Dundrum centre leisure areas will create 440 jobs

ABOUT 450 jobs are to be created this year when two new retail and leisure areas are opened in Dundrum’s Town Centre in Dublin.

A total of 444 new positions will be created with the opening of Pembroke district and Dundrum south, two new retail and leisure areas within the centre.

Opened in 2005, Dundrum Town Centre has won more than 25 national and international awards. With the addition of the new jobs, the centre will employ a total of 5,521 people.

The new Pembroke District, located off the Town Square, will house world famous Hamleys Toy Store and Gant, as well additions to the centre’s food outlets, including The Counter, Aya, Nandos, Ananda, Poppies and Roly Saul.

The Dundrum South district, which is located on the Sandyford Road, will house retailers such as Snow & Rock, Hughes and Hughes and Elvery Sports.

The announcement yesterday comes after the arrival of the Royal Sun & Alliance head office and the relocation of 600 employees to Dundrum South in June.

Speaking at the announcement of the new jobs, centre director Don Nugent said the complex’s ability to attract such high-calibre tenants was a sign of confidence in the Irish retail market.

“Dundrum Town Centre continues to attract new tenants and Irish retail firsts to the centre, which highlights retailers’ confidence in the Irish retail market. It is the same assurance that has led to the creation of a further 444 jobs, which will be coming into effect over the coming weeks,” he said.

Tánaiste and Employment Minister Mary Coughlan, who attended the announcement, said the jobs were important for the continued growth of the sector.

“While the period ahead will be challenging, today’s announcement of 444 jobs reflects confidence in the continued growth in this important sector,” she said.