The owner of DIY chain B&Q revealed a fall in half-year profits, but insisted its turnaround was on track and unveiled plans to ramp up expansion of its Screwfix building supplies arm.

The effect on its Irish operations of DIY chain B&Q’s imminent closure of 60 stores across the UK and Ireland remains unclear.

There are fears for Irish jobs following revelations that 60 B&Q stores in the UK and Ireland are to close.