Wetherspoon's secures first pub in Ireland

25-Nov-2013 - Last updated on 25-Nov-2013 at 09:38 GMT

Tim Martin: 'Our aim is to invest up to 50 million euros in the Republic of Ireland over the next five to 10 years'

JD Wetherspoon, the managed operator, has exchanged contracts to purchase its first pub in the Republic of Ireland and says it plans to open between 10 and 20 in the country over the next five to 10 years.

It has purchased the Tonic Bar in Temple Road, Carydfort Avenue, Blackrock. The company expects to complete the deal in the next 10 days.

Wetherspoon is to invest 1.5 million euros developing the site, making a total investment of three million euros, including the purchase.

At present there are no on site or opening dates, however, Wetherspoon aims to have the new-look pub open by April 2014.

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: “I am delighted that we have secured our first site in the Republic of Ireland and am looking forward to opening our first pub there in the near future.

“Our aim is to invest up to 50 million euros in the Republic of Ireland over the next five to 10 years, opening between 10 and 20 pubs.

“Each pub will create approximately 50 jobs.”