Lidl to invest €306m in Cork creating 250 permanent jobs

Lidl Ireland has announced a €306m investment for Cork, with plans for 250 extra jobs across the county.

[/url]The German retail chain is set to invest €420m in Munster, with the majority going to Cork it was announced at an event at Blackrock Observatory.

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

The programme will create more than 500 permanent jobs across the province, including 250 in Cork, while supporting more than 4,500 construction workers across the 25 developments.

Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said: “This €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,” Mr Martin said.

“I particularly welcome the creation of more than 500 new permanent jobs, bringing further opportunities for people and communities across Munster.”

Robert Ryan, chief executive officer of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Our contribution here goes well beyond bricks and mortar.

“We already work with 120 suppliers across Cork, from whom we procured €136m worth of produce last year, and we are enormously proud of the relationships we have built with local businesses, colleagues and community organisations across the region.”

Tara O’Connor, Lidl’s regional managing director, added: “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.

“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.”