John Lewis issues clarification statement

Retailer John Lewis has issued a press statement to clarify reports carried in yesterday's media regarding its plans for the island of Ireland. The statement reads:

"John Lewis has confirmed its ongoing commitment to its plans for two stores on the island of Ireland at Dublin Central on O’Connell Street and at Sprucefield in Lisburn. Speaking about the developments, a spokesperson from John Lewis said:

'In relation to our proposed store at Dublin Central, we are very pleased with the progress made to date by the scheme’s developer Chartered Land.

'John Lewis understands that Chartered Land is close to completing the site assembly for the development of Dublin Central, for which it recently received notification of intention to grant planning permission from Dublin City Council. Subject to the successful completion of the planning process, John Lewis understands that Chartered Land expects to commence site works in early 2010.'"