Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for the proposed phase two development at Kildare Village retail outlet on the outskirts of Kildare town. The expansion of Kildare Village will result in the creation of 380 retail jobs and 120 jobs during the construction phase.

Mr Heydon said: "I am delighted that Kildare Village has been given the go ahead by An Bord Pleanála to expand further. This proposed €50 million inward investment will provide 380 new jobs as well as a significant boost to the local economy. Furthermore the construction of this development will create 120 construction jobs. The expansion of Kildare Village will ensure the continued employment of 629 current jobs in the existing phase one.

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"Kildare Village makes a huge contribution to the local economy. Eighty per cent of the visitors to Kildare Village come from outside county Kildare and 15% are tourists. These visitors are new customers to the county and a real boost for the local area.

"Overall, this project will boost tourism not only in Kildare but also nationally. Kildare Village works closely with Tourism Ireland internationally and with Fáilte Ireland in promoting domestic tourism. Tourism marketing by the Chic Outlet Shopping group, of which the Village is part, reached in excess of 900 million people worldwide in 2012."

(CD/IT)