The US mid-range fashion house Gap boosted sales at its four Irish outlets by a fifth to almost €12 million in the year to the end of January. The chain, which operates outlets at Dundrum, Blanchardstown, Cork and in Arnott's in Dublin's Henry Street, almost doubled its pretax profits to €1.45 million, according to its accounts. The strong performance at Gap's Irish operation allowed the company to pay a €5 million dividend to its parent in September. Gap says it is will continue to "look for opportunities" to boost its market share here, indicating that it may open further Irish stores.