The announcement by Airbnb that it is to locate in Dublin is a major coup for the city, according to Fianna Fáil Dublin Spokesperson Darragh O'Brien.

Mr O'Brien said: "I welcome the fact that Airbnb is locating its European customer experience team in Dublin. This is great news for the city and adds to the growing series of internet giants with a major footprint in Ireland. Aside from the job creation element which is very important for the city, this announcement cements Dublin's position as a key location for major online operators.

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"This announcement underscores the need for Ireland to maintain an attractive and highly competitive corporation tax regime. The news that the European Commission has launched a preliminary investigation into Ireland's corporation tax arrangements with multinational companies is a significant development and a cause of huge concern.

"If Ireland is to continue to attract companies like Airbnb and retain the likes of Apple, Google, Facebook and PayPal we must protect our corporation tax system as it is vital to our national interests."

(CD/JP)