Cloud computing key for job creation – Markham

IRELAND could become one of the world leaders in ‘cloud computing’ if it moves fast. This is the suggestion of an Independent candidate in next week’s General Election.

Perhaps the most original job creation idea aired at Monday’s debate came from a candidate especially au fait with the cost of not having adequate employment opportunities in the county.
Brian Markham, who acknowledged that many of his friends have already left Ireland in search of work, told those assembled in the Old Ground Hotel that he would like to see research and investment into ‘cloud computing’.
“An area that a lot of people have not touched upon is the smart economy. There is a recent Goodbody report that I looked into which is about the development of cloud computing. This, maybe, is something people might not understand but it is where companies store their information basically in thin air so if they didn’t want to invest in capital they can store [information] on cloud servers, which they said over the next three years can develop into one of the largest economies in the world and they have said Irish can gain a 13% share of the world market. One cloud server alone could create 20,000 jobs in an area, so we have to look into bringing that to fruition,” he stated.
Fine Gael councillor and Dáil hopeful Tony Mulcahy said he believed Shannon holds the key to major job creation over the coming years. “I think the most critical piece of infrastructure in the region is the Lynx Cargo facility,” he told the panel.
“Lynx were looking for €6 million government investment. I think if we create access to world markets from Shannon Airport, it stands to reason that companies, factories especially, will build around the facility. I think that is a critical piece of infrastructure,” he commented.
Fine Gael Deputy Joe Carey said that he sees the potential to create jobs through renewable, hydropump storage and the development of a green renewable base in Clare.
The Green Party too, through its candidate Brian Meaney is advocating renewable energy. Councillor Meaney said he believes that 1,000 to 1,500 jobs could be created in the area.
Labour’s Michael McNamara said he believes Clare has a strategic advantage for job creation in the areas of agriculture, second and tertiary food production and green energy, particularly ocean and wind energy.