By Business & Finance 
Topaz has opened its newest service station at Ballacolla, Co. Laois with the help of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan and former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey.
The Ballacolla store opening welcomes 65 new jobs to the area and an investment of €5.5m by Topaz at the site located at junction 3 on the M8 Dublin to Cork roadway. The job creation is assisted by Supermac’s who have opened a new family restaurant as well as a Papa John’s Pizza restaurant at the station.
The announcement follows the opening of another flagship Topaz store in Clonshaugh, Co. Dublin last week. Both sites will provide services to approximately 50,000 motorists using the two motorways each day, offering the highest quality fuel in the market, taking motorists up to 24km or 15 miles further on a tank of fuel compared to competitor standard fuel.
The Ballacolla site also features Re.Store, Topaz’s brand new retail concept, which is set to revolutionise perceptions of forecourt food. Re.Store customers can avail of the finest in barista-made coffee, a range of healthy, fresh, wholesome artisan foods and a selection of delicious treats as part of the Re.Store range.
The opening of Topaz Ballacolla, following the launch of Topaz Northern Cross last week, sees a continuation of Topaz’s ongoing investment and commitment to communities across Ireland, which will also see the Re.Store concept introduced to company-owned forecourts nationwide.
On hand to unveil the brand new store at Ballacolla was Kilkenny hurling legend DJ Carey who joined Portlaoise native and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan TD in cutting the ribbon.
Minister Flanagan commented: “The significant investment by Topaz in this site in Laois highlights the company’s commitment to the area. Topaz identified a strategic location for motorists driving northbound or southbound and the siting of the service station here emphasises Laois as an attractive hub for investment and services.
“Having launched the Regional Action Plan for Jobs this week, the Government is determined to ensure that the growth in the economy reaches areas like Ballacolla. The creation of 65 long term jobs here is extremely positive news for the local community.”
Speaking of the store opening, Paul Candon, Group marketing and services director with Topaz said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our flagship store at Ballacolla, Co. Laois. Being a 100% Irish owned company we are delighted to be able to bring 65 new jobs to the local area with the opening of this fantastic store. The opening follows the launch of Topaz Northern Cross last week and another addition to our Re.Store network, both new sites will help us to revolutionise the customer experience with the highest quality in artisan foods.”
