STRUGGLING HIGH STREET lingerie chain La Senza is set to shut three of its eight outlets in the Republic of Ireland, less than two weeks after going into administration.

The closures are expected to come as part of a major rationalisation by the chain, which will see around half of its 164 stores and concessions across the UK and Ireland close their doors.

The Irish stores being shut include the outlets on Grafton Street and in the Liffey Valley shopping centre in Dublin, and in the Mahon Point shopping centre in Cork.

It is not yet known how many jobs will be lost by the closures. Four of the chain’s seven outlets in Northern Ireland are also set to be shut.

The chain went into administration shortly before Christmas, blaming the “overall macroeconomic environment” for its decision to close. It employs 2,600 staff at 146 stores and 16 concessions.

The Canadian-based international chain was brought to the UK and Ireland by BBC Dragons’ Den investor Theo Paphitis, who sold the company in 2006 for a reported €140 million.

The administration proceedings affect only the UK and Irish businesses.