Up to 100 jobs are expected be created if a new computer services plant at Ballina, Co Mayo, gets approval from IDA Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The venture, proposed by a US computer software company already operating in the Republic, is planned for a central location in the town where a custom-built premises is being rented by the IDA as an interim measure.

The chairman of the Urban District Council, Mr Terry McCole (Ind), said last night that the Ballina Industrial Committee had been working on such a scheme for the past number of years. "We have been putting pressure on the IDA. In fact, it is the first commitment to the region in quite a few years," he said If the project gets final approval at an IDA board meeting today, the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, is expected to make the formal announcement tomorrow after final consultations with the company.