BUSINESS ADVISORY GROUP PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is to create 247 jobs in Belfast as it expands its operations in Northern Ireland.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster announced the plans today after Invest Northern Ireland offered £1.765m of support to secure the project.

The company said it will develop three “centres of excellence” at its Waterfront Plaza headquarters in the city.

Commenting on the new jobs, Foster said all the new positions offered salaries that are “significantly higher than the average”. This will boost the local economy by generating over £8 million in additional salaries by 2014, she added.

Ashley Unwin, Managing Partner for PwC’s UK Consulting practice said the project would significantly enhance PwC’s competitiveness in export markets.

Despite the current economic difficulties, emerging regions are striving for growth, while developed countries are responding to new challenges,” he said.

In both cases the demand for new technology, expert training and specialist research are increasing and our centres of excellence will enable PwC in Northern Ireland to capitalise on these new opportunities and markets.”

On Monday, the company announced it is to recruit almost 300 people for positions in various locations, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford.