Peri-Peri Chicken chain Nando’s has announced the creation of 100 jobs with the opening of two restaurants in Blanchardstown and Liffey Valley in Dublin, as part of an expansion plan that will see the firm double in size in five years.

The chain, with nine outlets in Cork, Belfast, and Dublin, now employs 380 people across Ireland.

Nando’s Ireland managing director Alan Snyman said the creation of 100 jobs shows the firm’s commitment to the country.

"The addition of 100 new full-and part-time jobs demonstrates our commitment to Ireland and represents good news for Nando’s and the local communities we serve."

Mr Snyman said that ultimately he would like to see Nando’s operating 20 restaurants in Ireland by the end of 2017.

The company has been operating in Ireland since 2008, when the first restaurant was opened on Belfast’s Victoria Sq the chain has seen rapid expansion since then. Key to expansion has been selecting the correct sites and recruiting quality staff.

The company has followed a plan of identifying sites with large footfall, often in shopping centres, such as Mahon Point in Cork and its two new stores in Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown.