Lidl is investing €420 million in Munster, with €306 million allocated to County Cork. The centrepiece of the programme is a new €200 million distribution centre at Little Island, near Cork city.
The retailer expects the investment to generate 500 permanent positions across the province. Its plans include 14 new stores and the redevelopment of 10 existing outlets.
Cork will receive 250 of the new jobs, while construction activity across the 25 projects is expected to support more than 4,500 roles. Lidl currently employs over 1,300 people throughout Munster, a figure that is set to rise above 1,800 once the programme is complete.
The regional expansion forms part of Lidl’s broader €600 million, five-year investment plan for Ireland. Under the national programme, the discount supermarket intends to add 35 new stores.
The investment comes as food and beverage industry trends continue to reshape retail infrastructure, while food distribution trends, food manufacturing trends and food and drink consumer trends influence how retailers serve customers. Lidl’s plans also highlight the importance of food and drink industry innovation, food and drink sustainability, food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging and food and drink marketing across the supply chain.
“It is a statement of our long-term confidence in Cork, in Munster and in the communities and businesses that have supported Lidl throughout our growth in Ireland,” said Robert Ryan, chief executive of Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland.
“This €420 million investment will strengthen our infrastructure across the region, create more than 500 permanent jobs and support thousands more during construction. The €306 million we are investing in Cork alone reflects the importance of the county to our future.”
Lidl reported that it purchased €136 million-worth of goods from 120 Cork-based suppliers last year. These businesses included Keohane Seafoods, Castlecor Potatoes and Irish Yogurts.
Since launching in Ireland in 2000, Lidl has grown its national network to 192 stores and three distribution centres, while its workforce has surpassed 6,300 employees.
Tara O’Connor, regional managing director of Lidl Ireland, said: “For us in Cork, this investment is about turning long-term ambition into something very tangible for the region. Through our new €200 million distribution centre at Little Island, new and redeveloped stores, and 250 additional permanent jobs, we are building the infrastructure and teams that will support Lidl’s growth here for many years to come.
“Cork is already a hugely important part of our business and this next phase will allow us to serve more customers, create new career opportunities and deepen the roots we have built across the county.”
