Firm’s R&D complex could create 200 new jobs

Date Published: 03-Jan-2013

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

More than 200 new positions could be created as part of a massive investment by Hewlett Packard in a state-of-the-art new office block in Ballybrit, as well as up to 100 jobs during construction.

Agents for the multinational have sought planning permission for a new three-storey Research & Development block and carparking adjacent to the existing 40 year-old building.

And a further new building may be sourced to house the company’s distribution services and for further expansion down the line.

The new purpose-built block, which will span almost 90,000 square feet, will accommodate more than 800 people and serve as HP’s European Software Centre – at the moment, the company employs around 600 in Galway.

If given the go-ahead, the office block would take around 12 months to construct, while the company is understood to be considering a second new office block.

“The proposed development represents a significant investment in Galway City and will consolidate and enhance employment. It will improve and expand office accommodation for HP on a site immediately adjacent to the existing facility,” the application reads.

The company previously said its existing facility at Ballybrit Business Park – which is 40 years old and has also housed Digital and Compaq – has “outlived its usage”, and existing employees will be moved to the new block.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.