Turnover increases at eBay Dublin

EBay Europe Services, a major employer based in Blanchardstown, Dublin, saw its turnover increase to €56.6 million in 2013, up from €46.3 million the previous year, according to accounts just filed.

The company reported a profit before tax of €6.5 million, up from €5 million the previous year.

The accounts note the acceptance by IDA Ireland of research, development and innovation grant aid applications. They say the company's centre of excellence and innovation will continue to deliver innovative projects and research initiatives associated with improving customer experience in dealing with the company.

EBay Europe Services provides customer support services, corporate administrative services and other shared services on behalf of the eBay group.

During 2013 the number of jobs at the centre increased to 770, from 600 at the end of the previous year. The total bill for wages and salaries was €39.7 million, up from €34.9 million the previous year. The bulk of the employees were engaged in sales and marketing.

Paypal, which is part of the eBay group, announced in June that it was to create an additional 400 jobs at its operations centre in Dundalk, in addition to the 1,000 jobs announced two years ago. The total employed at the centre is due to grow to 1,850 by 2018.

It is planned that eBay and Paypal will split into two separate businesses next year.