As many as 10,000 new employment opportunities could be generated in Ireland over the coming 12 months, it has been forecast.

The chief executive of IDA Ireland explained the majority of new roles are expected to be in the digital media industry, while the manufacturing sector is also witnessing growth.

Speaking to station Newstalk, Barry O'Leary predicted between 9,000 and 10,000 employment opportunities will be created through foreign investment in the country in 2011, with between 5,000 and 7,000 generated this year.

The official suggested direct overseas investment had been higher this year than in the previous six or seven.

His comments come as IDA Ireland reported unified communications and collaboration software specialist Aspect has opened two new sites in Galway, expanding its operations in the country and creating new IT jobs in Ireland.

The firm's president and chief executive Jim Foy said Aspect is investing in the country, as it provides access to a "highly-skilled, multilingual workforce".

Posted by Alex Donnell