Department store Debenhams is set to expand on its Irish base by opening two new stores in Carlow and Sligo after saying they believe the high street is 'alive and well'.

This move comes as part of a massive expansion for the department store which plans to modernise a further 25 stores and open nine new outlets over the next four years.

The new stores and expansions will help boost the Irish construction sector and supply some jobs to those in fit-out trades.

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The nine new stores, including Sligo and Carlow, will open between 2012 and 2015. Other new shops are planned for Chesterfield, Burton upon Trent, Darlington, Bradford, Hereford, Barnsley and Macclesfield.

Mr Sharp, who took over as Chief Executive of Debenhams last month, said: "This is a strong signal that the high street is alive and well and we are backing it 100%".

"It also shows a very real commitment to our clear focus on growing our retail business."

The chain has already modernised 14 stores across the country since spring last year.

Debenhams operates 163 stores in the UK and Ireland and eventually hopes to boost its UK store portfolio to 240.

(LB/BMcC)