FOUR IDA backed companies are to create almost 600 jobs in Dublin and Galway.

The largest number - 300 - will be created by the Japanese company, KAO Corporation, in the production of CD Roms in Clondalkin (200 jobs) and in its teleservices operation at Ballsbridge (100 jobs).

Germany's largest tour operator and travel agency, DER, is to set up a shared services and teleservicing operation at the IDA Business Park in Galway. It will create 175 jobs, mainly for people who are fluent German speakers.

Telenor, the Norwegian telecommunications company, is to set up a software development operation in Dublin, which will create 100 jobs for third level graduates. Telenor is a 40 per cent shareholder in Esat Digifone, the second mobile phone operator.

Also in Dublin, Dutch company, Rood Technology, is to set up a new operation to provide support services to the electronics sector in Ireland, Britain and Europe. It will create 21 jobs.