Sell Irish goods abroad, chains urged

MAJOR RETAILERS can help economic recovery by making efforts to get Irish goods onto their shelves all over the world, Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton has said.

Mr Bruton was speaking at the announcement by Tesco Ireland that it will create 462 new jobs in 10 new outlets across Ireland.

The retailer is to invest €120 million in the greater Dublin market. New stores will open in Cabra, in Rush in Co Dublin, and in Kildare. A further seven Express stores will open in the region. The investment will create 150 jobs in Cabra, 120 in Kildare, 80 in Rush and 16 in each of the Express stores.

Tesco has begun replacement work on its store in Roscrea, Tipperary, where 60 people will be employed, and in the last four months the chain has said 235 people will be taken on at new stores in Balbriggan, north Dublin, Celbridge, Co Kildare, and in a replacement store in Portlaoise.

It estimates another 548 people will be employed in the construction phase of the various projects.

Mr Bruton said there were great opportunities in retail, despite the serious difficulties in the economy. "I have said repeatedly that Government does not create jobs, but the decisions they take can create an environment where entrepreneurs and growing businesses can create jobs," he said.

Mr Bruton said smaller suppliers had in recent years been "squeezed", but many now had innovative processes and had reduced their costs.

He added: "This is a time of challenge for Ireland, and one of the things about having international stores is that it is a showcase and a good opportunity for Irish producers to get space at home and opportunities abroad. I'm urging every sector that I visit to build an export-led recovery.

"I would urge Tesco to continue its efforts to make sure that Irish, quality products are getting on to their shelves here in Ireland and getting from here into the important international network."

Mr Bruton said Tesco was making a "very significant" investment. The retail sector had lost 50,000 jobs in three years but it was encouraging to see a "levelling out" and that people had confidence in the sector.

Tesco Ireland chief executive Tony Keohane said the latest investment highlighted the company's commitment to Ireland.

"It will help communities by bringing local jobs to local people and is intended to bring shoppers better value. The new and redeveloped stores will improve customers' shopping experience and offer better food and non-food ranges at the lowest prices.

"These permanent jobs offer excellent career prospects at a time when Ireland's economic difficulties and unemployment levels remain a concern. Our strong support for Irish food products also supports Irish farming and employment in food processing."