The pharmacy group, Boots, has said it is aiming to create 300 new jobs in Ireland over the next nine months.
The company, which already employs 1,800 people here, will open five new shops this summer employing 150 people. If these are successful, it plans to open a further five shops in the autumn, employing 150 more.
Boots opened its first shop here in 1996 and already operates at 55 locations. The new jobs will be in pharmacy and retail.
Rhys Iley, director of Boots Ireland, the company believed there was strong demand for its services, and it remained committed to expanding in Ireland.
'We have confidence in the future of retailing in Ireland, and will be offering opportunities in retail and pharmacy for new colleagues which incorporates a recognised excellent package of pay and conditions,' he said.
