Connacht Gold to create up to 30 jobs

Up to 30 jobs are being created by one of the biggest co-ops in the country.

Connacht Gold said its profits and turnover were up last year, and it is optimistic about business for the next two years.

The company has announced pre-tax profits for last year of €5m, up from €1.8m the previous year.

Chief Executive of Connacht Gold Aaron Forde said most of the new jobs will be in the retail division.

"We have since the start of 2011 opened one new store in Swinford, Co Mayo, and created some retail jobs there," he said.

"We will open another one in Westport and create five or six jobs there, and other openings (are) yet to be announced."

Mr Forde said around 25 new jobs would be created in the company's retail division, while around five more roles would come onstream in its consumer foods, technical and operational divisions.