Almost 160 new jobs have been announced for Galway, Dublin and Cork by three companies and a research facility.

Cloud computing company Sourcedogg.com will create 80 new posts at its base in Co Galway.

Making the announcement, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Richard Bruton said he was determined that "companies like this could drive sustainable, enterprise-led, job-creation".

The new jobs are across the areas of engineering, IT support and professional services.

Data collection company Datalogic is establishing a shared services and customer management centre.

The venture will create around 30 jobs in Dublin.

Elsewhere in the capital, money transfer company Western Union has announced 35 jobs at its European headquarters in Clonskeagh.

The company's Dublin workforce will rise to 95.

A new clinical research facility opened at Cork's Mercy University Hospital will lead to the creation of ten jobs.

The Health Research Board and University College Cork are investing a total of €9m in the research facility.

It will undertake work on improving treatment in areas such as cancer, heart disease and bowel disease.

Patients in the area will also be given the option of participating in clinical trials.