Updated 11.20

Marks & Spencer has announced its axing 180 jobs across 4 stores, even as it creates 250 new roles.

The UK retailer says its carrying out a strategic review of its Irish stores, which employ 2,800 workforce.

Affected shops in Mullingar, Co Westmeath; Tallaght, Dublin; Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin and Naas, Co Kildare are to close in the coming weeks. 

Management confirmed the news to staff this morning and the company says it is engaging with Mandate and SIPTU unions.

The stores that have been slated for closure didn't open this morning, as managers gave staff the news. The company says those shops will remain closed for the day. It is intended that the stores will re-open tomorrow, trading until Saturday 17 August.

M&S operates 20 stores in Ireland - 16 will now be left in business, until the 17th store in Limerick opens.

New jobs

The new jobs are all for a proposed store in Limerick the company hopes to open in 2016.

Limerick's new 72,000 sq ft flagship store will be the anchor tenant at the proposed new Horizon Mall (formerly Parkway Valley), that is still subject to planning permission.

Fully committed

Jonathan Glenister, Head of M&S Ireland said, "M&S remains fully committed to its Irish business. We have traded here for the last 35 years, employ around 2,800 people and have extraordinarily loyal Irish customers, but the last few years have been very challenging. During this time our Republic of Ireland business has been under continuous review and we have made savings and found efficiencies wherever possible.

"However, the retail sector outlook has not improved and we have to act now to protect the long term good of the company. We have carried out a strategic store review and it is with regret that we are now closing four unprofitable stores.

"Our first duty is to our affected store teams and we have spoken to them directly today. We will now do all that we can to help them through the coming weeks and support them with their future employment needs. We are now closely engaging with our Union Officials from Mandate and SIPTU on all matters arising.

Dole queues in Ireland remain stubbornly long

"Despite taking this difficult business decision, we are very proud of our Irish business and will continue to invest in it for the future. We hope that the news of a new flagship store for Limerick and an investment in our remaining estate will be welcomed by our customers and seen as a confirmation of our commitment to the Republic of Ireland."

Christmas shoppers at M&S's Grafton St. store

Strategic review

In line with its plans to refresh and modernise its stores, M&S will also be updating a number of existing stores in the Republic of Ireland.

M&S has also announced the repositioning of the Grafton St. store to make it a regional centre, within 12 months. The company says the newly-refurbished store will be a showcase for 'the latest in M&S thinking across store format, products and services.'

Following today’s announcement, M&S will have 16 full offer stores and one Simply Food store in the Republic of Ireland.