Finance firm Northern Trust is to create 300 new jobs at its Limerick office over the next three years.

As a result of its expansion, Northern Trust's Limerick operations are now expected to reach more than 1,000 employees by the end of 2017.

This week it extended its second office location in the city, with space for an additional 250 new desks.

The expansion is supported by the Department of Jobs through IDA Ireland.

Making the announcement, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "This is great news for Limerick and the mid-west region, and for those looking for work or new opportunities in Limerick and surrounding areas."

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton, who has met senior Northern Trust executives on a number of occasions since taking office, said: "Today’s announcement that Northern Trust is creating 300 extra jobs is a huge boost for Limerick and the broader mid-west region."

Northern Trust has had a presence in Ireland since 1989 and opened its Dublin office in 2000, which now employs more than 500 people.

Its first Limerick office was opened in 2006 and also employs more than 500 people.

The offices support Northern Trust clients such as leading alternative, multi-manager and traditional investment managers, pension funds, multi-nationals, insurance companies and not-for-profit organisations across the globe.

Northern Trust provides investment management, asset and fund administration, banking and fiduciary services to corporations and institutions.