Almost 100 jobs are to be created in Co Louth and Dublin by two separate firms.

Australian firm Probiotec said yesterday it is to establish a new manufacturing headquarters in Dundalk, leading to 70 new jobs.

The company, which specialises in manufacturing and selling pharmaceuticals and food products, said the facility will be used to manufacture its range of dietary replacement products, branded as Celebrity Slim, for the European market.

Separately, Apple reseller Compu B said it intends to create 25 new jobs in the coming weeks with the opening of a retail store on Grafton Street. It will offer a complete range of Apple Mac computers and iPod digital music players along with accessories.