Woodie's DIY today announced €10 million investment programme in its operation in the Republic which it says will create 200 jobs.
The company said the jobs would be created as part of improvements to its existing stores and the opening of new outlets in Carrickmines, Co Dublin, Drogheda, Co Louth and Naas, Co Kildare.
The group, a division of Grafton Group, said construction work on the 50,000 sq ft store and 10,000 sq ft garden centre in Naas was at an advanced stage and would be completed in June.
Chief executive officer Ray Colman the DIY market was strong in Ireland and that he expected to see continued growth in gardening requirements due to the increase in homeowners and house completions over the past year.
"The DIY market is performing strongly. The growth among domestic players and new entrants is continuing to deliver choice and price competition, which is good news for the Irish consumer," he said.