Retailer Marks & Spencer is to close four shops in the Republic with the loss of 180 jobs.
The outlets that will close are M&S Mullingar, Co Westmeath; M&S Tallaght, Dublin 24; M&S Simply Food, Dún Laoghaire and M&S Simply Food Naas, Co Kildare.
M&S is the latest high-profile franchise to curtail its presence here on the back of a fall-off in retail.
The company said the move to close the shops followed a strategic review of its Irish network.
The retailer also announced it would end operations at its Mallusk distribution centre in Co Antrim at the beginning of next year, with the possible loss of a further 144 jobs.
On the upside, M&S announced plans for a new flagship shop in Limerick which would open by 2016, creating up to 250 new jobs.
The British retailer has toyed with several possible locations in Limerick in the past, including the Opera Centre and the rejected Crescent extension.
The new Limerick outlet will anchor the proposed new Horizon Mall (formerly Parkway Valley), which is subject to planning permission.
Head of M&S Ireland Jonathan Glenister said M&S remained fully committed to its Irish business.
“We have traded here for the last 35 years, employ around 2,800 people and have extraordinarily loyal Irish customers, but the last few years have been very challenging.”
“During this time our Republic of Ireland business has been under continuous review and we have made savings and found efficiencies wherever possible.”
“However, the retail sector outlook has not improved and we have to act now to protect the long term good of the company.
“We have carried out a strategic store review and it is with regret that we are now closing four unprofitable stores,” Mr Glenister said.
The company has briefed the affected staff and pledged to do all it can help them through the coming weeks and support them with their future employment needs.
It also said it was “closely engaging” with union officials from Mandate and Siptu on all matters arising from the proposed redundancies.
Over the coming year, M&S said it would invest in its existing Irish portfolio, including a repositioning of the Grafton Street store as an M&S regional centre.
