] announcement that Equifax, a world-leading company in its specific area, is establishing a research and development centre in Dublin is very welcome news as part of this plan. I wish Paul and his team every success with this great project."

IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan also hailed the announcement, saying that the new centre will play a key role in developing new IT solutions for its global operations.

"Equifax's decision to establish its R&D activity in Ireland is a great endorsement of the country's well-educated and technologically savvy workforce," he said.

Founded in 1889, Equifax gathers and maintains information on over 600 million consumers worldwide.

The company, whose CEO is Richard Smith, has its global headquarters in Atlanta.

The company has been in Ireland since October 1994, when it opened its Wexford operation. That facility is now based in a purpose-built centre at Wexford Business and Technology Park.

The operation in Wexford employs 90 people.

In 2002, Equifax transferred a large section of its UK operations to Wexford including database management and consumer activities connected to its credit information services.

Irish Independent