Major boost for Kilkenny as agri business confirms 50 new jobs at €2m centre in city

KILKENNY received a major employment boost today after leading farm and agri-business firm Ifac announced plans to create 50 new jobs in the city.

The agri accountancy and professional services group is investing €2 million on a client shared services centre in Kilkenny, which will be housed in the Danville Business Park on the Ring Road.

The Kilkenny jobs are part of 200 new positions to be be created nationally by Ifac over the next three years.

Ifac currently employs more than 400 people, providing professional services across more than 30 offices dotted around the country.

Ifac Chief Executive John Donoghue said the company is delighted to be able to announce the jobs boost, particularly given the uncertainty facing Irish farming, food and agri-business sectors over Brexit.

“Many of our clients are busy grappling with Brexit related uncertainty and what it could mean for their businesses,” Mr Donoghue said in a statement.

“We are particularly excited about our €2 million investment in a new shared services centre in Kilkenny. This state-of-the-art facility will employ close to 50 people by this time next year and it will provide clients nationwide with a top quality business support system in the areas of payroll, audit and business development advice.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also welcomed the announcement, adding: “Ifac’s investment in a new shared services centre in Kilkenny is a particularly exciting development and a real addition to the firm’s client service offering. I wish the company and its staff every success in the future.

“The Government is committed to balanced regional development, and we want to help companies to retain top talent to work in their local communities. Gone are the days when all roads lead to Dublin; through our ambitious plan Project Ireland 2040, the Government is strengthening the regions and improving infrastructure to attract jobs and investment.”

Founded in 1975 in response to Ireland joining the EEC, Ifac is owned by its members. In addition to audit and tax, it provides services in corporate finance, financial planning and book-keeping.