Aldi has opened a new store in Tullamore, Co Offaly following an investment of €9.8m.
30 local jobs will be created with the opening, which brings the investment by Aldi in Offaly to €18.8m since its first store opening in 2000.
The store was officially opened by Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture Pippa Hacket, Tullamore Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran and store manager Yasmin Rourke.
Located on O'Connell Street in the town, the store is Aldi's third location in Offaly, second in Tullamore and 163rd in Ireland.
The retailer employs over 76 people across its three stores in Offaly, spending over €1.5m on wages annually. On top of this, last year ALDI spent an additional €23m with its Offaly food suppliers.
“We are delighted to unveil Aldi’s second store in Tullamore today. This new store will deliver 30 new local jobs and is testament to our ongoing commitment to providing value, choice and convenience to our Offaly customers," said Rourke.
“This new store comes at a key time when Irish consumers continue to face high costs of living. The new Aldi store in Tullamore will offer a wide range of fresh, high-quality Irish produce at excellent value.
"We strive to provide the best shopping experience, and the spacious, modern design of our new Tullamore store makes it easy for customers to find everything they need, supported by our committed and hardworking team.”
Senator Hacket said Aldi's investment in the region "can ultimately prove to be a significant investment in Irish farmers too.
"Aldi has a long tradition of supporting Irish farmers, with all Bord Bia Quality Assured fresh meat, poultry and egg products delivered to stores daily.
"I have also been heartened to learn that ALDI’s Irish supply base continues to grow with over 330 Irish suppliers now, including a growing number of fruit and vegetable producers with a strong commitment to organic produce.
"The new Tullamore store creates valuable local employment opportunities for Offaly, supporting the economic growth of the area with high-quality, well-paid jobs."
The 1,650 square metre store has wide aisles and high-specification fixtures and fittings in line with Aldi's Project Fresh as well as 91 car parking spaces, including nine for electric vehicles, and 22 bike parking spaces.
Additionally, the new Tullamore outlet has seven self-service checkouts. Existing staffed checkout lines will remain in operation alongside the new self-service tills. The store is powered by 100% green electricity.
Photo: (l-r) Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Store Manager, Yasmin Rourke and Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council Cllr. Tony McCormack at ALDI’s newly opened store in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. (Pic: Jeff Harvey)
