DIY giant Screwfix has opened three stores in the Republic - and eventually plans to create 400 jobs here.
The British company wants to cash in on the building and renovation boom with a big expansion plan.
The firm want to open 40 stores here – with the potential for 400 jobs.
The three new shops are in Sandyford and Swords in Dublin and a third in Waterford.
Another store will open in Ennis, Co Clare, early in the New Year.
Chief John Mewett said: “The creation of bricks and mortar stores in Ireland is a major milestone and a direct result of increasing demand.”
Screwfix is part of home improvement giant Kingfisher PLC, which also owns B&Q and, in France, Castorama and Brico Depot.
The brand is already familiar to Irish tradespeople and home renovators through online operation, Screwfix.ie.
Another 24,000 online products online will be available for quick collection in-store.
Jobs will include roles as retail managers, service assistants and supervisors.
Separately, tech company Softcat announced that it has created 18 jobs at its Irish headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
They expect to double their workforce here in the next two years.
Softcat is the largest technology reseller in the UK.
The from supplies IT infrastructure products and services including cyber security, hybrid cloud and digital workspace.
Ireland manager Charles Harman said: “The past 12 months have been a huge success for Softcat in the Irish market.
“Ireland is a very attractive location for investment. As well as business prospects, Ireland also offers a great recruitment opportunity with a highly skilled workforce.”
