Speaking after the initiation of the construction stage of a €100m data centre in west Dublin, Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy, Derek Keating said the project will be a huge addition to the area, which hopes to attract similar investment projects in the coming years.

Mr Keating said: "In the last number of years, thanks to the measures contained in the Action Plan for Jobs, which is being led by the Minister for Enterprise, Richard Bruton TD, Ireland has been growing its reputation internationally as a tech and IT hub. The development of four 10,000 square foot data centre suites by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. here in west Dublin, will further cement that standing, which will act as a draw for other companies considering Ireland as a base.

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"Digital Realty Trust, Inc. already has a significant present here in Dublin with more than 30 employees and close to €120 million already spent on its infrastructure. The decision to expand by building a 193,000 square feet facility, investing €100 million and employing as many as 150 construction workers during construction is a strong signal of the confidence the company has in Ireland and in our capacity to grow and to attract large multinational and tech based companies into the future.

"West Dublin is already recognised as a having a foothold in the data centre sector, housing, as it does, industry giants such as Google and Microsoft. The addition of Digital Realty Trust, which boasts a portfolio located in 33 markets throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, enhances the profile of the region even further.

"We are making real progress in tackling the unemployment figures with the latest statistics released this week outlining that there are 58,000 more people at work this year than was the case last year. However, there is no room for complacency as there are still far too many people on the Live Register.

"The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, said this week that he hopes the unemployment figures will be below 10% by 2016 and the Government will continue to seek out the best ways to create the environment in which jobs can grow by supporting SMEs and ensuring that we have a workforce that is suitable to take up opportunities that become available."

(CD/JP)