Lidl to invest €420m across Munster, creating 500 jobs

Lidl has today announced a €420m investment across Munster, which the supermarket group said will create more than 500 permanent jobs.

€306m of the investment is earmarked for Co Cork, the company added.

At the centre of the programme is Lidl's new €200m regional distribution centre at Little Island in Cork, alongside plans for 14 new stores across Munster and the redevelopment of 10 existing locations.

As well as creating 500 jobs, including 250 in Cork, the company said the investment will also support more than 4,500 construction jobs across the 25 developments.

Lidl currently employs more than 1,300 people across Munster and once the new investment is delivered, its permanent workforce in the region is expected to exceed 1,800.

The €420m regional programme represents a significant part of Lidl's wider €600m five-year investment programme in Ireland, through which the retailer intends to open up to 35 additional stores around the country.

Lidl procured €136m worth of produce from 120 Cork-based suppliers last year, including Keohane Seafoods, Castlecor Potatoes and Irish Yogurts.

Robert Ryan, chief executive of Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said today's investment is much more than opening new stores.

"It is a statement of our long-term confidence in Cork, in Munster and in the communities and businesses that have supported Lidl throughout our growth in Ireland," Mr Ryan said.

"This €420m investment will strengthen our infrastructure across the region, create more than 500 permanent jobs and support thousands more during construction. The €306m we are investing in Cork alone reflects the importance of the county to our future," he stated.

"For us in Cork, this investment is about turning long-term ambition into something very tangible for the region. Through our new €200m distribution centre at Little Island, new and redeveloped stores, and 250 additional permanent jobs, we are building the infrastructure and teams that will support Lidl's growth here for many years to come," Tara O'Connor, Regional Managing Director, Lidl Ireland, said.

"Cork is already a hugely important part of our business and this next phase will allow us to serve more customers, create new career opportunities and deepen the roots we have built across the county," she added.

Taoiseach Michéal Martin said today's €420m investment in Munster represents a significant commitment to Ireland.

"Businesses like Lidl play an important role in our economy, creating jobs, supporting local suppliers and making an important contribution to communities right across the country," he added.