B&Q to create 100 jobs at Naas superstore

B&Q have announced plans to create up to 100 jobs at a new DIY superstore in Co Kildare.

B&Q have announced plans to create up to 100 jobs at a new DIY superstore in Co Kildare.

The 60,000 square foot outlet in Naas will be the British firm's seventh store in Ireland.

The new store comes as recruitment campaigns are underway for B&Q outlets in Athlone and Limerick creating 200 new jobs and due to open next September.

The garden and homewares specialist opened its first store in Munster in Mahon Point, Cork last month with the creation of 100 jobs.

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Diarmuid Walsh, B&Q's director of operations in Ireland, criticised planning laws which have restricted the size of out-of-town stores.

"We welcome the Government's recent review of the planning guidelines and welcome the principles of the review but it hasn't gone far enough for us in terms of making any real difference," he said.

"We are not advocating a one size fits all scenario. Our ideal solution would be to have the bigger warehouse stores, such as Liffey Valley, in large markets such as Dublin and Cork and perhaps Galway and Limerick."

Mr Walsh called on the Government to review the situation to allow a relaxation of the cap in larger catchment areas to accommodate such developments. He added that the out-of-town warehouse stores would provide increased competition for shoppers in terms of increased product range, competitive price and quality service.