UTV has signed a 10-year contract for a new television service in the Republic of Ireland. The deal was signed today with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).

UTV Ireland says it plans to start broadcasting here in January 2015.

The deal will give UTV exclusive broadcasting rights for ITV programmes for the audience here - including 'Coronation Street' and 'Emmerdale' - which are currently broadcast on TV3.

UTV have also said they will produce a nightly Irish news programme.

UTV Ireland executives sign the contract with the BAI 

Group Chief Executive of UTV Media John McCann said "Today's announcement represents a strong vote of confidence by UTV in Irish broadcasting and our investment in the Irish economy"

While BAI chairman Bob Collins added that the contract " is to be welcomed particularly for the additional choice and increased diversity of content that it will offer to Irish viewers".

UTV Ireland plans to create more than 100 new jobs with offices based in Dublin, with an additional reporting presence in Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick.