Up To 300 New Jobs Created At Dundrum

The creation of over 300 new full and part time jobs has been announced by the Irish Republic's Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation at a news briefing at Dundrum Town Centre.

The announcement will bring the employee population of Dundrum Town Centre to almost 6,000, the equivalent of Monaghan town. The retail spend at the Centre continues to perform ahead of the national average, a reflection of the consumers’ desire for customer service, choice and value for money.

Among the developments prompting the recruitment drive is the much-anticipated July opening of Hollister. This will be the first store in the Republic of Ireland for the iconic California-based men’s and ladies fashion retailer, which is part of the Abercrombie and Fitch Corporation.

Also opening in the Pembroke District is Wagamama, the award-winning pan-Asian inspired noodle restaurant chain, and also a yet to be named family entertainment centre has signed and is in the process of fitting out in Dundrum South. In addition, due to overwhelming demand, The Port House is set to double the size of its restaurant, just six months after opening.

Already in 2011, Dundrum Town Centre has celebrated the opening of three 100% Irish owned companies – Bella Baby, Giddy Studios and Rainbow Ice Cream.

Dundrum Town Centre Director Don Nugent commented: “These six new additions will further strengthen the strong mix of retail and leisure that is available at the centre offering even greater choice to our customers.”

Minister Richard Bruton said: “The decision by top international and Irish companies to invest in Dundrum and expand their workforce by 300 people is great news and a very welcome vote of confidence for the retail sector and the domestic economy generally at a very difficult time. If we are going to achieve growth and create jobs, we must find ways of helping these parts of the economy grow out of the problems that have plagued them for too long. The most recent CSO retail figures give some small grounds for optimism, and I am determined to ensure that government does everything it can to support the domestic economy and ensure that this very welcome announcement can be replicated across the country."

(BMcN/GK)