Accenture to add 300 Irish jobs at new tech facility

Consultancy firm Accenture is to add 300 jobs to its Dublin operation in a move that will increase the size of the company's headcount in the capital to 2,500.

The new positions are in areas including design and technology. A third of the jobs will specifically focus on the internet of things (IOT), analytics and artificial intelligence in the areas of financial services, retail, consumer goods, life sciences and utilities.

"Accenture continues to make significant investments in Ireland, and we are delighted the company has made the country its centre of innovation, which further cements Ireland's position globally as a technology hub," said Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

"Accenture is a committed, long-term resident of these shores and we look forward to continued partnership as the company further enhances its presence in Ireland," Mr Kenny added.

The new jobs will be located at Accenture's new technology facility at Grand Canal Dock, which will be known as 'The Dock'. The building was officially opened by the Taoiseach yesterday.

"The Dock showcases Accenture's depth of technology expertise in Ireland," said IDA ceo Martin Shanahan.

"The company's continued investment in innovation and in its team of talented professionals greatly enhances Ireland's position as a compelling location for global professional service firms," he added.

Located in Dublin's Grand Canal Basin, close to the city-centre, the company says The Dock is one of the world's most connected and intelligent buildings. It uses sensors to learn from occupant behaviour and to react to user feedback.

"Our talented professionals across Ireland are imagining the future every day to solve some of the biggest challenges facing businesses, governments and consumers," said Pierre Nanterme, Accenture's chairman and ceo.

"We are proud to build on our long history in Ireland with today's official opening of The Dock and investment in new jobs to drive innovation that helps our clients meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world," Mr Nanterme added. Accenture is one of the world's largest consultancy firms with operations in 120 countries that serve clients 394,000 clients.

The company also launched a "Welcome Home, Stay Home" campaign in Christmas 2015 that aimed to persuade people coming home for a holiday to consider returning to Ireland.

In 2016, the company was rated as the best place to work for members of the LGBT community.

Accenture is also committed to gender equality, with women representing 43pc of the firm's Irish workforce.

From Irish Independent (11/2/2017)