The Government has announced the creation of 48 jobs through Connect Ireland, the State-funded scheme where individuals are given a finder’s fee for bringing in foreign investment here.

US energy consulting firm Sure Power is to hire 25 people here as part of a planned expansion into the European market.

In addition, helicopter leasing company Lobo Leasing is to add 15 people for its Dublin operation.

Meanwhile PR and marketing agency Wired Island, which provides services to technology companies in the US and Europe plans to hire eight people to serve clients in Ireland.

Announcing the jobs, Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton said: “When we came to office in 2011, we were determined to take on board new ideas and try new schemes to create the jobs we so badly needed.

“Succeed in Ireland, part of the plan we put in place to address the jobs crisis, was one such scheme and today’s announcement shows its great strengths.”

“As a result of business and social connections, three projects and 48 jobs that would have gone elsewhere are now coming to Ireland.”