Tesco’s €120 million investment programme creates 757 new jobs
The retailing giant is to open four new supermarkets and seven new Express stores between now and next summer
24 June 2011
Tesco Ireland has announced a €120 million investment programme which the multiple says will create 757 new jobs across the country. In a press statement, the retailing giant said that the investment programme which extends until summer 2012, will also create new jobs in the construction industry. Building work on the various projects involved expected to support another 548 jobs.
The retailer will open four new supermarkets, as well seven Express stores. The new stores to be opened in the coming months, creating 522 new jobs, are at Cabra, Dublin (150), Kildare (120), Rush, Dublin (80) with a replacement store underway in Roscrea, Tipperary (60) which was originally planned for last year. There will also be seven new Tesco Express stores in Dublin and Kildare, creating 16 jobs each. An extensive upgrading programme for many existing Tesco stores around the country is also underway.
Between March and June this year, Tesco created 235 jobs in new stores in Balbriggan, Portlaoise (replacement) and Celbridge which have already been announced.
Last year, Tesco created 825 jobs in Ireland, more than originally announced, due to new Express stores opened in Dublin (at Temple Bar and Fairview), Galway(Newcastle Road) and other upgrading projects.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD who attended the launch today, welcomed the announcement and said: “This government’s number one priority – and mine – is job creation, and we make no apologies for that. Today’s fantastic announcement shows that despite the serious difficulties, there are great opportunities in retail. While we must take account of the various interests involved, I am determined that we must do everything we can to maximise the potential for expansion and job-creation in this sector. Today’s news shows that we are on the right track but we must do more."
Tesco Ireland CEO, Tony Keohane added that the investment will bring much needed jobs to local communities and create value for customers. “This latest investment in new and improved Tesco stores once again highlights our commitment to Ireland," he said. "It will help communities by bringing local jobs to local people and is intended to bring shoppers better value. The new and redeveloped stores will improve customers’ shopping experience and offer better food and non-food ranges at the lowest prices.
“These permanent jobs offer excellent career prospects at a time when Ireland’s economic difficulties and unemployment levels remain a concern. Our strong support for Irish food products also supports Irish farming and employment in food processing.”
Tesco also stated that all its new stores are highly carbon efficient with environmental features incorporated into the store design, energy saving measures, advanced lighting, heating and cooling systems and extensive waste recycling facilities.
In total, Tesco’s annual contribution to the Irish economy is €2.5 billion. The retailer claims that €655 million of Irish food and drink is exported annually to the retailer internationally making Tesco a larger destination for Irish food and drink exports than the entire France or Germany markets.
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