A new motorway service area is to create 170 jobs in Co Kilkenny.

The Applegreen forecourt retailer will hire 70 full time staff for the site, which is currently being built at Junction 7 on the M9 road near Paulstown.

Some 100 jobs are being created during the construction phase of the the service area, which is due to open in January 2016.

The service area is located on major inter-urban routes, which will provide services and facilities to motorists traveling on their daily commute.

The firm says it will be accessible by an average of 16,500 motorists per day.

As well as Applegreen services, other outlets will be based there, including a Burger King restaurant and drive-thru, Subway sandwich bar and Costa Coffee.

The service area will also have car and HGV fueling pumps and children's play areas.

Applegreen employs some 2,600 people - and operates 175 forecourt sites across Ireland, the UK and the US.