Applegreen Creates 150 Jobs at New €15 Million Naas EV Hub as M7 Service Area Opens
Applegreen is creating 150 new jobs at a new €15 million roadside service area and electric vehicle hub at Junction 9 on the M7 in Naas, County Kildare, as part of a broader €1 billion investment strategy that is transforming the company's network of service areas across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Background
Applegreen is one of Ireland's most recognisable roadside retail brands, operating a network of service areas and forecourts across the island of Ireland and in the United Kingdom and United States. The company, which is headquartered in Dublin, has been on an ambitious expansion trajectory in recent years, investing heavily in upgrading its existing sites and developing new facilities that reflect the changing needs of motorists — including, increasingly, the growing number of electric vehicle drivers who require fast-charging infrastructure on long-distance journeys.
The Naas development is the second major service area opened by Applegreen in Ireland within a twelve-month period, following the opening of a similar €15 million site at Junction 6 on the M3 in Dunshaughlin, County Meath, in September 2025. The two developments represent a combined investment of €30 million in Irish roadside infrastructure and reflect the company's confidence in the long-term growth of the Irish motorway service area market.
The location at Junction 9 on the M7 — known locally as the "Naas Ball" — is one of the busiest motorway junctions in Ireland, serving traffic on the main Dublin-Limerick and Dublin-Cork routes. The site's strategic position makes it an ideal location for a major service area, and the development is expected to attract significant footfall from both commuters and long-distance travellers.
Key Developments
The new Naas service area will feature eight "Applegreen Fast Charge" ultra-fast chargers providing a total of sixteen charging points — one of the largest EV charging installations at any Irish roadside service area. The facility will also include an Applegreen forecourt and convenience store, an M&S Food outlet, a Crafted Kitchen and Deli, and a dedicated truck stop for HGV fuelling and a car wash.
Among the most notable features of the new site is the inclusion of Popeyes and Taco Bell restaurants, with the Popeyes outlet set to be the first drive-thru operated by the brand in the Republic of Ireland. A second drive-thru outlet is scheduled to open at the site later in the winter, further expanding the food offering available to motorists.
Seamus Stapleton, Managing Director of Applegreen's Republic of Ireland business, confirmed that recruitment for the 150 positions is already underway. "This is a significant investment in Naas and in County Kildare, and we're delighted to be creating 150 quality jobs in the area," he said. "The facility will offer motorists a world-class service area experience, with the best food brands, the fastest EV charging, and the highest standards of customer service."
Why It Matters
The Applegreen development in Naas is significant for several reasons. The creation of 150 jobs in County Kildare is a welcome addition to the local economy, providing employment opportunities in a range of roles from retail and hospitality to maintenance and management. The investment in EV charging infrastructure is also important in the context of Ireland's transition to electric vehicles, which requires a significant expansion of the public charging network to give drivers the confidence to make the switch. The inclusion of sixteen ultra-fast charging points at a single site is a meaningful contribution to that network, and the M7 location ensures that the facility will be accessible to a large number of drivers on one of Ireland's busiest motorway corridors. The development also reflects the broader transformation of the roadside service area sector, which is evolving from a purely functional stop for fuel and food into a destination in its own right, with a range of retail, dining, and leisure offerings designed to attract and retain customers.
Local Impact
The impact of the Applegreen development on Naas and the surrounding area will be felt in several ways. The creation of 150 jobs is the most immediate and tangible benefit, providing employment for local residents and contributing to the local economy through wages and spending. The development will also generate significant footfall for the surrounding area, with motorists stopping at the service area likely to visit other local businesses during their stay. Naas, as the county town of Kildare, has a strong retail and hospitality sector that will benefit from the additional traffic generated by the new facility. The EV charging infrastructure will also be of direct benefit to the growing number of electric vehicle owners in Kildare and the surrounding counties, providing a convenient and fast charging option on the main Dublin-Limerick and Dublin-Cork routes.
What's Next
The Naas service area is expected to open later in 2026, with the exact opening date to be confirmed by Applegreen in the coming weeks. Recruitment for the 150 positions is currently underway, with applications being accepted through the company's website and through local employment services. Applegreen has indicated that it will continue to invest in its Irish network, with further developments planned at other locations on the national motorway network. The company's broader €1 billion investment strategy is expected to deliver additional facilities in Ireland, the UK, and the US over the next three to five years.
