Lidl Ireland is set to invest more than €75m in an extension of its regional distribution centre in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Lidl also plans to open six new stores, carry out seven rebuilds of existing stores, and is embarking on the €75 million expansion project on its Mullingar regional distribution centre. The new development at Robinstown will increase the facility’s capacity to 62,000 sq m and will be one of the largest buildings in the country on completion. The extension will be built by main contractor John Sisk & Son and will support at least 1,200 construction jobs with local contractors throughout the development phase.

Lidl said the extended facility will be partly powered by solar panels, providing enough energy to meet around a quarter of the facility’s energy requirements. Building on the retailer’s sustainable building credentials, the project incorporates 25,000 sqm of new cold rooms cooled by natural refrigerants, a modern refrigeration heat recovery system providing heating to the warehouse, and a pollinator-friendly area with wildflower planting to promote local biodiversity.

“We are very pleased to welcome our contractors on site as we start to redevelop our facility, ensuring we are investing in a sustainable future for our customers, our colleagues and the communities we serve,” said JP Scally, CEO of Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland.

Lidl currently employs almost 400 people in Mullingar across two stores and its distribution centre. It has committed to further support local Mullingar businesses and community groups by offering €15,000 worth of bursaries to those “that align with the retailer’s ethos”.