266 jobs will be created with the opening of a new Tesco supermarket in Naas, Co Kildare.
It is part of a multi-million euro investment in new stores around the country.
3,000 people applied for jobs in the new supermarket.
The old Tesco store, which has been operating in Naas town centre for 37 years, will continue to trade, the company confirmed today.
The company also plans to open new stores in Galway, Mayo and Waterford later this month.
The store was officially opened by Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
Tesco Ireland says the new store is part of a €113m national investment plan, which it hopes will create 748 new jobs across the country this year.
'Today’s opening is good news, creating 266 new jobs for Naas and representing a vote of confidence from Tesco in the Irish economy,' said Mr Cowen.
'Tesco’s overall investment plans to create nearly 750 new jobs throughout the country are also extremely welcome at the present time.'
Tesco Ireland CEO Tony Keohane said the Naas development represented an investment of over €30m.
