A majority (€306 million) of the investment will be focused on County Cork, centred around a new €200 million distribution centre in Little Island, just outside Cork city.
The supermarket chain said the investment will create 500 new permanent jobs in the province, with plans for 14 new stores, as well as the redevelopment of 10 existing locations.
Lidl said the programme will create 250 jobs in Cork alone and support more than 4,500 construction roles during work on the 25 developments.
The discounter added that it currently employs more than 1,300 people across Munster and that its workforce in the province will grow to more than 1,800 following the investment.
The latest investment drive forms part of Lidl’s wider €600 million five-year investment programme for Ireland, through which the retailer plans to open 35 new stores nationally.
“It is a statement of our long-term confidence in Cork, in Munster and in the communities and businesses that have supported Lidl throughout our growth in Ireland,” said Robert Ryan, chief executive of Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland.
“This €420 million investment will strengthen our infrastructure across the region, create more than 500 permanent jobs and support thousands more during construction. The €306 million we are investing in Cork alone reflects the importance of the county to our future.”
Last year alone, Lidl said it procured €136 million-worth of produce from 120 Cork-based suppliers, including Keohane Seafoods, Castlecor Potatoes and Irish Yogurts.
Since entering the Irish market in 2000, the company has expanded to 192 stores, three distribution centres and more than 6,300 employees.
Tara O’Connor, regional managing director of Lidl Ireland, added: “For us in Cork, this investment is about turning long-term ambition into something very tangible for the region. Through our new €200 million distribution centre at Little Island, new and redeveloped stores, and 250 additional permanent jobs, we are building the infrastructure and teams that will support Lidl’s growth here for many years to come.
“Cork is already a hugely important part of our business and this next phase will allow us to serve more customers, create new career opportunities and deepen the roots we have built across the county.”
