Lidl invests over €5 million in Carlow as it marks 25 years in Ireland

Lidl Ireland has revealed it bought over €5 million worth of goods and services from nine suppliers and business partners across County Carlow in 2024 alone, as the German discount retailer celebrates 25 years of operations in Ireland.

The significant local investment forms part of a broader €62 million economic boost delivered across the south east region, including counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, according to a new economic impact report conducted by Oxford Economics.

The retailer directly employs more than 50 people in County Carlow through its network of three stores in the county, contributing to local employment in an area where job opportunities can be limited outside urban centres.

Since opening its first Irish stores in 2000, Lidl has grown to become one of Ireland’s largest retailers, capturing 13.8% of the Irish grocery market and pulling in more than 1.5 million shoppers weekly across its 186-store network.

The company’s national impact has been substantial, contributing €997 million to Irish GDP in 2024 alone and supporting approximately 10,240 jobs across the Irish economy when supply chain and consumer spending effects are considered.

Lidl’s focus on Irish suppliers has increased recently, with the retailer spending €1.3 billion with its network of 400 Irish suppliers in 2024 – representing a 70% increase over the past five years.

The retailer also became the first nationwide company to commit to paying the living wage in 2015. Since 2022, Lidl has invested more than €47 million in pay increases for employees across Ireland, delivering an approximate cumulative increase of 23.5%.

Looking ahead, Lidl says it has committed to investing a further €600 million over the next five years, including the development of up to 35 new stores and a €200 million regional distribution centre in Cork.