The wide availability of land is one of the main reasons computer and software firms are locating in the Cork area, according to IDA Ireland. A spokesman said Dublin was "becoming overloaded" with software firms and the lack of open land was causing a problem, as were delays in getting planning permission.

The spokesman said the IDA expects to make "several" job announcements for the Cork area over the next six months, many in the software area.

The most recent job announcement was in June when Seagate, the computer hard drive manufacturer, announced plans to create 1,000 jobs at its plant in Ringaskiddy.

In February, Motorola announced the creation of 300 jobs as part of a £20 million expansion of its European software centre in Cork city. Some 360 jobs were announced by Eastman Kodak for Youghal in January.

The recent news that 1,500 jobs at Apple's Cork plant were safe was welcomed by the IDA and workers.