US communications analytics and advisory firm PublicRelay is to create 40 jobs over the next two years in Waterford as it opens a media analytics centre in the city.
The company is recruiting associate analysts for the south-east hub, which will operate on a hybrid basis and will be located in co-working space BoxWorks 2.
The Waterford office is the company's third site in Ireland, following the opening of its first European office in Dublin in 2018 and its Cavan office a year later.
PublicRelay provides clients with insights based on media coverage in print, online, broadcast, and social media. Founded in 2008, it has operations in Denver, San Diego, and Portland.
"We are excited to be further expanding our operations in Ireland. We looked at a number of locations around the country, but the proximity of the university combined with a great facility in such a vibrant area of the city won us over," said PublicRelay's director of operations Karl Finn. "I was impressed with Boxworks' flexibility and willingness to adapt to our needs as we built out the team."
The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.
"Our experience in Ireland has been outstanding since we opened our first office here in 2018," said Eric Koefoot, president and chief executive. "We've been able to access a hardworking, highly educated, and friendly work force, and our Irish team has been a big factor in our company success over the past four years."
The news was welcomed by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, who said it was a sign of the company's confidence in Ireland.
Executive Director of IDA Ireland Mary Buckley said the decision to open a third office in Ireland demonstrated the company's strong commitment to Ireland. "This further investment exemplifies IDA Ireland's continued commitment to winning jobs and investment for the regions," she said.
