At least 40 new jobs are to be created in Limerick with the opening of a new Wickes DIY and Home Improvement store on the Ballysimon Road just outside the city.
The Irish company Moritz Trading has signed a franchise agreement with the UK retailer and plans to open a chain of 15 Wickes stores throughout the country.
The new stores are expected to create 450 new jobs over the next five years.
Sean Moran, managing director of Moritz, said that the company hopes to open two stores this year and that recruitment for the Limerick store has begun.
"The development of the Wickes brand in Ireland is an integral part of our overall business strategy," Mr Moran added.
