British DIY chain B&Q has stepped up its expansion in Ireland by confirming it will open two more stores in Cork and north Co Dublin in early 2005.
The company, which has stores in Liffey Valley and Tallaght in west Dublin, will create 300 jobs in the new stores, bringing its total workforce to 700 in the Republic.
Last year, B&Q unveiled plans to build eight stores across the country by 2007 that will employ up to 1,000 people when they are open.