Footballer-turned-entrepreneur Niall Quinn yesterday launched IT’s Happening Here, a programme targeting software professionals both in Ireland and overseas who might be interested in applying for the 1,500 software jobs currently open in the country.

The campaign is supported by business innovation body Enterprise Ireland and will be particularly strong on social media marketing.

Targeted professionals will be directed towards the IT’s Happening Here website. Powered by social recruiting and employee referrals software firm Zartis, www.itshappeninghere.ie lists job adverts from a selection of over 600 Irish-owned software firms.

Quinn, who chairs satellite broadband firm Q Sat, and is the sixth most capped player of all time for the Irish national football team, says: “The Irish-owned software industry is leading edge, innovative and dynamic and contributes significantly to both our economy and our culture. We are looking to attract the very best talent from graduate to director level to keep us at the top of our game.”

Adds Jennifer Condon, manager of the software division at Enterprise Ireland: “Finding IT talent is currently the single biggest challenge for our software companies... It is crucial that we attract talent to the industry to ensure continued growth at this level.”