Lidl Ireland has opened a new Cork store at the landmark Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre, with the creation of 20 permanent jobs.

Cork businesswoman and social media influencer Lisa Jordan performed the ribbon-cutting at the store, with the first 10 early-bird shoppers awarded complimentary Lidl gift vouchers.

The store is the 23rd Lidl outlet in Cork, and represents an investment of €4.5m in the local community.

Representatives of Cork City Missing Persons Search & Recovery were in attendance to receive a donation of €1,000 in Lidl vouchers from the store team. The store, spanning 1,530sq m, features 16 tills, of which 14 are self-service, plus an in-store bakery and an off-licence.

Regional managing director for Munster at Lidl Ireland, Tara O’Connor, said the company is “thrilled to breathe new life into this prominent commercial space”.

“This second city-centre location reflects our continued commitment and investment in our Cork city store network,” said Ms O’Connor.