The 5,700sq m (61,332sq ft) store, which will open in the spring, is expected to create at least 250 jobs in this high-profile south Dublin location.

It is understood Dunnes will trade a food court on the lower level and the Paul Costello range at the plaza level.

The firm is also opening in Citywest and in Charlestown near Finglas, and recently began trading in Ashbourne in Co Meath, Manor Mills in Maynooth, Co Kildare and in Scotch Hall in Drogheda, Co Louth.

"Dunnes Stores is an ideal anchor in terms of the type of client we're hoping to attract into the development, " says Simon Bull, of agents CB Richard Ellis's retail department. "The Beacon South centre is right at the heart of the commercial and residential activity taking part in this area of Co Dublin and that's going to be a big selling point.

"It's readily accessible with the M50 and the Luas line right by and we're confident it's going to prove a big success."

The Beacon South Quarter development will be south Dublin's secondlargest shopping centre and the largest open-air shopping development in the city. The scheme also includes 1,100 luxury apartments, 10,000 sq m (107,600sq ft) of office space and a cultural centre.

The project is being promoted as a "unique cultural development" that will provide a vibrant area in which to work, shop, live and enjoy a variety of activities.

Ireland's first children's museum will open next year at the centre and will emphasise arts and literacy education through a combination of interactive exhibits and daily programmes.

The retail section of the development is constructed round a central open-air European-style plaza. Retail space is arranged on two levels with more than half set aside for large units.

The remainder is being allocated to a range of small bars, restaurants, retail and convenience outlets. Most of the lower level space is reserved for retail warehousing with units measuring between 372sqm and 743sq m (4,000 and 8,000sq ft).

The centre is being constructed by Landmark Developments, a consortium led by former restaurant entrepreneur Paddy Shovlin.

Beacon South Quarter is part of the 400m redevelopment of the 12.5-acre former Microsoft campus, which Landmark acquired from Green Property for 40m.

The wider development includes the Beacon medical campus and the Beacon Hotel.