Lidl Ireland is planning a €600m investment in 35 new stores and a new Regional Distribution Centre over the next five years.
The strategy includes €200m investment for a new regional distribution centre in Cork as it plans to improve its logistical infrastructure in the south and southeast region as it continues its expansion.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Robert Ryan, the CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said they will open 12 stores over the course of the next 12 months across the country.
"We’ll open in Carndonagh in Donegal, we’ll open a store in Moycullen (Maigh Cuillin) in Co Galway, we’ll open a second store in Wexford town, and one in Ballybough in the north inner city," he said.
"We’re also delighted this morning to be opening a new store in Enfield in Co Meath," he added.
"All of that really continues to rubber stamp our investment in Ireland and each of these have construction jobs associated with them, and we employ about 35 to 40 people in each of the stores."
The Lidl Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report for 2024 showed the retailer invested €1.67bn in Irish goods and services in 2024, including €1.2bn worth of goods procured from Irish agri-food industry a year on year increase of 7%.
The report also highlighted an €89m increase year on year in support for more than 280 Irish agrifood suppliers.
€360m worth of Irish goods were also exported to Lidl stores across the globe, up almost 5% year on year.
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Launching the new report findings, Mr Ryan said: "Our market-leading growth in Ireland over the past 25 years is testament to our long-established business model focused on investing in our local supplier network and bringing high quality, locally sourced fresh produce at great value to over two million shoppers each week in Ireland, and to our global network of Lidl stores across 31 countries."
"Our sustained business performance enables us to continue investing in expanding our supplier network as well as our store network, which is currently at 180 stores, and will see significant growth in the next 12 months."
Welcoming the results of the Lidl Ireland’s Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report, CEO of Bord Bia, Jim O’Toole, said it demonstrates the strong commitment from the retailer.
"Lidl has helped grow many Irish suppliers internationally through export opportunities across the Lidl global store network.
With €1.2 billion worth of goods procured from the Irish Agri food sector by Lidl in 2024 alone, Lidl sets an example for the retail industry by showcasing the importance of strong local partnerships as a driver of economic growth in Ireland."
Alongside its established supplier network, Lidl Ireland is committed to supporting small and medium sized home-grown businesses through its industry-leading Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, supported by Bord Bia.
In 2024, Kickstart supported 45 local Irish producers and showcased their products across over 200 stores on the island of Ireland.
A standout from 2024’s Kickstart programme was Naked Bakes, which secured a €700,000 permanent listing in 223 Lidl stores, demonstrating the programme’s impact in fostering growth and opportunities for local suppliers.
Since its launch in 2017, Lidl has invested more than €37 million in supporting almost 300 Irish businesses across the island of Ireland through the Kickstart programme.
Aisling Tuck Founder and Owner of Naked Bakes described Lidl as a company that values their suppliers and provide support for Irish producers of all sizes to flourish.
"I had a very positive experience with Lidl’s Kickstart Supplier Programme last year which saw our Naked Bakes cookies go on shelves in over 200 Lidl stores in Ireland.
"We have now transitioned from a promotional opportunity to a permanent listing agreement, and it is exciting to see where the relationship can take our business."
