28th July 2015
• Uber to create 150 jobs by the end of 2015 in Limerick city
• Uber to invest €4m in the city as it looks to strengthen its customer services team
• Limerick Centre of Excellence to become the first customer support hub of its type outside the US
• The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland
The world’s leading on-demand car service Uber has today announced it is to set up its first Centre of Excellence outside the US in Limerick, Ireland. The centre will create 150 jobs in the city by the end of the year and around 300 when it is fully up and running. The company is also investing €4m in the city this year as it aims to make Limerick one of its growing network of customer service hubs.
Uber is already advertising for an initial 50 jobs as it looks to start operations in the city by the end of August, and has signed a 10 year lease on a site on Thomas Street which will become home to 300 local employees when fully operational. The Centre will become a major hub of Uber’s support organisation within EMEA driving innovation and service excellence for the community of Riders and Partner Drivers in the region.
Uber is a technology platform that connects riders and drivers in real time, offering a low-cost, convenient and safe ride - all at the touch of a button. Uber has proved incredibly popular with riders and drivers alike and as such, has rapidly expanded throughout the world and is currently in 329 cities in 59 countries. This Centre of Excellence will cater for the needs of their community in countries and cities outside the US.
The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, said:
“Uber’s investment in Limerick is testament to the skills and talent of the Irish workforce. I very much welcome this decision which demonstrates once again Ireland's attractiveness for foreign direct investment. This will be Uber's first customer support hub of its type outside of the United States, confirming Ireland as the location of choice for leading, innovative companies, and will be a welcome boost to Limerick and the wider region.”
Michael Noonan, Minister for Finance, said
“Uber’s investment is a massive boost for Limerick and for the IT sector in Ireland. We are particularly delighted to welcome a world leading company, operating at the cutting-edge of innovative technology, to Limerick city centre. Creating 300 jobs and with an investment of €4m planned for the city, Uber will become a major part of the Limerick economy. Ireland is proving to be a hugely attractive country for foreign investment, especially Limerick which has a history of attracting innovative technology companies due to our well educated university graduates. We look forward to seeing Uber grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Minister Bruton, The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, said:
“Uber’s investment in Ireland just highlights the talent of the Irish workforce. The unemployment rate recently hit a new six-year low and the jobs on offer will help to reduce this even further. Ireland is proving to be a hugely attractive country for foreign investment and we looking forward to working with Uber to make the most of today’s announcement.”
Kieran Harte General Manager for Uber Ireland said:
“What better place to launch our first Centre of Excellence outside the US than in Ireland. We are so thrilled to be here and setting up our operations in this city which has a tradition of welcoming innovative technology companies. Not only are we investing in the city we’re also proud to be bringing employment at all levels, to the region.”
Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive of IDA Ireland, said:
“Uber is fast becoming one of the world’s most recognised brands and the company’s presence will provide a huge boost to Limerick. The city is already home to an array of overseas companies, many in the technology space. This is the ultimate example of foreign investment making a real difference in a regional location and I look forward to seeing Uber roll out its ambitious plans in the period ahead”.
ENDS
For more information contact: Uber EMEA Press Office - emeapress@uber.com
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