Home improvement giant B&Q has recently launched its latest store in Waterford, marking the second of three store openings in Ireland since 2008.

The new B&Q store is situated at the Ardkeen Retail Park on Farronshoneen, Outer Ring Road in Waterford city. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by store manager Gary Roche, Yvonne Hale, and the new B&Q team.

B&Q Waterford officially opened its doors on Thursday, May 29, at Ardkeen Retail Park, Farronshoneen, Outer Ring Road, Waterford city (X91 W1WD). The store operates from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

This new store launch follows B&Q's recent acquisition of three former Homebase stores earlier this year, all of which were slated to open during the month of May.

The new B&Q Waterford store has brought on board 37 employees, with 16 of them being former Homebase staff. Spanning 30,000 square feet, the store, located at Ardkeen Retail Park, the former site of Homebase, has been revamped and rebranded with B&Q's signature products and aesthetics.

Customers can expect a wide range of home improvement essentials, as well as a dedicated TradePoint counter designed to cater to the requirements of local trade professionals.

• Over 13,000 essential home improvement products
• Dedicated timber cutting service
• Popular Valspar paint mixing service
• Garden center offering outdoor plants, gardening equipment, and one-hour click-and-collect service

The store's grand opening was marked by live music from the Celtic Drummers, and first customers were treated to surprises and activities, including a free plant and gift card, a visit from the Dulux dog, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by Yvonne Hale, who inaugurated the former Homebase store two decades ago.

John Eason, B&Q retail director for Ireland and north UK, graced the opening event and expressed his excitement, stating, "It was another exciting opening in Waterford, the second of three new B&Q stores to open across Ireland. I'm really proud of the efforts of all the teams involved in opening the new store which have been converted to the B&Q brand at a quick pace."

He added, "It's a great opportunity for us to bring our B&Q and TradePoint offer to more of our customers across Ireland. Store manager Gary Roche and his team are looking forward to welcoming customers into the store."