According to The Journal, Microsoft has announced a major expansion of its Irish operations with plans to create 550 new jobs in engineering and research & development over the next three to four years.
The technology giant, which first established its presence in Ireland in 1985, will grow its workforce to more than 6,000 employees across its facilities in Leopardstown, Grange Castle data centre campus, and LinkedIn operations.
Of the announced positions, 120 roles are immediately available in areas including software engineering, applied sciences, security research, and product management. The expansion will focus significantly on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity research.
Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomed the investment, noting it “highlights Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment destination” and will boost the country’s AI ecosystem. The project, supported by IDA Ireland, aligns with the Government’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Microsoft Ireland’s James O’Connor emphasized Ireland’s position as “an established hotbed of engineering and cyber security talent,” while IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan praised the investment as evidence of Ireland’s continued appeal to innovative AI companies.