Jim Higgins MEP Welcomes Jobs Boost for Galway

 MEP for Ireland North West Jim Higgins today welcomed the announcement that a US firm is set up operations in Galway.

"I am delighted that these new jobs are coming on stream to try to stem the tide of job losses in the city, like all parts of Ireland, of late" said MEP Higgins

"We know that the government has been lousy at negotiations on our loans, but at least we have retained our low corporate tax rate. I am convinced this is a factor in today's job announcement. I will fight tooth and nail in the European Parliament to ensure we retain this low tax rate." continued the Fine Gael MEP.

"The government has been lousy at negotiations on our loans, but at least we have retained our low corporate tax rate" said Jim Higgins

The IDA-supported venture represents an €8m investment by the company, which will be named this afternoon. It is understood that the Texas-based company has chosen Galway to set up its international headquarters and business services centre.

The company has operations in 50 countries providing digital infrastructure and services for the telecommunications industry.

100 jobs will be created over the next three years with the first of those coming before Christmas.

The Galway facility will provide employment in software development, customer support, finance and administration.

Today's jobs announcement will be made this afternoon following the arrival of the company's US president in Ireland.

"We need more of these kind of announcements to stop the tide of emigration and ensure that Galway continues to be the youthful vibrant city it has built itself up to be" added Jim Higgins.

Ends

Jim Higgins is Fine Gael MEP for Ireland North West.