Updated 09.30

More than 300 new jobs have been announced today.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will confirm 218 of them to be spread across 30 technology start-up companies this evening. The new firms involved are being supported by Dublin Business Innovation Centre and will be filled over the next 12 months.

The remaining 100 positions are at Acorn marketing agency. Acorn is to double its current workforce in Dublin of 100 to 200 over the next five years.

Start-ups to recruit over 200

The jobs will be created across a range of some 30 entrepreneurial firms including Davra Networks, EmpowerTheUser, iCabbi, Learnosity, MMSOFT Design, OpenJaw Technologies, Point of Care, Stratus5 and SafeFood 360.

A recent DKM study showed Dublin BIC backed firms employ almost 2,500 people directly. Companies which have grown out of Dublin BIC include Havok, Brown Bag Films, MicksGarage, SourceDogg, Blueface, StatCounter, Storyful, Wirelite Sensors, Clevemama and many others.

Mr Des Fahey, CEO DBIC commented: "International research shows that 70% of net new job creation is generated by high growth companies that are less than five years old." He said the organisation aims to double its capacity over the next five years.

Acorn

Irish marketing company Acorn has expanded to become a multinational in recent years, management there says it wants to establish a new office in Dublin, where they already occupy a premises.

In addition to new management, HR, IT and finance roles, Acorn will be seeking creative and digital design, planning, research and campaign production skills in Dublin.

Welcoming today’s announcement, Minister Richard Bruton TD said "A major part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs is seeking to deepen and develop the impact of multinational companies based here, and in the past two years the sector has shown a net growth of over 12,000 jobs. Today’s announcement that Acorn, a leading company in its sector, is adding 100 jobs in Dublin is very welcome news, and I wish them every success with their operations here".

Phil Cottier, CEO, Acorn said "We plan over the next 5 years to recruit 100 new employees in a variety of skills, from creative to account management to IT and HR. All will be assisting our EMEA based clients and servicing our offices in Paris, London and Sydney but working in our Dublin hub.

For more information on the jobs at Acorn, visit www.AllianceData.com, or follow the company on Twitter at @ AllianceData