B&Q planning eight more Irish stores

DIY retailer B&Q has opened its second Irish store today on the Belgard Road, Tallaght generating 165 new jobs - and plans eight more Irish stores.

The majority of the positions will be filled by people from the local area.

Since B&Q's first Irish store - located in Liffey Valley centre - opened 18 months ago, the company has employed an additional 45 people and employs a total of 240 people in that location.

B&Q plans to open a further eight stores in Ireland over the next four years, the size of which will depend on location and local market environment.

This expansion programme will provide between 1,000 to 1,800 new jobs.