TSSG a huge hub of potential for Waterford – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said that the Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG) based in the Carriganore Campus of WIT is a huge hub of potential for Waterford City and the South East. Deputy Coffey said following a meeting at the facility last Friday that the TSSG offered the people of Waterford and the South East the prospect of continued investment and growth in the years to come.

“The TSSG currently have over 170 active research projects and, since 2001, the TSSG has brought in over €80 million worth of investment to the South East Region. Over the past five years, TSSG has delivered innovative solutions to over 110 Irish companies, and has created 11 spin off companies in the South East; including FeedHenry who recently announced that it was creating an additional 100 jobs as a result of a €7million investment by Intel.

“Other companies like ZolkC and Betapond are employing people in Waterford and will hopefully expand further over the coming period. This type of technology development allows for a global reach based in Waterford; that is why it is so important for government to support these types of projects.

“The TSSG facility in WIT is becoming a conveyer belt of state-of-the-art technology that is providing services to some of the largest companies and businesses around the World; such as Disney, Unilever, Marks and Spencer’s to name a few. Many of the businesses and researchers in the TSSG are working in collaboration with businesses like TEVA, Sanofi, IBM, Cisco, Pfizer and so on.

“Government and state agencies need to continue to support integrated industry strategies like those that occur at TSSG and this model should be a key component of a future technological university for the South East Region.

“TSSG has the potential to become a European Based Silicon Valley if the resources and supports are given to it over the coming period. This campus offers hope to many young IT graduates and software developers from WIT and from around the region. I am confident that further investments and job creation will come down the track that will help to play a major role in getting Waterford back to work.”