Kilkenny jobs could be at risk as major company to shut 57 shops in UK and Ireland

Paddy Power, who operate multiple units in Kilkenny, is to shut 57 betting shops across Ireland and the UK - putting almost 250 workers at risk.

Parent firm Flutter, which also owns Betfair and Sky Bet, blamed the closures on “increasing cost pressures and challenging market conditions”.

READ NEXT: "A massive explosion" - Kilkenny gangs likely to create more fear this Halloween

It told staff on Wednesday that it will shut 29 UK shops, including one in Northern Ireland, and 28 in the Republic of Ireland.

It will shut the sites within the next month following a review of its high street store estate.

The company said 247 workers will be at risk of redundancy as a result.

Staff affected by the plans will “be offered redeployment opportunities where possible, however, the closures will unfortunately lead to a number of job losses”, the firm said.

NOMINATE! What Kilkenny person would you back to be the next President of Ireland?

A Flutter UK and Ireland spokesman said: “We are continually reviewing our high street estate, but it remains a key part of our offer to customers, and we are seeking to innovate and invest where we can as we adapt to different customer trends and needs.”

The company said the decision was not directly due to tax pressures but urged the UK Government to steer away from extra measures on the sector.

FOR MORE KILKENNY NEWS, CLICK HERE

William Hill owner Evoke said earlier this week that it is considering “further shop closures” if it is impacted by further tax increases in the UK.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE