Planning hitch delays creation of 150 jobs at new Galway HP base

 The creation of up to 150 new jobs at a state-of-the-art Hewlett Packard office block in Ballybrit has been delayed, after planning problems arose.

 It is understood that consultants representing HP had difficulties in reaching agreement with the City Council on planning issues after planning permission was granted.

However, those matters – including cladding on the roof area, water services design and details for the disposal of waste oil from catering operations – have now been resolved.

Construction is not expected to be completed until early 2015 – it was originally hoped to be completed by November this year. It is believed to be at least two months behind schedule.

As first revealed by this newspaper in July 2011, the new three-storey purpose-built Research and Development block will see up to 150 new engineering jobs created, bringing the total workforce to 800.

During the construction phase, a total of around 150 workers will be employed on the six-acre site in Ballybrit Business Park.

Martin Murphy, Chief Executive of HP in Ireland said: “When complete, that will bring our capacity to 800 for research engineers there. Today we have about 650.”

The 90,000 square foot R&D facility will be the company’s European Software Centre and will replace HP’s existing building next door, which is 40 years old and no longer meets requirements.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel