UK-based pub chain JD Wetherspoon is set to double the number of pubs in Ireland over the next 18 months, according to its founder Tim Martin.
Speaking to the Irish Times, Martin said the pubs in Ireland were performing strongly and while the company is still searching for potential sites due to high property prices, it is expecting to announce new openings soon.
“There might be a bit of a pause while we get planning permission and licensing together but we’re hoping to open another five or six pubs over the next 12 to 18 months,” said Martin.
The news comes as the chain announced a slight fall in pre-tax profits, despite an increase in underlying sales for the year. Profits for the years up to the end of July fell by 2 per cent to £77.8 million, which the group had predicted beforehand. Underlying sales, however, rose by 3.3 per cent.
Currently, there are five Wetherspoon pubs operating in Ireland, four in Dublin and The Linen Weaver in Cork, which opened earlier this week. The group has intentions to open as many as 30 pubs across the country.
