Ryan, who founded the fashion chain in 1969 and opened its first store on Mary Street in Dublin, was 83 years old.

He led Primark for 40 years as chief executive before handing the reins to current boss Paul Marchant in 2009.

Today, Primark operates more than 370 stores across 12 countries and employs more than 75,000 people.

Marchant said: “On behalf of everyone at Primark, we are greatly saddened by the passing of our founder and chair Arthur Ryan. We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Arthur’s family at this sad time. Arthur Ryan was a truly gifted retailer and a visionary leader.”