Some 160 jobs are to be created in the second major expansion by a Cork-based outsourcing business this week, it was revealed today.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced the employment boost for VoxPro, claiming it was one of many enterprises which will fuel growth and be at the forefront of the so-called smart economy.
"This is a very welcome development - and not just for those who will be employed," Mr Cowen said.
"The additional spend generated by these graduate level jobs, all of which I understand will be in place by the end of the year, will benefit the local community as a whole.
"In these challenging times, this is a fantastic achievement and I extend my congratulations to all concerned."
Most of the positions will be for multi-lingual graduates, doubling the firm's workforce.
It is the second major jobs boost for the region after Abtran announced 300 new jobs at its customer service and support call centre just outside Cork city.
VoxPro specialises in customer service, technical support, appointment management, back office processing and telemarketing for clients around the world.