High-street pharmaceutical giant Boots is to open at least five new stores in Ireland this year, according to a newspaper report.

The expansion will help create more than 150 jobs, says the Irish Independent.

Building workers will also benefit as new shops are constructed and fitted out.

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"We have got firm plans at the moment for five new pharmacies to open in the summer," said Rhys Iley, Director of Boots Ireland.

"We have further plans for more stores as we go into the autumn and early part of next year."

The locations of the new stores have yet to be confirmed, but according to the article Mr Iley said the company was looking at areas in counties Donegal, Mayo, Limerick and Dublin.

Boots Ireland employs around 1,800 people in 55 stores across the country.

(NS/GK)