The company was placed under court protection two weeks ago.

B&Q Ireland's problems are all too familiar -high rents and a 32% revenue decline in the last 4 years.

The home improvement chain has been left insolvent. It owes UK parent company Kingfisher more than €17 million.

It's hoped slashing the €11.6 million rental bill and closing 2 of the 9 stores in Athlone and Waterford –will be sufficient to save the business.

92 staff work in those 2 stores –overall the company employs 690 people on a full time and part time basis.

Declan McDonald of Pricewaterhouse Coopers was appointed interim examiner last month.

Today the High Court will be asked to extend its protection against creditors for 70 days.

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