Irish politicians, musicians and artists are agreeing to hook-up with tourists for a pint in a bid to boost visitor numbers.

It has been announced this morning that 500 new jobs are to be created in an expansion of the Café Bar Deli restaurant chain in a joint venture with O’Briens Sandwich Bars.

Dublin City Council has approved plans to construct a retail outlet at the site of the former Bewleys Café on Westmoreland Street.