Centra Aiming To Create 500 New Jobs

This morning's business news also includes the number of people set to receive a Double Lump Sum Social Welfare Payment this week.

Centra is planning to create 500 new jobs this year.

The retailer wants to open 20 new stores, and renovate 40 existing ones.

It should bring the total number of branches above 500 for the first time.

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1.3 million people will get a Double Lump Sum Welfare Payment this week.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphries says it'll be issued to pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, low income families and single parents.

Its on top of a €12 a week increase in social welfare payments.

The sum will be paid on the same basis as the Christmas Bonus.

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Ryanair bosses say they hope they won't have to buy any more homes.

The airline has purchased 25 newly-built houses in Swords, to rent out to staff at Dublin Airport.

It says the absence of affordable accommodation in recent years has affected its ability to hire and train new staff.

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Looking at today's Currency Markets, one euro buys you £0.85 and $1.08
While the ISEQ Index of Irish Shares is at 9,011, down 0.61% since the opening.

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