A Belfast-based software company, Apion, specialising in telecommunications, has announced plans to establish operations in Dublin. Apion will initially employ a core team of 30 engineers at its Dublin office and expects to expand this to 200 over a three-year period.
Since it was launched in Belfast three years ago, Apion has expanded its workforce from 10 to 130 software engineers, and secured global contracts with telecommunications operators and equipment providers, particularly in the mobile phone sector.
According to Ms Elaine Dickson, Apion's head of human resources, the company will be able to secure the necessary staff despite the growing skills shortage. "We have built our success on recruiting the right people. Apion has a unique culture and structure. Also being at the leading edge of exciting technologies means we can offer outstanding opportunities to our employees," Ms Dickson said.
In a separate move, the multimedia industry has been highlighted by the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, as the next key area for growth in Ireland.
Announcing an expansion by Cendant Software Ireland at Dublin's East Point Business Park, Ms Harney said: "This expansion is particularly welcome because the company operates in the relatively new, fast growing multimedia sector. Multimedia has been identified as a sector which should be targeted as it particularly suits the talents of Irish people."
Cendant, one of the leading entertainment and educational software companies, has had its Irish operation in place since 1995, and by the end of this year it will have increased its workforce from 30 to more than 65. The Irish facility, which currently specialises in the translation and customisation of software for the European market, will now extend its operation to include its international product development group.
Cendant Ireland will have sole responsibility for the localisation and re-engineering of more than 140 products for the international market.
Mr Jack Allewaert, the company's vice president international, predicted Cendant Ireland would significantly increase its activity and employment levels by 2000.
