Cork received a major jobs boost today with the announcement that three firms are to set up in county and create 188 jobs.

US software company Solarwinds is to establish its European headquarters at City Gate in Mahon. The facility, which will also supply the Middle East and Africa, will employ 75 people over three years.

The company, which develops network management and network monitoring software, said 95 per cent of the new staff will be required to have third-level qualifications.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin said: "This investment was won against strong competition from other locations across Europe."

A firm manufacturing environmentally friendly wood pallets is to create 73 jobs in the county over the next two years.

Eirebloc is investing €16 million in the new facility in Macroom. Enterprise Ireland has provided €6 million in funding for the project.

Eirebloc is a new company formed from joint venture between two Cork companies, Mid Cork Pallets and Palfab. It will be using recycled wood as a raw material to make the wood pallet blocks.

Apex Fund Services Limited of Bermuda today also announced plans to establish a European headquarters in Midleton that will employ 40 staff over the next two years.