Galway Bay FM News Archives
‘Herd instinct’ to bring hundreds of more jobs
Date Published: 17-Mar-2011
BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM
Galway City could become a major European software ‘hub’ for online gaming giants – with the potential for hundreds of new jobs to be created over the next two years.
The IDA has confirmed to the Galway City Tribune that Galway is well-placed to attract further investment in the gaming software and support sector, with a ‘herd instinct’ by multinationals making the city even more attractive.
And there have been strong indications today that ZeniMax Online Studios – which announced at least 200 jobs for Galway this week – could grow its workforce here by several hundred more jobs.
The American online gaming giant announced on Tuesday afternoon that it will create a new customer support centre in Galway – it’s understood that at least 200 jobs will be created by the company when it begins recruiting.
However, because of the ongoing exceptional performance of the gaming industry globally, it is anticipated ZeniMax will experience the ‘Blizzard’ effect (a related games company in Cork which initially announced 100 jobs, but ended up employing 600 people 18 months later), several hundred more jobs may be on the cards.
ZeniMax offers online support for online videogame players – the head of the new Galway facility was responsible for providing support for ‘World of Warcraft’, the world’s most successful role-playing game.
The announcement comes as Electronic Arts’ (EA) Bioware subsidiary finalises plans to create 200 jobs at a new facility in Galway.
IDA Regional Manager Jim Murren told the Galway City Tribune: “There is huge potential there for Galway. It is now well-placed to attract even more jobs, multinationals and investment. It’s almost like a ‘herd instinct’, that’s why we have so many more software companies in Ireland. They’re not competitors here.
“Gaming and online gaming is huge and it’s continuing to grow worldwide. The IDA has identified it as a potential source of creating significant employment, and there is absolutely no reason why Galway couldn’t be a centre for these companies.”
For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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