100 new full-time jobs are being created at new motorway service stations in Laois and Carlow by Topaz.

The first will be at Junction 3 on the Dublin-Cork Motorway near Ballacolla in Laois with the other on Junction 5 of the Dublin-Waterford Road. Work on the sites will begin next year.

200 positions will come on-stream during the construction phase, and 100 full time jobs once sites are operational.

Topaz says both sites will provide badly needed services and facilities to motorists using the M8 and M9.

Work on the 600 square metre site in Co. Laois will begin in January 2014 and is expected to be completed by July 2014, while a planning application has been submitted for the Co. Carlow site.

If granted permission, work is expected to begin there next summer.

Paul Candon is marketing and corporate services director at Topaz.

"It's estimated 10,000 motorists use both motorways every day and we want to provide them with the best services available. These sites will set the bar in terms of the services available to customers and will include wi-fi internet access, a top quality hot food buffet and cafe, EV charger, children’s play area, toilets and showers" he said.

He added that Topaz is actively looking for new sites and locations.