More than 200 new jobs in the computer software sector in Dublin and Belfast have been announced.

EPS Software, in Dublin, announced the creation of over 100 the next two years.

EPS Software, based in Clanwilliam Square, currently employs 25 people but is expanding its operations as it moves into the European market. The new positions will involve training and providing support to customers here, in Britain and in continental Europe.

The company has moved into the European market after securing the sole European agency business for Force, a Lotus Notes product which provides salespeople with a productivity tool allowing them store and use details relating to their clients. It also provides management with data for forecasting and analysis.

Apion Ltd is investing £4.2 million to develop leading edge software products for its global telecoms industry, said Northern Ireland Economy Minister, Mr Adam Ingram. The company, established just three years ago, has grown rapidly and currently employs 106 people at its base in the Interpoint Centre, York Road, Belfast.

Apion Ltd was established in 1995 as Aldiscon NI Ltd. Following the acquisition of its parent company, Aldiscon Ltd, of Dublin, in September 1997, by Logica plc, the company's name was changed to Apion Ltd. Apion has been offered selective financial assistance of over £1 million by the Northern Ireland Industrial Development Board.