Builders’ merchant and Wickes owner Travis Perkins today hailed better than expected first-half results as the firm made a “strong rebound” from a snow-bound beginning to 2010.

UP to 40 jobs were created in Limerick with the opening of the first Wickes DIY and Home Improvement store in the country.

Enterprise Minister Micheal Martin has announced details of 270 new jobs at two US firms in Co Waterford.

London’s leading shares plunged into the red today after struggling to hold onto early gains as US inflationary pressures continued to dog the market.

Mining stocks helped the FTSE 100 Index return to positive territory during another busy session for corporate news today.