An Taoiseach, Simon Harris visited Google’s Bolands Mills campus recently to address a group of graduates from the Ringsend, Irishtown, and Pearse Street areas. 

The Taoiseach presented the fourteen graduates with certificates for qualifications across a diverse range of disciplines including nautical skills, training and development, and teacher training education. 

These programmes were delivered as part of the This City Works strategic plan, a local employment task force established by Google.

'Important Work'

“I have had the pleasure of visiting St Andrews Resource Centre a number of times in the past and it is heartening to see the results that these initiatives are having here in the local area," said the Taoiseach.

"Programmes like these embody the essence of what a community is, being delivered and led by those in the community for those who live here. I want to thank Google for its further commitment to this important work.”

Funding

He was joined by Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland, at the ceremony to announce further funding of €750,000 by Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google. 

The grant will enable training opportunities in the domains of digital support, AI prospects, nautical skills, teacher training education, enterprise development, career guidance, and personal growth. 

This is part of a strategic plan developed by This City Works and their local partners St Andrews Resource Centre, the Irish Nautical Trust and the Fair Play Anchorage Project.

'Positive Impact'

“I am proud that Google has been a part of the Ringsend and Pearse Street community for over 20 years now, and we remain committed to helping create meaningful, sustainable and long-term employment opportunities for people that live here," said Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland.

"The inspiring stories of today's graduates are testament to the positive impact of these initiatives."