Carraig Donn announces new jobs and further expansion

Carraig Donn announces new jobs and further expansion


Áine Ryan

WESTPORT company Carraig Donn is to create 100 new jobs over the next two years in its ongoing expansion programme. Some of the jobs will be created in Westport, at the company’s manufacturing plant.
The announcement was made on Wednesday last when An Taoiseach Enda Kenny formally opened the chain’s expanded flagship store in the Jervis Shopping Centre, Dublin.
Speaking about the jobs announcement, Mr Kenny said: “I am delighted to welcome 100 new jobs being created by this Irish success story. This follows on from Carraig Donn’s expansion two years ago with the creation of 150 jobs. This is a great example of how an indigenous business can succeed and thrive in the highly competitive retail market.”
“I wish the company continued success and can promise that the Government will continue to promote pro-business policies so that we can build further on the 1,200 jobs being created each week,” he continued.
Carraig Donn’s expansion means it is now one of the country’s leading retailers of fashion, accessories, giftware and jewellery.
The company’s managing director, Pat Hughes, said: “At a juncture where many leading Irish retailers face significant challenges, it is gratifying to see trading at Carraig Donn go from strength to strength. In 2011, the group announced the creation of 150 new jobs, which has now been completed with the addition of another prestigious address — the Jervis Shopping Centre — to our network of 32 nationwide shops in Ireland.”
He continued: “The group will continue its planned expansion programme in 2014 and 2015 where a further 100 new jobs will be created. We continue to focus on improving standards and realigning the cost base of the Company – a strategy, which has provided Carraig Donn with the necessary competitive edge in recessionary times.”  
Established in 1965, Carraig Donn, which is owned by brothers Vincent and Pat Hughes, now employs over 450 staff nationwide and had a turnover in 2012 in excess of €30 million. Other recent new store openings include Thurles, Drogheda, Santry, Tallaght, and Portlaoise.