The Irish discount chain Dealz is to open new outlets in Spain and Poland.

The firm, the sister business of UK-based company Poundland, has grown to over 100 stores.

Dealz, which launched in Ireland eight years ago, has also announced plans to open a further 10 shops in Ireland in 2020.

This will see a €10m investment into the Irish economy, and could create up to 250 jobs.

Speaking about the Irish expansion, managing director Barry Williams says: "We've firmly established Dealz in Ireland which has enabled us to take the brand to other European countries.

"But we'll never forget our roots here in the Republic - we are now looking to further grow for customers here too with 10 new stores over the next financial year.

"And as we grow, we'll also look to build our infrastructure here to support that growth."

Dealz opened its first stores in Blanchardstown and Portlaoise in 2011, and now has 66 stores nationwide.

The Dealz stores take their inspiration from Poundland, but adapt it for local markets.

The company says Spain and Poland are two large and growing markets "where customers are currently under-served by value retailers."

The firm is owned by Pepkor Europe, which also operates over 850 Poundland stores in the UK and more than 1,500 PEPCO shops in 11 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.