New 'high-end' jobs are to be created by a Letterkenny-based company by the end of this year.

Some 15 positions are to be created by idevelop.ie - a website which is aimed at the self-build, home improvement and gardening market - which was launched last week.

Marketing Consultant to idevelop.ie Joanne Sweeney-Burke of Media Box said: "This project has been in the making for almost 18 months and we are delighted to finally see it live.

"There are currently six people employed at idevelop.ie and the company is set to recruit nine more web, programming, and software experts before the end of the year along with sales, design and marketing personnel."

Currently the website is aimed at the Irish market, however, there are plans to enter the UK market next year.

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According the Ms Sweeney-Burke, the marketplace is wide open for idevelop.ie. "With couples now tied into their property for many years to come, with little or no prospect of moving, renovation, extension and home improvement projects are now big business. Homeowners are now more focused on getting value for money and idevelop.ie steps in to source products, suppliers, and tradespeople in your area.

"The site is the perfect platform for tradespeople, product manufacturers and suppliers to access homeowners."

She added that despite the downturn in the property market there are still 1.7 million homes in Ireland which will now be the focus of renovation, home improvements and extension projects.

"The website is free to use and is packed with free content on how to undertake self-build and home improvement projects, big or small, from painting a room to building an extension.

"The site also has an online-quote system which will make it easier to receive quotations for your projects such as insulating your home, fitting a new kitchen, undertaking an attic conversion, putting in solar panels etc, ensuring that you get the best price in the market," she said.

A series of roadshows are now planned around the country which will set up live demonstrations along with home improvement, interior and garden clinics for homeowners.

(BMcC/GK)