Tesco Ireland said it will spend €40 million over the coming year to open 10 additional outlets, expanding its network in the Republic to 193 stores. The plan will create 400 permanent positions, lifting the supermarket group’s workforce to more than 13,500 people. The roll-out will combine larger supermarkets with smaller Express branches. About 100 of the new roles will be at a store in Fermoy, County Cork, due to open at the end of July, with further sites planned in Dublin, Galway, Louth and Meath. Chief Executive Officer Geoff Byrne described the investment as a reaffirmation of Tesco’s commitment to Ireland, while Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said the announcement underscored confidence in the country’s retail sector and local economies.