'The sky's the limit': Verizon boss explains company move to open in Limerick

"THE SKY'S the limit" in terms of the number of jobs Verizon can create in Limerick, one of the firm's senior executives has said.

One of the world's leading communications providers, the New York headquartered company is opening a global centre of excellence at Bishop's Quay in the heart of the city.

More than 400 new jobs are expected to be created, with staff set to be housed in the newly created 1BQ development, which has been completed by Kirkland Investments, headed by Rudi Butler, the son of former city developer Robert.

James Gowen, Verizon's senior vice-president, global supply chain and chief sustainability officer revealed the firm will be the anchor tenant at the riverside development.

"Verizon has taken the entire building, all seven floors, and we are looking forward to filling it up. We are starting with 400 - selfishly, my group is going to go first. But the sky's the limit," he said.

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Mr Gowen said Verizon bosses have been scoping out locations across Ireland, and further afield to locate its centre of excellence.

"When we started looking at Ireland, we went all the way to Sligo, to Kilkenny, to Kildare. What sold us on Limerick was the university system. Both the University of Limerick and TUS, with the educational faculties. But also the city centre, and the 1BQ building right behind me. The fact it's a sustainable building just goes to the core of who Verizon is and our DNA," he said.

Hiring for roles has already kicked off, and Verizon is expected to welcome its first members of staff on January 8 next.

Until the 1BQ complex is fully complete, staff will be located in temporary facilities nearby.