Tech giant Apple adds capacity for more than 1,600 staff as it expands operations in Ireland beyond its long established Cork base.
iPhone maker Apple is strengthening its presence in Ireland with the opening of a major new facility in Cork and the establishment of its first permanent office in Dublin, adding capacity for more than 1,600 employees across the two locations.
The company officially opened its Hollyhill 5 building in Cork on Thursday 19 February, a purpose‑built site that can accommodate 1,300 staff. In addition it emerged the business was creating a Dublin office that could accommodate up to 300 more workers. Overall, Apple employs more than 6,000 people in Ireland.
“We have called Ireland home for more than 45 years and are proud to continue expanding our operations and investing in our people and community here”
The investment marks another step in Apple’s more than four decades of expansion in Ireland, where it has grown from a small manufacturing operation in 1980 to the headquarters for its activities across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.
Speaking at the opening Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD, said he was pleased to inaugurate what he described as a state‑of‑the‑art facility and to witness Apple’s latest commitment to Ireland.
“The contribution Apple has made in Cork and Ireland over the last 45 years cannot be overstated, creating thousands of highly skilled roles and continually investing in their Irish operations,” he said.
How Ireland planted a seed for Apple to scale
Apple said its Irish team of 6,000 employees plays a central role in supporting customers across Europe and other regions. Cathy Kearney, Vice President of Operations, said the company was proud to continue building its presence.
“We have called Ireland home for more than 45 years and are proud to continue expanding our operations and investing in our people and community here,” she said. “Our 6,000 team members in Ireland play a critical role in supporting Apple’s customers in Europe and beyond and we are delighted to build on this later this year with our new office in Dublin.”
The planned Dublin office, located in the city centre, will reportedly have space for around 300 employees and represents Apple’s first permanent base outside Cork. IDA Ireland said the additional site reflects the continued diversification of Apple’s Irish operations and the company’s confidence in the country as a strategic location for growth.
Dónal Travers, Executive Director at IDA Ireland, said Apple’s investment underlined Ireland’s appeal as a base for global technology companies.
“Apple’s continued investment demonstrates clear confidence in Ireland as a strategic base for its global operations,” he said. “The new Hollyhill 5 facility, together with Apple’s new Dublin city centre office, strengthens the company’s ability to grow, attract talent and innovate from Ireland. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Apple and supporting its continued success.”
The latest developments extend Apple’s long relationship with Ireland, which has spanned more than 45 years and contributed significantly to the growth of Cork’s tech and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Photo by Hussam Abd on Unsplash
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