Shopping centre's €250m expansion 'to create 6,000 jobs'

Developers and investors today vowed to create about 6,000 jobs in a massive regeneration of The Square at Tallaght.

The €250m expansion will see the south Dublin shopping centre almost double in size with new international high street names and a cinema added.

Some 800 apartments and homes are also planned with construction about to begin.

Centre director Eamonn Furlong said those backing the project were now in a position to make sure it goes ahead.

"It was people power that led to The Square being built in the first place, and it is people power that will ensure this regeneration happens," he said.

The plan has hit a few stumbling blocks as developers attempted to secure support from a number of different licence holders who hold rights to car parks.

The expansion will take over this land and it is understood South Dublin County Council are prepared to step in and force the licensees to back the plan if the disputes are not resolved.

The development team have said they are confident a deal can be struck.

The expansion is part of wider investment in the area which includes office space, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and bars.

Retailer Penney's has also committed to open a flagship store at the new centre.

Two thousand construction jobs are expected to be created with developers claiming it will be the single biggest private construction project in Ireland.

Developers said the finished centre will employ 4,000 people on top of the 4,500 already working at The Square.

Mr Furlong said: "This is the most exciting project to happen in Tallaght for a generation.

"When The Square opened in 1990 it was the catalyst for all of the great modern developments that have happened in the area, from the hospital and Institute of Technology to the new Shamrock Rovers stadium.

"It is the true town centre for Tallaght and the regeneration will lead to a host of new amenities for the community, as well as better value and choice for local shoppers."

The expansion is being run by Alburn, whose chairman is solicitor and property developer Noel Smyth, former chief executive of Dunloe Ewart.

Penneys chairman Arthur Ryan said the company has been looking to locate in Tallaght for 20 years.

"We know the community wants us here. The Square is the town centre and the right place for us to open," Mr Ryan said.

"This will be one of the largest stores in Ireland and a real flagship outlet for Penneys. The regeneration programme is timely, extremely exciting and we look forward to its success."