Lidl invests €75m in Mullingar Distribution Centre extension

Lidl Ireland is investing more than €75 million in an extension of its regional distribution centre in Mullingar.

The company said the extension will support at least 1,200 construction jobs with local contractors throughout the development phase.

The development at Robinstown will increase capacity to c. 62,000 sq.m and will be one of the largest buildings in the country on completion.

It will include Lidl’s biggest solar array in the country, providing enough energy to meet approximately 25% 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.

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

Community engagement and support during the pandemic as well as actively working toward a sustainable future are a requirement for those applying. Details of the bursary and how to enter are available here: www.lidl.ie/moreformullingar.

Speaking about the announcement, JP Scally, CEO, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with the community in Mullingar and we want to continue to support them as we look to getting our economy back on track after what has been an incredibly difficult period for Irish businesses.

“The extension of our regional distribution centre will support those working in the construction sector, a sector that has faced many challenges these past months.

“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.”

Minister Peter Burke welcomes the announcement, saying it is a huge vote of confidence for Mullingar and the midlands.

Following the announcement of more than 1,200 new jobs earlier this year, the ‘Top Employer 2021’ certified retailer currently employs more than 5,000 people across its operations in Ireland, including its network of 168 stores, Dublin Head Office and 3 Regional Distribution Centres.