Almost 80 jobs are to be created by two separate companies in Cork and Limerick.

An engineering company based in Mallow, Co Cork, is planning to create 50 jobs through a €3m expansion.

EPS designs and manufactures products used in the construction of water and waste water treatment plants.

The company, which was founded more than 40 years ago, already has 340 employees in Ireland, the UK and the Middle East.

EPS plans to expand its plant in Mallow this summer, with a completion date in summer 2016.

Meanwhile, Payback Loyalty, a digital consumer engagement company, plans to create 28 jobs as it doubles its workforce in Limerick's National Technology Park.

The jobs are part of a €2.5m expansion programme.

Payback said it will be hiring a mix of experienced professionals and graduates "to accelerate product development and build a sales and support infrastructure".

Both company expansions have been supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.