ALDI Ireland has announced a dedicated West of Ireland expansion programme which will see the company invest over €63 million and create 140 new full-time jobs and 350 construction jobs across Connacht over the next two years.
This €63 million investment which underlines ALDI’s commitment to the region, will see new ALDI stores in Ballina, Tuam, Mountbellew, Athenry, Ballyhaunis, Monivea Rd Galway along with store upgrades in Portumna, Clifden, Galway Retail Park and Ballinasloe, some of which are already complete.
The €63 million expansion will see the creation of 490 new jobs, comprising 140 full-time roles in ALDI and 350 indirect construction jobs.
Making the announcement, Niall O’Connor, ALDI Group Managing Director said: “ALDI’s commitment to further embedding and expanding our value offering has never been more relevant and remains our key business priority. The cost-of-living crisis is impacting every household and we are very aware what it means for our customers. ALDI has always prioritised value as we know that the weekly shop is among the largest outlays in every household budget. Being able to offer our customers the best value at locations most convenient to them matters more than ever.
“We are investing in our network of stores and the communities we operate in across the West, creating jobs and doubling-down on our commitment to providing access to the best value groceries in Ireland right across the region. Within two years, today’s announcement will bring an additional six stores and 140 new permanent roles in the area.”
“I’m particularly delighted to welcome the opening of ALDI Ireland’s new store in Ballina today. This €10m new store, and the 30 new jobs it creates, will help deliver value to the people of Ballina and County Mayo.
“At ALDI, we are proud to support local suppliers, local communities and local employment, whether through our Grow with ALDI programme, our Community Grants initiative or our support of charity partners Barnados and FoodCloud. We are delighted to be creating over 140 new jobs in the region, which undermines our commitment to the west of Ireland.”
ALDI Ireland made the announcement at the official opening of its Ballina store, the company’s fifth in Co. Mayo. The company signalled that its Tuam store will open later this month, with store openings in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo and Athenry, Co. Galway following in the first half of next year. Recruitment for positions across these stores will begin in early 2023.
Commenting on the business trading backdrop, Mr O’Connor said: “ALDI Ireland is not immune to the current realities of doing business in an inflationary period and we appreciate that the same is true for our strong network of local suppliers. There is an increasing understanding of the importance of value and the necessity to manage this period as best we can. Notwithstanding the challenges, we are steadfast in our belief that continued investment in our value offering and our store network is key. Working alongside our expanding local supplier network, we will continue to work hard, mindful of the challenges facing our customers and supporting them in weathering this storm.”
Welcoming the investment, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said: “This €63 million investment by ALDI in the West of Ireland and the 490 direct and indirect jobs it will create is fantastic news for the people of Connacht. Within the next two years, it will see ALDI employ an additional 140 people through investing in its store footprint across the region. The government is committed to supporting job creation and giving people career development opportunities in counties and communities of their choice. The weekly shop matters to household budgeting, particularly at this time. ALDI’s continued expansion is also a welcome development for those local suppliers the retailer works with. I am pleased to support ALDI’s continued commitment to customers, staff and suppliers which is an important driver of economic activity right across Ireland.”
ALDI is currently awaiting decisions from An Bord Pleanála regarding planning applications for stores in Mountbellew Co. Galway and Monivea Road, Galway City.
