AN interim examiner has been appointed by the High Court to the department store chain, Debenhams Retail (Ireland) Ltd (DRIL).

The company has a store at the Manor West Retail Park which will remain open and continue trading. Over 1,400 people are employed at 11 stores nationwide and there are fears for jobs as a survival plan would involve reducing staff.

All vouchers, gift cards and loyalty points will be honoured and concessionaires and staff will continue to be paid throughout the period of court protection.

The company has suffered consistent losses since the onset of the recession in 2007, and its UK parent company, Debenhams Retail plc, withdrew support for the company on Wednesday.

However, if certain conditions are met, including the approval of a survival scheme which would involve reducing costs, including staff and rent costs, the business could survive the High Court heard today.