Health service provider Northgate is to expand its Irish operation with the creation of 150 new jobs.

The Mayo-based company, which already employs 100 staff, specialises in public service contract work in the health sector.

It operates a newborn hearing screening programme for the Health Service Executive in public maternity hospitals and runs computer files management systems for several other hospitals.

The new roles are to be filled over the next three years

They will be focused on Northgate’s existing services, including its Information Technology and transactional services, as well as document management services.

A final location has yet to be chosen but it understood Northgate will set up in an existing premises in the Castlebar area.

Northgate’s executive director Joe Bradley said: “The creation of an additional 150 jobs is good news for the country and will provide a boost for the Irish economy over time, as well as enhancing Northgate’s contribution to providing key public sector services in Ireland.”