Almost 500 new jobs have been announced at three separate companies today. Convenience store chain Centra is to create some 400 positions as it opens 20 new outlets.
The stores will come on-stream across 2014. It comes after the the company recorded retail sales of €1.48 billion in 2013 - a 3.5% increase on the previous year's performance.
The brand also increased its overall market share, serving 3 million customers per week.
Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of Centra, said, "The increases recorded in sales and market share clearly demonstrate that consumers recognise the value, choice and quality offered by Centra. This performance was particularly driven by the Centra Own Brand range, in addition to new store openings and refurbishments".
Meanwhile 50 positions are being created by Zevas at its headquarters on the Monahan Road in Cork. 200 are already employed there.
The posts will be in sales, customer service, ancillary finance and human resources. Zevas provides call centre and business outsourcing services and was set up in 2003.
The company is seeking native English speakers with a third-level education and strong IT skills.
Clients of the firm include UPC, McDonald's Setanta Sports, O2 and Airtricity. Zevas has offices in Ireland, Spain and the US.
Meanwhile a pharmaceutical plant in Athlone is to create 40 new jobs with the opening of a vialling facility. Alexion recently bought two buildings on the Alkermes site which had been vacant for some time.
Alkermes is to invest approximately €20 million in the Athlone site over three years at its R&D and manufacturing facility.
Declan O'Connor, General Manager of Alkermes Athlone said "The business-friendly government, accommodating community, and outstanding team of people at the Athlone site provide tremendous support to Alkermes in Ireland".
"We look forward to enhancing our presence in Athlone, continuing to make a positive contribution in Ireland and are delighted to have been able to facilitate the entry of a new pharmaceutical company to the country" he added.
