There's Hope For The Celtic Tiger Yet!

With unemployment rates at 13.2%, retail giant Tesco have made plans to create 748 jobs in Ireland with the creation of 7 new stores, they announced on Wednesday.

An existing store will also be redeveloped under the plans.

The overall investment which totals €113m is set to be implemented over the next 12 months.

The stores will open in Kinnegrad, Co. Westmeath, creating 80 jobs; in Oranmore, Co. Galway providing 110 jobs; Swinford, Co. Mayo, with 90 jobs, and in Ballybeg, Co. Waterford with a staff of 110.

Soon to be opened is Thomas St, central Dublin, where 16 jobs will be created, with the same number in Kimmage, Co. Dublin. The largest boost will happen in Naas, Co. Kildare, which will employ a staff of 266.

With unemployment rates at 13.2%, according to a Labour Force Survey, Chief Executive of Tesco Ireland, Tony Keohane, explained that it represents a "significant boosts in local employment at a time when Ireland needs to get people into work."

On Thursday, another 420 jobs were given the go-ahead as an American health insurance firm created 200 jobs in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, adding to the news that 140 posts were to be granted by the Government-owned Exemplar Network, and PFH technology firm would provide 80 jobs in Cork and Dublin.

Similar opportunities will be invested in Northern Ireland as Poundland, the discount chain that sells household goods, beauty products, food and drink, has created 140 jobs with branches opening in Enniskillen, Dungannon, Newry and Bangor.

Like its southern counterpart, that news will be welcomed with open arms as statistics from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment show that as many as 14,000 jobs could be facing the axe.