The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Top I.T. firm eyes Sneem
UP to 20 jobs could be created in Sneem with news that a global I.T. giant is considering setting up a satellite office in the village.
Sneem Digital Hub and the IT company have been in discussions about the potential of an office in the scenic, rural village if suitably qualified candidates can be found.
ONE of the biggest IT companies in the world, with more than 100,000 employees, is considering Sneem as a satellite base.
Up to 20 jobs could be created on a phased basis in the village as a result.
The company, which doesn’t want to be identified yet, has been in touch with Sneem Digital Hub, which is now putting out an appeal to attract highly qualified workers.
While the development is in its infancy, it is hoped that jobs could come on line next year if the right candidates can be found for the jobs.
Sneem Digital Hub manager Aidan Murray said this week that they have received up to 90 potential candidates to date – 50 of which they believe may be suitable for roles in IT. Mr Murray has made a final call for potential candidates to come forward this week.
“We are looking to show them that we can provide the right candidates for their roles, and if we do, they will consider opening a satellite office here in Sneem,” explained Mr Murray.
He says that Sneem is an attractive place to live and work and that IT graduates could get to work for a leading multi-national company without having to pay exorbitant rents associated with cities. Mr Murray and the team are to meet the company again next week and provide them with a list of potential candidates for leading IT roles.
“We are hopeful that this is a possibility if we have the quality and quantity of staff,” he said.
“Initially it may be up to five jobs, but in time it is hoped that up to 20 jobs could be created”.
He said that 20 jobs in a village like Sneem is liked thousands in any city in the country.
Sneem Digital Hub opened its doors in 2018 in a bid to revitalise the village and create jobs in rural Ireland.
The IDA-supported project aims to help multi-national companies create a base in rural areas by providing state-of-the art facilities including highspeed broadband and high-tech video-conferencing services.
The locality rowed in behind the project to raise funding for the development, which is located in an old ballroom just outside the village. The hub cost €500k to develop.