Kildare Village centre to double in size, creating 380 jobs

Good news for shopaholics — the Kildare Village outlet centre is to almost double in size, creating 380 full-time jobs.

A further 120 jobs are expected to be created in the construction phase of the project after An Bord Pleanála announced yesterday it had given the project the green light.

Kildare Village will get an additional 36 units on top of the 60 already open at the site between the M7 and Kildare town.

The development will cost around €50m and an exact date for completion has yet to be decided. The current development opened in 2007 and employs 550 people.

Maria McGovern, director of Kildare Village, said: “The new development will generate significant employment opportunities, and the international investment in the region will give the necessary critical mass to enhance the overall experience of Kildare Village, making it an even more attractive shopping destination for national and international tourist visitors to the town and surrounding areas.”

Local TD Martin Heydon said the news was a positive step not just for the region but also for the country.

“Kildare Village makes a huge contribution to the local economy,” he said, adding that 80% of the visitors to the facility come from outside the county, with 15% from overseas.

Kildare County Council is reviewing the decision by An Bord Pleanála.