Lidl marks 25 years with 100 jobs created in Wicklow
The figures were revealed in Lidl Ireland's 'Economic Contribution of Lidl in the Republic of Ireland' report, commemorating 25 years of operating in the country.
Conducted by Oxford Economics, the report demonstrates Lidl Ireland's economic and social footprint since first opening its doors in Ireland in 2000. The report highlights Lidl's direct financial contribution to the Irish economy, its wider impact on employment and Irish suppliers, and underscores Lidl's positive role in communities across the country, delivering meaningful social impact through its support for charities like Family Carers Ireland and championing gender equality in sport with the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association.
It also reveals that in 2024, Lidl Ireland contributed €997m to Irish GDP, with a combined €155m economic boost across Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, which the retailer said 'reflects the significant value Lidl creates for Ireland through its retail activities, supply chain and employment".
Of this, €891m came from Lidl's Irish store-based activity across its network of 186 stores, representing considerable growth of 39pc over the last five years. Lidl's sourcing from Irish suppliers for direct export to its international markets generated an additional €107m to Irish GDP.
In 2024, Lidl's total Irish operations led to tax revenues of €329m being contributed to the Exchequer.
Since Lidl Ireland first opened its doors in 2000, it has grown to become one of Ireland's largest retailers and now welcomes more than 1.5 million shoppers through its doors every week.
In 2024, Lidl employed 5,529 people directly through its network of more than 180 stores, three regional distribution centres and centralised operations in the Republic of Ireland. Since 2019, the company's direct employment in Ireland grew by a quarter (24pc), with every region seeing gains.
In 2024, Lidl employed more than 100 people in Wicklow directly through its network of five stores in the county.
Welcoming the findings of the report, Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, commented: 'I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lidl on 25 successful years in Ireland. Their growth story has been truly remarkable – from a new entrant disrupting the Irish retail market to becoming a household name rooted in communities across the country.
"Their support for the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association and their emergence as one of Ireland's most desirable employers reflects a deep and lasting commitment to Ireland, our economy and our people. A €997m contribution to the Irish economy in 2024 alone speaks volumes about the scale of their impact. We are proud to have Lidl as part of Ireland's business landscape, and I look forward to their continued success in the years to come.'
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