A BUSINESS communications group is to create about 70 new jobs in Galway with the confirmation that it will expand its operations in the city.

The announcement by Avaya was made at the official launch of Avaya’s customer centre at Mervue Park, which gives its customers access to its experts and lets them see how Avaya technology works in specific environments. Up to 70 jobs are expected to be created.

Avaya provides communication systems, contact centres, data solutions and related services to businesses.

“The innovations Avaya is bringing to communications are true game-changers and will allow our customers in Ireland and throughout the world to change their conversations with their own customers,” said Avaya’s EMEA president Michael Bayer.

“Avaya is aggressively expanding our market reach in Europe by driving our global leadership in the areas of contact centres and unified communications solutions to businesses throughout the country,” Mr Bayer added.

“We are currently recruiting new employees as quickly as possible to help Avaya as it further expands throughout Europe.”

The jobs, all in the IT sector, are expected to be filled by the end of the year. Avaya will be recruiting software engineers, developers, programmers and managers.

The announcement was welcomed by high-tech business group ICT Ireland, which said it highlighted the strength of the ICT sector in attracting foreign direct investment.

“The Government’s top priorities are to stimulate economic growth and foster an environment for job creation,” said ICT Ireland director Paul Sweetman.

“With over 1,050 new positions now announced in 2011, the high-tech sector can help deliver this agenda.”