The firm has also recently opened a new mortgage advisory firm at Cork Airport Business Park, with chairman, Mr Dineen adding that Mortgage Navigators would "smooth the route for self-employed contractors."

Currently employing more than 150 people, Mr Dineen said its plans to create 100 more jobs followed strong growth in the independent contractors' segment in Ireland, adding that, "Demand for professional contractors is a feature of evolving labour markets internationally, and Ireland’s talented independent professionals help attract the multi-national corporations and FDI here, as well as supporting indigenous R&D and business innovation.”

Headed by Margaret Barrett, previously with Bank of Ireland, the new arm of the business will expand into insurance next year following approval as an intermediary by the Central Bank.

Speaking on the company, Ms Barrett said, "Getting a mortgage as a professional contractor in Ireland should not be any different to an employee’s or a business owner’s mortgage assessment."

"Contracted project managers or professional contractors sometimes do not fit neatly into the expectations lenders have. So, despite higher earnings, quite often, and more demand for their services, a different approach to borrowing may be needed.

"The job is to ensure the contractor is presented a cost-effective borrowing route, based on their individual needs."