Kildare Village expansion get green light

UP to 500 new jobs are on the cards after planning permission was granted for an expansion of the Kildare Village designer outlets complex.

The prospect of 380 permanent jobs, as well as 120 construction jobs, was welcomed warmly in the region and comes in the wake of 120 posts following the re-opening of some of the HMV stores next month.

The news of the Kildare Village go-ahead will give a much-needed boost to the retail sector after recent announcements of 280 job losses at Marks & Spencer and Superquinn.

An Bord Pleanala granted planning permission for the expansion of Kildare Village – which already employs 550 people in more than 60 boutiques outside Kildare town.

The €50m expansion will enable Kildare Village to increase the number of retail units by 36.

Maria McGovern, Director of Kildare Village, said: “The new development will generate significant employment opportunities.”

She added: “The international investment in the region will give the necessary critical mass to enhance the overall experience of Kildare Village, making it an even more attractive shopping destination for national and international tourist visitors to the town and surrounding areas”.