105 jobs are to be created across the country over the next 18 months as Leitrim based Sásta Fitness will open 20 new outlets with positions in marketing, sales, admin and fitness trainers to be filled.

The first 25 jobs will be created when the next five outlets open in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Mayo by March 2014.

Sasta only launched last September and already has five franchises throughout the country. The hope to extend into the UK market with 10 new outlets in 2014.

Founder Fiona Egan had this to say, "I am so excited about the potential of our Irish made sásta Fitness product which has taken over three years to develop at a cost of over €1m. We have already had huge interest from around the country and the UK from people who want to take up on our franchise opportunity which is simple to operate, has low running costs, excellent margins and high returns".

Also, 160 jobs are on the way to Cork at a new distribution centre for supermarket chain Aldi.

According to the Irish Independent, the centre will be based in Mitchelstown and will serve up to 100 shops. It is part of the company's plans to expand across Ireland.

It will supply Aldi supermarkets in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Clare, Mayo, Galway, Kilkenny and Wexford.