Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor and IDA Ireland today welcomed the news that and MetLife is expanding its Irish operations with the opening of a new Global Technology Campus in Galway to support its customers and technologists around the world. The new Galway Global Technology Campus will be home to more than 200 new, skilled IT roles.

The campus is expected to open in the first half of 2017, and recruitment will begin immediately.

Welcoming the announcement Minster for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O Connor TD said “Metlife announcing today that it is expanding its Irish operations  with the opening of a new Global Technology Campus  and creating 200 jobs is tremendous news for Galway and the West Region. It is a testament to the region and the skilled staff available, that projects like this, requiring specialist IT expertise, are being located here.  All jobs created have a wider knock on positive impact on the wider region and communities.  One of my priorities as Minister is creating an environment where job growth can thrive, particularly in rural Ireland.  I welcome this announcement which follows on from a momentum of recent job announcements in our regions.  I wish the Metlife team the very best for the future.

Commenting on the announcement Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland said “Ireland is uniquely positioned to become a leading global centre for Fintech investment – where global multinationals like MetLife can develop and implement their digital capabilities to their customers worldwide. IDA Ireland has increased its marketing activity to global financial institutions. The scale of this investment in a regional location is a strategic win for IDA Ireland. It demonstrates the confidence a global leader such as MetLife has in Ireland’s skills availability and business infrastructure.

This investment by MetLife is also a clear endorsement of the Government’s IFS2020 strategy to increase investment and job creation in this important sector. IDA Ireland works with a strong portfolio of companies in International Financial Services and we are targeting more investment in this area. I wish all the MetLife team every success with this announcement and to offer the continued support of IDA Ireland.”