Boots is understood to have agreed a rent of €85,000 a year for a new 300 sq m (3,230 sq ft) store in MacDonagh Junction shopping centre in Kilkenny.

The chemist multiple, one of three new tenants in the centre, has taken over the former Pamela Scott shop following that company's relocation to the old A-Wear unit. Holland & Barrett also plans to open a health food shop in the centre.

Meanwhile, Starbucks is fitting out a unit in the food court with the intention of opening for business at the end of the month. The US multiple is to pay a rent of €45,000 for a cafe extending to 200 sq m (2,152 sq ft).

Simon Plunkett of letting agents Douglas Newman Commercial says the pick up in lettings and inquiries reflected renewed confidence by traders in some provincial shopping centres.

Stephen Murray of JLL acted for Boots while Jason Millar of Colliers International advised Holland & Barrett.