Up to 150 positions will be based in DPD’s headquarters in Athlone, with another 550 roles for drivers and operational personnel based around 36 regional depots across the country.
DPD Ireland is also investing €2.5 million in its operations this year, with €1 million being spent on automation and routing systems in its central hub in Athlone and a further €1 million being spent on driver scanner technology to support the anticipated increase in parcel deliveries this Christmas.
The company has already invested €500,000 doubling the size of its depots in Cork, Kildare and Meath, with two more facilities opening in Dublin this month.
This investment from DPD Ireland which will create 700 jobs nationwide is a fantastic boost to the country.
Speaking from Government buildings, Mr Varadkar said: “This investment from DPD Ireland which will create 700 jobs nationwide is a fantastic boost to the country.
“Depots in Cork, Kildare and Meath have already doubled in size this year, attesting to the massive increase in online shopping we’ve seen during the pandemic.
“Athlone is the ideal location for the expansion to DPD Ireland’s facility due to its skilled workforce and high connectivity to the whole country. I wish DPD Ireland the very best of luck with this latest development.”
The additional roles provide a glimmer of light against the bleak backdrop of the Coronavirus crisis, and we hope the expansion of our business will help boost the economy as a whole.
DPD Ireland chief executive Des Travers said the company was actively recruiting for the jobs and said it had experienced a “phenomenal” increase in demand due to Covid-19.
“Our services have played an important role in these unprecedented times, with consumers ordering more online due to coronavirus concerns. The new jobs will increase our workforce to almost 2000, enabling us to continue to meet customer demand,” he said.
“The additional roles provide a glimmer of light against the bleak backdrop of the Coronavirus crisis, and we hope the expansion of our business will help boost the economy as a whole.”
The new jobs are in addition to 100 new driver roles announced in April of this year amid a surge in demand due to the pandemic.
