A major regeneration plan for The Square town centre in Tallaght that aims to create 6,000 jobs, it was announced today.
The €250 million programme is expected to create 4,000 new retail jobs and more than 2,000 construction jobs.
Penneys chairman Arthur Ryan also confirmed the clothing retailer would open a flagship store for Ireland at The Square.
The Square Regeneration Project has obtained permission, financial support, and commitments from several key new tenants to start the project "soon as possible," according to the centre's director Eamonn Furlong.
“This is the most exciting project to happen in Tallaght for a generation," he said.
The regeneration will see the Square grow in size to almost 25,000 square metres, featuring the opening of the largest Penneys store in Ireland and development of new multiplex cinemas. The provision of a range of other commercial, residential, social, leisure and educational training facilities is also envisaged.
“Penneys has wanted to locate in Tallaght for 20 years," said Mr Ryan. "The regeneration programme is timely, extremely exciting and we look forward to its success."
The Square opened its doors onOctober 23rd, 1990 and now contains more than 170 shops, restaurants and other facilities.