Iceland to bring up to 70 new jobs to Fermoy and B’collig

FERMOY and Ballincollig are set for a welcome jobs boost following the announcement that frozen food retailer Iceland is set to open up stores in both towns.

The UK-based company, which currently has just one store in Cork situated in Midleton, is also set to open an outlet in Douglas as part of a major expansion plan that will see them open nine new stores across the country this year generating 270 new jobs.

The expansion plan, which the company said would cost in the region of €12 million, will bring to 21 the number of Iceland stores across the country.

The Douglas store is set to open its doors in June and while no opening date has yet been set for the other two new Cork stores, a spokesperson for the company said it would not be before the end of the summer.

The Fermoy outlet will be located at Units 1-3 in the Blackwater Shopping Centre on the Dublin Road, with the Ballincollig store situated at Unit 2 in the Eastgate Retail Park.

While the company has yet to announced details relating to the size of the two stores, it is understood that each will employ between 30 – 35 staff.

The other new stores will be in Limerick, Shannon, Gorey, Galway, Letterkenny and Tallaght.

The MD of Iceland’s Irish operation, Ron Metcalfe, said the company has been committed to expansion since returning to the country in 2013.

“This new investment will mean that 2017 will be our biggest year yet,” set Mr Metcalfe.

“We are looking forward to bringing great value and a brand customers can trust to more locations and welcoming new team members into the Iceland family,” he added.